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Scrap Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Type Full-time Description Join the Harmon Scrap Metal team in Columbia, Tn. POSITION SUMMARY The Non-Ferrous laborer supports the non-ferrous department by sorting all inbound non-ferrous ...

Operator- Scrap - Hickman

Blytheville, AR ยท On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

Operators are responsible for the safe, efficient and quality-conscious processing of scrap steel. Our Operators assure the work is being performed consistently meeting or exceeding the expectations ...

Laborer for Scrap Yard

Columbia, TN ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Join the Harmon Scrap Metal team in Columbia, Tn. POSITION SUMMARY The Non-Ferrous laborer supports the non-ferrous department by sorting all inbound non-ferrous materials into the correct bins ...

Equipment Operator

Saint Joseph, MO ยท On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

The Saint Joseph location of Scrap Management Industries is seeking an equipment operator to work alongside our team. This position requires the expert, safe operation of various types of equipment ...

Equipment Operator

Saint Joseph, MO ยท On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

The Saint Joseph location of Scrap Management Industries is seeking an equipment operator to work alongside our team. This position requires the expert, safe operation of various types of equipment ...

Equipment operators may perform various duties, such as feeding the shredder feed conveyor, loading ... ABOUT HARMON SCRAP METAL We are Harmon Scrap Metal, we recycle by processing scrap metal, and we ...

Operator- Scrap - Hickman

Blytheville, AR ยท On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

Operators are responsible for the safe, efficient and quality-conscious processing of scrap steel. Our Operators assure the work is being performed consistently meeting or exceeding the expectations ...

Showing results 21-40

Scrap Operator information

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$12

$20

$29

How much do scrap operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for scrap operator in the United States is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Scrap Operator vs Recycling Technician?

AspectScrap OperatorRecycling Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications in safety or machineryHigh school diploma; certifications in waste management or safety often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, scrapyards, metal recycling plantsRecycling centers, waste management facilities, processing plants
Industry UsageHeavy industry, metal recycling, salvage operationsEnvironmental services, waste management, recycling industry
Job FocusSorting, processing, and handling scrap materialsSorting, processing, and managing recyclable materials

The main difference between a Scrap Operator and a Recycling Technician lies in their focus and work environment. Scrap Operators primarily work in scrapyards and metal recycling facilities, handling scrap materials, while Recycling Technicians often work in waste management centers, focusing on recyclable materials. Both roles require similar certifications and safety training, but their industry applications and daily tasks differ slightly.

What states have the most Scrap Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Scrap Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Scrap Operator jobs?

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

Scrap Yard Management Trainee

Kansas City, MO โ€ข On-site

Midwest Scrap Management Inc
201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Participate in a structured training program covering all aspects of scrap yard operations.

  • Perform hands-on work in various operational positions to gain a comprehensive understanding of daily processes.

  • Assist with shipping, receiving, scale operations, and customer interactions.


Job description

Description

The Scrap Yard Management Trainee is a developmental position designed to prepare high-potential individuals for future Scrap Yard Management roles within Scrap Management Industries. This role provides hands-on training in all aspects of scrap yard operations, including production, equipment, shipping and receiving, inventory, safety, customer service, and employee supervision.


Management Trainees will work alongside experienced employees in every operational role to gain a thorough understanding of the business before transitioning into leadership responsibilities. Successful candidates must be willing and able to relocate to another company location upon completion of the training program based on business needs.

This position requires travel to company locations throughout the training program. Current operating locations include Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma.


Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The following are general responsibilities associatedย 

with the position as directed:


Participate in a structured training program covering all aspects of scrap yard operations.

Perform hands-on work in various operational positions to gain a comprehensive understanding of daily processes.

Learn safe operating procedures and promote a culture of safety throughout the yard.

Shadow and assist Yard Managers and other leaders with daily operations, scheduling, and employee supervision.

Develop an understanding of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap materials, grading, purchasing, processing, and inventory management.

Learn production workflows and key performance metrics.

Assist with shipping, receiving, scale operations, and customer interactions.

Learn to interpret production reports, operating metrics, and financial reports, including Profit & Loss (P&L) statements.

Utilize company software systems to track production, inventory, and operational performance.

Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, quality, and safety.

Build effective working relationships with employees, customers, vendors, and leadership.

Perform other duties as assigned.


Education and Experience: The minimum level of education and experience required to perform the job at a satisfactory level.

High school diploma or GED required; college degree preferred but not required.

Prior leadership or management experience is a plus but not required.

Experience in manufacturing, recycling, industrial operations, construction, logistics, or a similar environment is preferred, or a strong desire to build a career in an industrial setting.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are a plus.

Previous experience operating heavy equipment is helpful but not required.

Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.

Willingness to learn company software systems and operational technology.

Ability to understand and analyze production reports, operational metrics, and financial information.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The minimum level of knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job at a satisfactory level.

Strong work ethic and willingness to learn.

Positive attitude with a hands-on approach to leadership.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, vendors, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction;

Good customer service skills;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.


Safety: Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.ย 

Strictly adhere to all health, safety, and environmental standards.

Follow all safety guidelines and protocol, including wearing of all PPE.ย 

Adhere to all local, state, OSHA, and environmental regulations.ย 


Physical Requirements: Activities that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below 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 essential functions.ย 

Walk and stand for long periods of time; walk and stand on uneven surfaces.

Communicate by speech and hear audible warning signals.

Visual acuity needed for constant observation, computer utilization and scrap inspection where required.

Be able to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects of 50 pounds or more.


NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and the Company may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.