Recycling Technician / Operator

Recycling Technician / Operator (Steel Mill – Refractory Services)

Location

OTK Steel Mill – Calvert, Alabama (Onsite)

Job Type

Full-Time | Hourly | Shift-based (Days/Nights/Weekends as assigned)

Job Summary

The Recycling Technician/Operator supports refractory services within a steel mill by safely collecting, processing, and recycling spent refractory and steelmaking byproducts (e.g., ladle brick, tundish linings, slag-conditioning materials). This role operates mobile and fixed equipment (loaders, forklifts, conveyors, screens, crushers) to recover, size, and segregate materials for reuse and sale, while maintaining strict safety, environmental, and quality standards.

What You'll Do

• Collect, segregate, and stage spent refractory, slag, and other byproducts from designated mill areas (ladle/tundish tear-out, caster, melt shop).
• Operate mobile equipment (wheel loader, skid steer, forklift) and fixed systems (crushers, screens, conveyors, magnetic separation) to process materials to spec.
• Perform equipment start-up/shut-down, routine checks, and minor preventive maintenance (belt tracking, screen changes, lubrication).
• Manage dust-control systems (baghouse, misting/dust suppression) and maintain housekeeping standards (5S).
• Conduct sampling, moisture checks, sizing verification, and visual QA per SOPs.
• Record production metrics (tons processed, yields, purity/contamination), and complete shift logs in CMMS/ERP (e.g., SAP or equivalent).
• Load outbound recycled products per specification; ensure correct labeling, inventory transactions, and documentation.
• Follow LOTO, confined space, hot work, machine guarding, and mobile equipment safety requirements.
• Use required PPE and comply with site safety rules, SOPs, and regulatory standards (OSHA; awareness of ISO 14001/45001/9001 systems).
• Coordinate with steel mill operations, refractory crews, and logistics to align pickups, tear-outs, and processing windows.
• Report equipment issues, hazards, and quality deviations promptly; participate in toolbox talks and safety audits.
• Train peers on equipment operation, SOPs, and safe work practices as needed.

What You Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• 1–3 years of industrial experience (steel mill, aggregates, recycling, or refractory operations preferred).
• Proficient operating mobile equipment (loader, skid steer, forklift); valid equipment certifications or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to read and follow SOPs, work permits, and production schedules; basic computer/data entry skills (CMMS/ERP).
• Strong safety mindset; ability to work in hot, dusty, noisy environments.

Preferred:

• Experience with crushing/screening circuits, magnets, and material recovery.
• Knowledge of refractory materials and steelmaking processes (ladle/tundish/caster operations).
• Familiarity with industrial environmental practices (dust control, spill response, waste segregation).
• Basic mechanical aptitude for minor troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Exposure to quality systems (ISO 9001) and/or EHS systems (ISO 14001/45001).

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Lift/push/pull up to 50 lbs; frequent standing, walking, climbing, bending.
• Work in hot and cold conditions near molten operations; exposure to dust, noise, and moving machinery.
• Wear required PPE and fit-test for respirator use when applicable.
• Overtime and shift work may be required to support mill production.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly rate with shift differential.
• Overtime eligible; annual bonus opportunity.
• Health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off; safety boot and PPE allowance; training/certification support.

About Us

RHI Magnesita is the leading global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems, and solutions which are critical for high-temperature processes in a wide range of industries. Serving customers around the world, RHI Magnesita has more than 20,000 employees in 65 main production sites (including raw material sites), 12 recycling facilities, and more than 70 sales offices.