Yard Hand - Metal Recycling Yard

Sims Limited (Sims) is a global leader in metal and electronics recycling, and an emerging leader in the renewable energy industry. With facilities across the globe, Sims plays an intrinsic role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As a responsible corporate citizen, we continuously seek new ways to broaden our participation in the environmental sector, ensuring that our future is as bright, safe, and secure as at any time in our long history.

With a promote-from-within philosophy and a variety of programmes available to support continuous learning, Sims offers the opportunity for a rewarding career. We are committed to the ecologically sound and sustainable use of resources and strive to operate in a manner that minimises waste and protects the environment.

Join Our Cairns Team

We are seeking a motivated and safety-conscious Operator to join our Cairns operations. Reporting to the Yard Manager, you will play a key role in the day-to-day running of our busy recycling facility, assisting with the movement, sorting, and processing of recyclable materials while operating a range of mobile plant and equipment.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys working outdoors, operating machinery, and being part of a hardworking team committed to safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate mobile plant and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Load, unload, and move materials throughout the site.
• Sort, grade, and process ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
• Assist with the receival, processing, and dispatch of recyclable materials.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and report maintenance requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe work environment.
• Follow all health, safety, environmental, and operational procedures.
• Identify and report hazards and unsafe conditions.
• Provide excellent customer service to suppliers, drivers, and customers.
• Support general yard and operational activities as required.

What you’ll bring:

• Previous experience operating mobile plant, heavy equipment, or machinery in a recycling, manufacturing, industrial, logistics, construction, or similar environment.
• A strong commitment to workplace health and safety.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A reliable work ethic and positive attitude.
• Good communication and customer service skills.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced, physically active environment.
• A willingness to learn and develop new skills.
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Desirable Skills & Experience

The following will be highly regarded but are not essential:

• Current Forklift Licence.
• Experience within the recycling, scrap metal, or resource recovery industry.
• Knowledge of metal grading and material handling processes.
• Experience operating multiple types of mobile plant and equipment.

Why work for us:

• A competitive salary with overtime
• Opportunity to gain further certification and career progression
• Company Paid Parental leave: 12 weeks for primary carers, 6 weeks for secondary carers
• Health and wellbeing support: BUPA discounts and an Employee Assistance Program
• Novated leasing options providing convenience and savings
• Access exclusive superannuation sessions tailored to enhance your understanding and management of superannuation benefits

To apply, submit your CV and a brief cover letter as to why you would be a great fit for the role. We look forward to hearing from you.

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organisation whose goal is to be the world’s safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero-harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.

At sims together we are a diverse group of employees who are supported by our equal opportunity policy. To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Pillars of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.