Yard Driver

Sims Metal (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling. 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.

Yard Driver

Location: Chesapeake
Department: Non-Ferrous
Reports To: NF Supervisor and/or NF Manager

Position Summary

The Yard Driver is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of trailers, containers, and equipment throughout the facility yard to support production and shipping operations. This position works closely with operations, transportation, and loading teams to ensure materials are staged, loaded, and prepared for transport in a timely manner. The Yard Driver plays a critical role in maintaining a safe work environment while helping ensure customer shipments meet established schedules.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely move trailers, containers, and equipment throughout the facility yard.
• Position trailers at loading and unloading areas as directed by operations personnel.
• Assist loading crews by staging materials and equipment for transport.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of yard tractors and equipment.
• Verify trailer numbers, shipping documentation, and load assignments.
• Communicate effectively with dispatch, supervisors, scale operators, and production teams regarding trailer movements and loading schedules.
• Maintain accurate records of trailer locations and yard inventory.
• Ensure loads are properly secured and comply with company safety standards and transportation regulations.
• Monitor yard conditions and report safety hazards, equipment issues, or operational concerns.
• Assist with general yard housekeeping to maintain a safe and organized work environment.
• Support other operational duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Prior experience operating a yard truck, terminal tractor, or commercial vehicle preferred.
• Ability to work safely in a fast-paced industrial, manufacturing, or recycling environment.
• Knowledge of basic vehicle inspection and safety procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and supervisors.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, climb, reach, bend, and frequently enter and exit vehicles.
• Ability to safely navigate uneven outdoor surfaces.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work in environments with dust, noise, heavy equipment traffic, and changing weather conditions.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, gloves, and steel-toed footwear.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Commitment to workplace safety and environmental compliance.
• Ability to operate equipment safely and efficiently.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments.
• Basic understanding of shipping, logistics, and material handling operations.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel materials and equipment. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and communicate verbally. The employee is also frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl when accessing or servicing equipment.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required for this role include:

• Close vision
• Distance vision
• Peripheral vision
• Depth perception
• Ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

This position operates in an industrial metal recycling and manufacturing environment with frequent exposure to moving equipment, heavy machinery, varying weather conditions, and outdoor work areas. The Yard Driver must follow all company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Sims Metal is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and productive work environment for all employees.

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization 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.

Sims is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of all of our employees and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can contribute, advance on merit, and realize their full potential. Sims does not discriminate with regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, housing status, source of income, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to any employment decision, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.  qualified applicants with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation may request such without fear of reprisal or discrimination. 

To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.