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Scrap Handler Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Excavator / Material Handler Operator

Toledo, OH · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

You will support the preparation and processing of scrap metal for shipment, perform daily ... Certified Material Handler operator. Schedule: * Typical work schedule is Monday - Friday from 6:00 ...

Material Handler & Operator

Saint Marys, PA · On-site

$13 - $15.75/hr

Job Posting Title Material Handler & Operator Summary Functions as part of a flexible and versatile ... Accurately reports production and scrap using Factivity or required method * Actively participates ...

Heavy Equipment Operator

Athens, AL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

... a scrap yard, including material handlers, front-end loaders, skid steers, and other pieces of ... Equipment operators may perform various duties, such as feeding the shredder feed conveyor, loading ...

... a scrap yard, including material handlers, front-end loaders, skid steers, and other pieces of ... Equipment operators may perform various duties, such as feeding the shredder feed conveyor, loading ...

Heavy Equipment Operator

Athens, AL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

... a scrap yard, including material handlers, front-end loaders, skid steers, and other pieces of ... Equipment operators may perform various duties, such as feeding the shredder feed conveyor, loading ...

Equipment Operator

Raeford, NC

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Process and prepare scrap metal material for shipping per instructions. * Perform daily inspection ... Must be a certified Material Handler operator. * Ability to work in all types of weather conditions.

Equipment Operator

Raeford, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Process and prepare scrap metal material for shipping per instructions. * Perform daily inspection ... Must be a certified Material Handler operator. * Ability to work in all types of weather conditions.

Scrap Yard Operator

Tomball, TX · On-site

$27.56 - $29.80/hr

Material Handler- Scrap Yard Operators load and unload materials as needed with hydraulic material handlers. Material may be loaded or unloaded from truck, rail, or barge. Overhead Crane- Scrap Yard ...

Material Handler- Scrap Yard Operators load and unload materials as needed with hydraulic material handlers. Material may be loaded or unloaded from truck, rail, or barge. Overhead Crane- Scrap Yard ...

Material Handler- Scrap Yard Operators load and unload materials as needed with hydraulic material handlers. Material may be loaded or unloaded from truck, rail, or barge. Overhead Crane- Scrap Yard ...

Scrap Yard Operator

Tomball, TX · On-site

$27.56 - $29.80/hr

Material Handler- Scrap Yard Operators load and unload materials as needed with hydraulic material handlers. Material may be loaded or unloaded from truck, rail, or barge. Overhead Crane- Scrap Yard ...

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Scrap Handler Operator information

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$12

$19

$26

How much do scrap handler operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for scrap handler operator in the United States is $19.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a scrap handler operator?

Scrap Handler Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating specialized heavy equipment, such as cranes or loaders, to move, sort, and process scrap metal and other recyclable materials at recycling facilities, scrapyards, or industrial sites. Their primary duties include safely loading and unloading materials, organizing scrap piles, and ensuring materials are prepared for further processing or shipment. They also perform routine maintenance on equipment and follow safety protocols to prevent accidents. These operators play a crucial role in the recycling industry by helping to efficiently manage and repurpose waste materials.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a scrap handler operator?

To thrive as a Scrap Handler Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, knowledge of materials handling, and often a high school diploma or equivalent, with experience in heavy equipment operation preferred. Familiarity with operating hydraulic cranes, loaders, and sometimes computerized weighing or tracking systems is typically required, along with safety certifications like OSHA training. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help ensure safe and efficient operations in busy environments. These skills are crucial for maintaining workplace safety, minimizing downtime, and ensuring accurate processing of scrap materials.

What are common challenges faced by scrap handler operators, and how can they be addressed?

Scrap Handler Operators often face challenges such as managing heavy equipment safely in busy environments, dealing with unpredictable material loads, and maintaining machinery to prevent downtime. To address these, operators should follow strict safety protocols, participate in regular equipment maintenance checks, and communicate closely with team members to coordinate material movements. Staying up-to-date with ongoing training and best practices can also help operators navigate these challenges efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Scrap Handler Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectScrap Handler OperatorCrane Operator
Required CertificationsOSHA certification, equipment-specific trainingOSHA certification, crane operation license
Work EnvironmentScrap yards, recycling facilitiesConstruction sites, shipping yards
Industry UsageRecycling, scrap metal handlingConstruction, shipping, manufacturing

The Scrap Handler Operator and Crane Operator roles share certifications and work environments but differ mainly in their specific equipment and industry focus. Scrap Handler Operators primarily work in scrap yards handling metal and recyclable materials, while Crane Operators work across various industries operating cranes for lifting and moving heavy loads.

What are popular job titles related to Scrap Handler Operator jobs?

For Scrap Handler Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Scrap Handler Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,046 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Excavator / Material Handler Operator

Toledo, OH • On-site

OmniSource
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 1 - 5K employees

$15 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


OmniSource rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 92 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Subsidiary
OmniSource
Overview
At OMNI we believe having the right people in the right place will always remain our greatest asset. Our employees create value for our customers and ultimately drive our success.
We work SAFELY.
Providing a safe working environment is a critical element of our core values.
Our PEOPLE
We respect and value one another and work together as one team.
We act with INTEGRITY.
We interact with our customers, our employees, and our stockholders with honesty and integrity.
We demonstrate SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
We strive to make our communities better places to live, work, and grow.
We are seeking an experienced and safety-focused Excavator / Material Handler to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for safely operating material handling equipment, including cranes, to move, load, and unload scrap materials throughout the facility. You will support the preparation and processing of scrap metal for shipment, perform daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance, and assist customers with unloading while ensuring a safe and organized work environment. The ideal candidate is highly self-motivated, knowledgeable in scrap metals, able to work in all weather conditions, and committed to following safety standards without exception while working collaboratively as part of a team.
Responsibilities
What You Will Do
  • Operate heavy equipment / material handling crane to move material within the facility.
  • Load and unload trucks / trailers of material with crane or other material handling equipment.
  • Process and prepare scrap metal material for shipping per instructions.
  • Perform daily inspection and basic preventive maintenance on equipment.
  • Direct customers within the facility and help customers unload material.
  • All other duties as required.

Qualifications
What We Look For
  • Ability to work in all types of weather conditions.
  • Must be highly self-motivated.
  • A clear understanding and adherence to safety regulations, without exception.
  • Team player dedicated to the organization.
  • Knowledge of scrap metals is required.

NICE TO HAVES:
  • Certified Material Handler operator.

Schedule:
  • Typical work schedule is Monday - Friday from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM, weekends when needed.

What We Offer
  • Competitive Base Pay + Weekly Incentive Bonus Opportunities
  • Full Medical, Dental, and Prescription Insurance Plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with Annual Company Contribution
  • Annual Bonus (Profit-Sharing)
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Match up to 50%
  • Annual Stock Award ($2,200 every November)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 15% Company Match
  • Paid Vacation
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • Company-paid Uniforms
  • ...and many more!

If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can contribute to the success of a dynamic team and grow your skills, we encourage you to apply today!
Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.

What OmniSource employees say

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About OmniSource

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in Fort Wayne, IN in 1943, OmniSource, LLC has grown to become one of North America’s largest processors, distributors, and managers of scrap and secondary metals. We collect, process, and resell a wide variety of scrap metal. The company ships over 5 million gross tons of recycled steel and 1 billion pounds of nonferrous and stainless-steel scrap annually. Our primary collection and processing facilities are concentrated in the Midwest, the South, and the Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. But our reach stretches across North America, utilizing a wide-ranging fleet of trucks, containers, railcars, and barges to collect and haul metals. We expect to continue to expand OmniSource’s footprint, deploying our processing assets to cover new geographical territories, opening new facilities, and making targeted acquisitions. Supplementing our company-operated scrap collection sites, we also acquire metals from industrial scrap generators with which we have established strategic partnerships. We have designed and installed customized metals-recycling programs, some of which we manage and operate, for manufacturing companies nationwide.

Industry

Coal, metals and minerals mining

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Wayne, IN, US

Year founded

1943

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