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Scrap Shear Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Panel Shear Operator

Canton, OH ยท On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Machine Support: Assist the primary Panel Shear Operator by staging materials, removing scrap, moving cut pieces, and supporting general workflow around the shear. * Equipment Operation: Operate ...

Assistant Panel Shear Operator

Canton, OH ยท On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Machine Support: Assist the primary Panel Shear Operator by staging materials, removing scrap, moving cut pieces, and supporting general workflow around the shear. * Equipment Operation: Operate ...

Assistant Panel Shear Operator

Canton, OH ยท On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Machine Support: Assist the primary Panel Shear Operator by staging materials, removing scrap, moving cut pieces, and supporting general workflow around the shear. * Equipment Operation: Operate ...

The Shear Operator is responsible for the safe operation of metal processing equipment. Must have ... Scrap metal Recycling and shredder yard โ€ข Equipment & Tools: Shredder & other metal processing ...

The Shear Operator is responsible for the safe operation of metal processing equipment. Must have ... Scrap metal Recycling and shredder yard โ€ข Equipment & Tools: Shredder & other metal processing ...

Scrap metal Recycling and shear area โ€ข Equipment & Tools: Shear, Hoists, hydraulic motors, mechanics tools โ€ข Physical Demand Level: Light to Moderate โ€ข Work Capacity: Lifting & carrying 35lb ...

Scrap metal Recycling and shear area โ€ข Equipment & Tools: Shear, Hoists, hydraulic motors, mechanics tools โ€ข Physical Demand Level: Light to Moderate โ€ข Work Capacity: Lifting & carrying 35lb ...

Scrap metal Recycling and shear area โ€ข Equipment & Tools: Shear, Hoists, hydraulic motors, mechanics tools โ€ข Physical Demand Level: Light to Moderate โ€ข Work Capacity: Lifting & carrying 35lb ...

As a Shear Operator, you'll operate industrial shear equipment to cut metal sheets to precise ... Frequent handling of metal materials and scrap * Ability to lift and move materials as needed up to ...

As a Shear Operator, you'll operate industrial shear equipment to cut metal sheets to precise ... Frequent handling of metal materials and scrap * Ability to lift and move materials as needed up to ...

Scrap metal Recycling and shear area โ€ข Equipment & Tools: Shear, Hoists, hydraulic motors, mechanics tools โ€ข Physical Demand Level: Light to Moderate โ€ข Work Capacity: Lifting & carrying 35lb ...

As a Shear Operator, you'll operate industrial shear equipment to cut metal sheets to precise ... Frequent handling of metal materials and scrap * Ability to lift and move materials as needed up to ...

Scrap metal Recycling and shear area โ€ข Equipment & Tools: Shear, Hoists, hydraulic motors, mechanics tools โ€ข Physical Demand Level: Light to Moderate โ€ข Work Capacity: Lifting & carrying 35lb ...

Excavator Operator

Nitro, WV ยท On-site

$20/hr

... scrap metal materials using the shear attachmentPerform daily pre-operation inspections of ... Experience operating an excavator with a shear attachment is requiredStrong heavy equipment ...

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Scrap Shear Operator information

See salary details

$13

$19

$25

How much do scrap shear operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for scrap shear operator in the United States is $19.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a scrap shear operator?

Scrap Shear Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating shearing machines that cut and process scrap metal into specific sizes for recycling or further processing. They monitor equipment, ensure safety protocols are followed, and perform routine maintenance on the machines. Operators may also inspect the quality of the cut material and coordinate with other team members in a recycling or metal processing facility. This role is essential for efficient scrap metal management and recycling operations.

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

A Scrap Shear Operator should have a solid understanding of machine operation, mechanical aptitude, and basic math skills, often acquired through on-the-job training or vocational programs. Familiarity with industrial shear machines, safety protocols, and sometimes forklift or crane certifications are typically necessary. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work collaboratively are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for maintaining safety, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring the accurate processing of scrap materials in a fast-paced environment.

What are common challenges faced by scrap shear operators and how can they be managed?

Scrap Shear Operators often encounter challenges such as handling irregularly shaped or heavy scrap materials, maintaining equipment in harsh environments, and adhering to strict safety protocols. To manage these, operators should follow proper lifting techniques, conduct routine maintenance checks, and stay updated on safety training. Working closely with team members, including crane operators and supervisors, also helps ensure efficient workflow and minimizes downtime. Being proactive about equipment issues and clear communication are key to overcoming daily obstacles in this role.

What is the difference between Scrap Shear Operator vs Metal Cutter Operator?

AspectScrap Shear OperatorMetal Cutter Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial scrapyards, recycling plantsManufacturing facilities, metal fabrication shops
Industry UsageRecycling, scrap metal processingMetal fabrication, manufacturing

The Scrap Shear Operator and Metal Cutter Operator roles share similar credentials and safety requirements. However, Scrap Shear Operators primarily work in scrap yards focusing on cutting and processing scrap metal, while Metal Cutter Operators are more involved in manufacturing environments cutting various metal materials. Both roles require safety certifications and involve operating heavy machinery, but their work settings and specific tasks differ.

What states have the most Scrap Shear Operator jobs?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Scrap Shear Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,315 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Mobile Shear Operator

Winchester, KY โ€ข On-site

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.
Coal, Metals and Minerals Miningย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$21/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

General Position Summary & Responsibilities:
The Mobile Shear Operator reports to the Facility & Operations Supervisor, or the Terminal Operations Manager. The Mobile Shear Operator is responsible for the set up, operation, or maintenance of the mobile shear while ensuring that all of his/her efforts are compliant with the company Health, Safety, and Environmental standards. Duties may include the operation of one or several types of power equipment to assist in the lifting, and moving of materials, as well as the cutting or shearing of metal. The Mobile Shear Operator should possess knowledge of machines and tools including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
This position operates under flexible parameters. The primary goal of this position is to achieve excellence in all facets of the position. Providing the highest quality product safely, effectively and efficiently decreases accidents and errors and increase profits.
Essential Functions
  • Environmental and Health & Safety (H&S)
    • Strictly adheres to all Metals Recycling Business Health, Safety, and Environmental standards.
    • Provides a safe environment for all employees, customers and visitors.

  • Operational Performance & Best Business Practices
    • Move levers, depress foot pedals, or turn dials to operate equipment for lifting, moving, or shearing loads.
    • Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as other equipment, workers, or moving objects.
    • Examine completed materials for defects and verify conformance to established specifications.
    • Test and adjust machine speeds and actions using gauges and hand tools.
    • Align machine with reference stakes and guidelines, ground, or positioning equipment following hand or audio signals form other workers.
    • Coordinate machine actions with other activities, such as positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
    • Provide backup or assistance throughout the yard as needed or assigned.
  • Equipment & Maintenance
    • Install, align, and lock specified blades, hoses, belts, and other parts or fixtures and perform general clean up at the shear.
    • Report all equipment deficiencies or malfunctions requiring maintenance or repair to the proper supervisor.

Internal Control Responsibilities
Supports the Company's Internal Control process which includes understanding, communicating, and complying with defined internal controls as well as suggesting and making modifications to the policies, procedures, and controls to better relate to the business.
Communicates upward problems in operations, noncompliance with the code of conduct, or other policy violations or illegal actions.
Interpersonal Contacts
Direct contact with Facility & Operations Supervisor, or the Terminal Operations Manager, and operations production employees. Face-to-face and radio communication required daily.
Job Conditions
This position is regularly exposed to all weather conditions. Physical hazards such as noise, fumes, and dirt are present due to the equipment, machinery, and scrap as would be found throughout the scrap yard. Safety shoes, hearing protection, respirators, face shields, and additional personal protective equipment as needed, must be worn to eliminate the risks associated with these hazards. Travel is not required for this position.
Handling multiple issues regarding safety and maintenance increases pressure. Work load may be unpredictable and pressure can be substantial during peak times. Critical deadlines require considerable adaptability. Disturbances of work flow and/or irregularities in work schedule are expected and occur on an intermittent basis. Extra hours may be required, sometimes on weekends, weekdays, and holidays.
Physical Activities Required to Perform Essential Functions
Ability to: sit frequently; stand and walk frequently on uneven ground and throughout the yard; lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally; push and pull occasionally when moving materials; crouch or bend at the knees consistently to move or access materials or equipment; stoop or bend at the waist consistently to move materials; reach at arms length and overhead frequently; twist and turn at the neck and trunk continually; climb occasionally when obtaining items; manual dexterity required as Mobile Shear Operator will handle, grasp, and manipulate materials, tools, and control knobs constantly; arm-hand steadiness required constantly for precision work; communicate by speech and hearing continually. Visual acuity needed for close detail work. Mental dexterity needed as Mobile Shear Operator will work independently while demonstrating attention to detail and continuous awareness.
Qualifications
High School diploma, GED Certification, or experience in a similar role preferred.
PLEASE NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
All U.S. applicants must be 18 years of age or older and all Canada applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
Radius Recycling participates in e-verify for all U.S. new hires.
An offer of U.S. employment by Radius Recycling or any of its subsidiaries is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a post-offer drug screen and background check.
All new hires must review and sign an Arbitration Agreement. This applies to all U.S. non-union employees.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Radius Recycling does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, marital status, disability status, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, age, prior industrial injury, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected status under local, state or federal law.
Company Schnitzer Southeast LLC
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.