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Scrap Handler Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OPTIMUS STEEL LLC

Scrap Yard Operator

Tomball, TX · On-site

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 ...

OmniSource

Material Handler Operator

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Load Containers, sort scrap, sample material, any others duties as requested by Lead or supervisor. * Inspect Equipment prior to operation, fuel, lubricate daily. * Assist leadership with ...

OmniSource

Material Handler Operator

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Load containers, sort scrap, sample material, any others duties as requested by lead or supervisor. * Inspect equipment prior to operation, fuel, lubricate daily. * Assist leadership with ...

OmniSource

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.

OmniSource

Material Handler Operator

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Load Containers, sort scrap, sample material, any others duties as requested by Lead or supervisor. * Inspect Equipment prior to operation, fuel, lubricate daily. * Assist leadership with ...

OmniSource

Material Handler Operator

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Load Containers, sort scrap, sample material, any others duties as requested by Lead or supervisor. * Inspect Equipment prior to operation, fuel, lubricate daily. * Assist leadership with ...

OmniSource

Material Handler Operator

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Load Containers, sort scrap, sample material, any others duties as requested by Lead or supervisor. * Inspect Equipment prior to operation, fuel, lubricate daily. * Assist leadership with ...

Nucor

Heavy Equipment Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$90K/yr

Knowledge of heavy-equipment operating principles. * Ability to operate equipment under varying ... excavator, or scrap handler in an industrial/outdoor work environment. Nucor is an Equal ...

Nucor

Equipment Operator

Jackson, TN · On-site

$22/hr

Knowledge of heavy-equipment operating principles. * Ability to operate equipment under varying ... or scrap handler in an industrial/outdoor work environment is preferred. Nucor is an Equal ...

Nucor

Equipment Operator

Jackson, TN · On-site

$22/hr

Knowledge of heavy-equipment operating principles. * Ability to operate equipment under varying ... or scrap handler in an industrial/outdoor work environment is preferred. Nucor is an Equal ...

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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.

Scrap Yard Operator

Tomball, TX • On-site

OPTIMUS STEEL LLC
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about OPTIMUS STEEL LLCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Description

This position reports to scrap yard management and the melting supervisor.  Responsibilities include operation of locomotives, railcar movements (switching) and the operation of material handling equipment and overhead cranes.  This is a 24/7 shift position with work performed outdoors in all weather conditions.     

Scrap Yard Operators support all scrap delivery and consumption including initial quality and environmental inspection, weighing, data entry, recordkeeping and reporting and inventory management.  Pre use inspection and responsible management of equipment is required. 


Rail - Scrap Yard Operators are responsible for safe rail movement to support plant operations. Including strategic and timely movement of scrap to the melt shop and providing railcars for all other operational needs.   


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 Operators use overhead cranes to load charge buckets for the furnace.  Based on melt schedule and scrap recipes they are key in loading buckets to meet grade requirements.   They are responsible for communication of upcoming scrap needs to ensure the prompt delivery of scrap grades to support production.

Requirements

Requirements

High School diploma/GED

2+ years working in an industrial environment

Experienced in working in extreme weather conditions

Able to climb, bend, stand or lift items

Strong Mechanical aptitude

Must be able to pass a written test, face to face interview and a hands-on assessment

Use of tools and equipment: Overhead crane, hydraulic material handler, locomotive, rail cars, computer, handheld radio rail scales


Wages & Benefits
Optimus Steel has a competitive benefit package.
Medical/Prescription
Dental, Vision, Health & Dependent Care FSA
401K, Company match
Basic Life/Accident Insurance
Employee Assistance Program

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