Metal Processor at Beacon Recycling Inc – Muskegon, Michigan

The Metal Processor is responsible for receiving, inspecting, sorting, processing, and bailing non-ferrous metals according to grade specifications and customer requirements. This role ensures proper material flow through the facility, maintains quality standards, and maximizes material value through accurate grading and efficient processing. The Metal Processor works safely with heavy equipment including balers, forklifts, and material handling equipment in a fast-paced industrial environment.

This position requires physical work in outdoor conditions, attention to detail for material grading, and the ability to operate industrial equipment safely and efficiently.

TIME ALLOCATION

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Receiving (40% of time)

Material Inspection & Grading:

• Inspect incoming material for quality, grade, and contamination

• Identify and segregate ferrous vs. non-ferrous metals

• Grade material according to industry specifications (stainless, brass, copper grades, aluminum grades)

• Downgrade material that doesn't meet specifications

• Identify prohibited/hazardous materials (sealed containers, pressurized tanks, explosives, radioactive material)

Documentation & Tracking:

• Complete receiving paperwork accurately (material type, weight, grade)

• Record inbound material in inventory system

• Take photos of material condition when required

• Communicate quality issues or grade disputes to commercial team

• Coordinate with scale house on weight tickets and customer information

Material Placement:

• Direct customers/vendors to proper unloading area based on material type

• Ensure material is placed in correct grade-specific pile/bay

• Maintain separation between different grades to prevent contamination

Baling (30% of time)

Baler Operation:

• Operate baler safely and efficiently to produce specification bales

• Load material into baler chamber using proper technique

• Monitor bale density and adjust loading as needed

• Apply strapping/banding to secure bales per customer specifications

• Eject completed bales and stage for loading

Quality Control:

• Ensure bales meet customer density/size specifications

• Verify proper strapping/banding (number of straps, tension, placement)

• Inspect bales for contamination or off-grade material

• Reject/reprocess bales that don't meet quality standards

Equipment Maintenance:

• Perform daily pre-operation inspection of baler

• Clear jams and perform minor troubleshooting

• Report equipment issues or abnormal operation to supervisor immediately

• Keep baler area clean and free of debris

Processing (30% of time)

Material Preparation:

• Sort mixed loads into individual grade piles (ferrous, aluminum, copper, stainless, etc.)

• Remove attachments (motors, wiring, plastic, rubber) to upgrade material

• Cut/sheer oversized material to meet size specifications

• Break down equipment or assemblies to separate metal grades

• Drain fluids from equipment (oil, coolant) per environmental procedures

Grade Segregation:

• Separate ferrous grades (#1 HMS, #2 HMS, plate & structural, cast iron, etc.)

• Separate non-ferrous grades (copper #1/#2, aluminum extrusion/sheet/cast, stainless 304/316, brass, etc.)

• Remove contamination to maintain grade purity

• Ensure proper pile placement to prevent cross-contamination

• Identify and segregate specialty metals (titanium, nickel alloys, etc.) when present

Material Handling:

• Operate forklift, skid steer, or other material handling equipment safely

• Load/unload trucks with processed material

• Move material between processing areas, storage piles, and baler feed

• Stage finished bales/loads for shipment

• Assist with loading outbound shipments when needed

Additional Responsibilities (All Functions)

Safety & Compliance:

• Follow all safety procedures and wear required PPE at all times

• Participate in daily safety briefings and report all hazards/near-misses

• Lock out/tag out equipment per OSHA standards when performing maintenance

• Comply with environmental regulations for fluid disposal, dust control, etc.

• Immediately stop work and notify supervisor of any unsafe conditions

Housekeeping:

• Maintain clean, organized work area throughout shift

• Keep walkways and equipment access areas clear of debris

• Clean up spills or hazards immediately

• Perform daily cleanup at end of shift

• Participate in weekly deep cleaning of work area

Teamwork & Communication:

• Coordinate with other processors to balance workload and maintain material flow

• Communicate grade questions or quality issues to supervisor promptly

• Provide excellent customer service when interacting with vendors/customers

• Assist other departments as needed during peak periods

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• High school diploma or GED

• Valid driver's license

• Ability to pass forklift certification training

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently and up to 75 lbs occasionally

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions

• Ability to stand/walk for entire shift (8-10 hours)

• Basic math skills (counting, measuring, simple calculations)

• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or varied shifts as needed

• Must pass background check and drug screening

Preferred:

• 1+ years experience in scrap metal, recycling, or materials handling

• Previous baler operation experience

• Forklift operator certification

• Knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous metal grades

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Safety Awareness: Consistently follows safety procedures and identifies hazards

• Attention to Detail: Accurately identifies metal grades and maintains quality standards

• Equipment Operation: Safe, proficient operation of balers, forklifts, and material handling equipment

• Physical Stamina: Ability to perform heavy physical work for full shift in outdoor conditions

• Problem Solving: Makes sound decisions on material grading and processing methods

• Reliability: Consistent attendance, punctuality, and work ethic

• Teamwork: Works effectively with others to achieve production goals

• Adaptability: Adjusts to changing priorities and production demands

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work Environment:

• Outdoor scrap yard environment with exposure to weather (heat, cold, rain, snow)

• Noisy industrial environment (hearing protection required)

• Exposure to dust, dirt, and metal fines

• Work around heavy equipment and moving machinery

• May encounter sharp metal edges, pinch points, and other hazards

Physical Demands:

• Standing/walking for 8-10 hours per shift

• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling (up to 50 lbs regularly, 75 lbs occasionally)

• Bending, stooping, reaching, climbing

• Repetitive hand/arm motions (sorting, cutting, strapping)

• Operating equipment controls (levers, buttons, pedals)

• Visual inspection of material (ability to distinguish colors/metal types)

PERFORMANCE METRICS

Performance will be evaluated based on:

• Safety: Zero accidents, compliance with all safety procedures, hazard reporting

• Quality: Accurate material grading, low contamination rates, bale quality

• Productivity: Tonnage processed/baled per shift, equipment uptime

• Attendance: Punctuality, minimal unplanned absences

• Housekeeping: Work area cleanliness, organization

• Teamwork: Cooperation with coworkers, communication effectiveness

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Beacon Recycling reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as business needs require. Employees may be asked to perform other duties as assigned.

Beacon Recycling is an Equal Opportunity Employer.