Heavy Equipment Operator - Hot Pit Loader

Harsco Environmental is the premier provider of material processing and environmental services to the global steel and metals industries. Our onsite mill services and resource recovery services offer sustainable solutions that maximize environmental benefit and return valuable raw material into production. We also have developed a range of by-products for specialized applications across industry, construction and agriculture, which utilize Harsco’s expertise in mineral materials.

The Hot Pit Loader Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy mobile equipment in support of steel mill slag management operations. This position primarily operates a front-end loader to dig, move, and manage hot slag materials within designated pit areas while maintaining strict compliance with all safety, environmental, and operational requirements. The operator may also be required to operate other mobile equipment and assist with crushing, screening, and material recovery activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate front-end loaders in hot slag pit environments.
• Excavate, move, stockpile, and transport hot and cooled slag materials.
• Support slag management and metal recovery operations.
• Operate additional equipment as qualified, including:
  • Material Handlers
  • Water Trucks
  • E-Cranes
  • Haul Trucks
  • Crushing and Screening Equipment
• Perform and document pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections.
• Monitor equipment performance and promptly report mechanical issues.
• Follow site traffic patterns and safe operating procedures.
• Maintain production logs, inspection reports, and operational records.
• Coordinate activities with supervisors, dispatchers, maintenance personnel, and customer representatives.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Participate in safety meetings, JSAs, and safety improvement initiatives.
• Adhere to all Harsco Environmental, customer, OSHA, and site-specific safety requirements.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of heavy equipment operating experience.
• Experience operating front-end loaders in industrial, mining, steel mill, quarry, construction, or related environments.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to read and understand operating instructions and safety procedures.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous steel mill experience.
• Experience working around molten metal, slag processing, or hot material handling operations.
• Multi-equipment operating experience.
• Experience with crushing and screening operations.
• Basic mechanical troubleshooting skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to tolerate extreme temperatures, dust, noise, vibration, and heavy industrial environments.
• Ability to climb equipment safely and frequently.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to wear all required PPE, including:
  • Hard Hat
  • Safety Glasses
  • Hearing Protection
  • Steel-Toed Boots
  • Heat-Resistant PPE as required

Work Environment

• Active steel manufacturing facility.
• Exposure to high-temperature processes and slag handling operations.
• Operation around moving equipment, rail traffic, and production activities.
• Rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime may be required.

Disclaimer:

We offer competitive benefits, including health insurance, life insurance and disability plans, as well as a 401k with company matching.

If you have a difficulty applying for any job posted on the Harsco Environmental website because a disability prevents you from using the online system, Harsco Environmental offers the following alternate application procedure: Contact at sgeibel@harsco.com and Harsco Environmental will arrange for an alternate method of applying and will consider your application together with all other applications received for the job.  Please email only for disability application. No other inquiries will receive a response.

Harsco Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This commitment applies to decisions made with respect to hiring, placement, training, compensation, benefits, promotions, demotions, transfers, terminations, layoffs, return from layoffs, administration of benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment.