Heavy Equipment Operator - Hot Pit Loader

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.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No