ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Grapple Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

AIT Worldwide Logistics

Forklift Operator II

Itasca, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Forklift Operator II ID 2026-6933 Category Warehouse Position Type Regular Full-Time Introduction ... Able to operate lifting devices such as lift, boom, scoop, lift beam and swivel hook, fork grapple ...

AIT Worldwide Logistics

Forklift Operator III

Itasca, IL

$20.70 - $28.60/hr

Forklift Operator III ID 2026-6983 Category Warehouse Position Type Regular Full-Time Introduction ... Able to operate lifting devices such as lift, boom, scoop, lift beam and swivel hook, fork grapple ...

AIT Worldwide Logistics

Forklift Operator II

Itasca, IL

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Forklift Operator II ID 2026-6933 Category Warehouse Position Type Regular Full-Time Introduction ... Able to operate lifting devices such as lift, boom, scoop, lift beam and swivel hook, fork grapple ...

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

General Labor

East Chicago, IN · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the processing of scrap metals using various tools ... Load baler and shredder using grapple or magnet. * Operate & maintain mobile equipment including ...

Cranemasters

Laborer - CDL A- Rerail

Merrillville, IN

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

Cranemasters

Track Laborer - CDL A

Merrillville, IN · On-site

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

Cranemasters

Laborer - CDL A - Rerail

Schiller Park, IL

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

Cranemasters

Laborer - CDL A- Rerail

Merrillville, IN

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

Cranemasters

Laborer - CDL A - Rerail

Schiller Park, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

Cranemasters

Laborer - CDL A

Merrillville, IN · On-site

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

Cranemasters

Laborer - CDL A

Merrillville, IN

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

Cranemasters

Track Laborer - CDL A

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

Cranemasters

Laborer - CDL A- Rerail

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

People also search for

All JobsGrapple Operator JobsGrapple Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Grapple Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$24

$34

How much do grapple operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for grapple operator in Chicago, IL is $24.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $27.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Grapple Operator job?

A Grapple Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery equipped with a grapple attachment to lift, move, and transport materials such as logs, scrap metal, or debris. They work in industries like logging, construction, and waste management, ensuring safe and efficient material handling. Operators must have strong spatial awareness, mechanical skills, and knowledge of safety regulations. Proper maintenance of equipment is also a key part of the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Grapple Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grapple Operator, you need solid knowledge of heavy equipment operation, spatial awareness, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with hydraulic grapple systems, equipment maintenance, and OSHA safety certifications is frequently required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork ensure smooth and safe job site operations. These capabilities help prevent accidents, maximize productivity, and maintain effective workflow within construction, logging, or recycling environments.

What are the typical work conditions and daily responsibilities for a Grapple Operator?

Grapple Operators often work outdoors in environments like construction sites, logging areas, or recycling facilities, where they are exposed to various weather conditions and must remain vigilant about safety. Daily tasks usually include operating grapple-equipped machinery to move or sort large materials, performing routine equipment inspections, and coordinating with other operators and site supervisors to ensure safe material handling. Operators frequently collaborate with teammates such as truck drivers and ground crew to optimize workflow and minimize downtime. While the work can be physically demanding, it offers variety and the opportunity to develop valuable skills in heavy equipment operation and site logistics.
More about Grapple Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Grapple Operator jobs in Chicago, IL? For Grapple Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Grapple Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Grapple Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Grapple Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grapple Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $50,817 per year, or $24.4 per hour.
Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

East Chicago, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Cleveland-Cliffs rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 111 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 29 rated mining

Job description

Location: Detroit, MI
Ferrous Processing and Trading (FPT) is one of North America's premier processors, buyers, sellers and recyclers of scrap metals of all kinds and is a key supplier to the metals industry of North America. FPT is a wholly-owned business of Cleveland-Cliffs has an immediate opportunity for an Heavy Equipment Operator at one of our Detroit, Mi locations. The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the processing of scrap metals using various tools and equipment including crawlers.
Summary of Responsibilities:
  • Ensure adherence to safety standards including use of required personal protective equipment (PPE), remove hazards as identified, and maintain cleanliness of the site.
  • Operate & maintain heavy equipment including but not limited to wheeled crawler and pedestal crawlers from various manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Sennebogen and Liebherr.
  • Operate & maintain equipment movement in response to hand signals or radio commands.
  • Load and unload materials from storage, production areas, docks, delivery vehicles, staging areas, or containers using equipment including but not limited to a magnet and grapple.
  • Sort a variety of recycled materials and metals to separate out high-grade metals and removes any non-conforming metals.
  • Load baler and shredder using grapple or magnet.
  • Operate & maintain mobile equipment including but not limited to forklifts, skid steers, manlifts, street sweeper, and/or water trucks.
  • Perform tasks involving physical labor using tools, including but not limited to standard hand tools, torch, bander, saw zall, and wire snips.
  • Perform daily inspections on all equipment as required.
  • Identify scrap including the grade and type of material and any undesirable elements within the material.
  • Responsible for positioning trailers and containers around the yard and emptying gaylord boxes as required.
  • Perform cleaning duties related to plant equipment and general housekeeping
  • Assists mechanics in the maintenance of equipment including plant equipment
  • Interacts with customers or drivers to direct or assist them
  • Performs other tasks and operates & maintains other equipment as required

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • High School Diploma/GED or may consider 1+ years of heavy equipment operator experience.
  • Must be able to read, write, and perform basic math.
  • Ability to work independently
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to maintain accurate records
  • Ability to follow oral and written communication
  • Ability to climb ladders or steps to reach objects
  • Ability to endure physical and outdoor work on a daily basis.
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
  • Work cooperatively with other employees and the public
  • Must be able to work in an environment where routinely exposed to dust, dirt, vibrations, extreme climate and changes in weather.
  • Pre-Employment background, physical, and hair drug screen required

Ferrous Processing and Trading is a subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. Cleveland-Cliffs is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package including competitive pay, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off, and more.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to careers@clevelandcliffs.com or call 1-(312) 899-3097 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.

What Cleveland-Cliffs employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply