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Scrap Yard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OPTIMUS STEEL LLC

Scrap Yard Operator

Tomball, TX

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 ...

Optimus Steel LLC

Scrap Yard Operator

Tomball, TX · On-site

$27.56 - $29.80/hr

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 ...

Nlmk

Scrap Yard Operator

Portage, IN · On-site

The Scrap Yard Operator is responsible for the operation of the Scale House as well as the proper receiving, accounting and inspection of all raw material products delivered to NLMK Indiana's Scrap ...

OPTIMUS STEEL LLC

Scrap Yard Operator

Tomball, TX · On-site

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 ...

M&M Recycling

Scrap Yard Buyer

Locust Grove, GA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Scrap Yard Buyer Company Overview M&M Recycling is a well-established scrap metal recycling company serving the Locust Grove area. We are committed to safety, integrity, productivity, and great ...

Verstela

Scrap Yard Warehouse Associate

Tacoma, WA

$16 - $21.25/hr

Scrap Yard Warehouse Associate Duties: * Operate forklifts and other equipment safely while moving and organizing materials throughout the yard and facility. * Sort, identify, weigh, and process ...

M&M Recycling

Scrap Yard Buyer (Non-Ferrous)

Austell, GA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Scrap Yard Buyer Company Overview M&M Recycling is a well-established scrap metal recycling company serving the Locust Grove area. We are committed to safety, integrity, productivity, and great ...

Harmon Scrap Metal LLC

Laborer for Scrap Yard

Columbia, TN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... scrap metal * Assist in buying * Operate small material handling equipment such as sit down forklift or skid steer and handheld tools * Clean and maintain work area * Assist in the yard as needed

Harmon Scrap Metal LLC

Laborer for Scrap Yard

Columbia, TN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... scrap metal * Assist in buying * Operate small material handling equipment such as sit down forklift or skid steer and handheld tools * Clean and maintain work area * Assist in the yard as needed

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How much do scrap yard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for scrap yard in the United States is $17.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a scrap yard?

A Scrap Yard job involves working in a facility that processes and recycles metal and other materials. Responsibilities may include sorting, cutting, and transporting scrap, operating machinery, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Workers may also assist customers in buying or selling scrap metal. Physical labor and knowledge of material types are often required.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for someone working at a scrap yard?

Working at a scrap yard involves a variety of daily tasks such as sorting and grading different types of metals, operating equipment like forklifts or cranes, and safely unloading materials from customer vehicles. Employees often assist with weighing and recording incoming and outgoing scrap, maintaining a clean and organized yard, and following all safety and environmental regulations. You may also interact with customers, provide guidance on accepted materials, and collaborate with team members to ensure efficient workflow. This role offers hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn valuable skills within the recycling and metal industries.

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

To thrive in a Scrap Yard role, you need a solid understanding of metal types, safe material handling, and operation of heavy machinery, often supported by a high school diploma and sometimes a forklift or equipment operator certification. Familiarity with scrap management software, balers, shears, and safety protocols, as well as knowledge of environmental regulations, are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for this position. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and compliant operations while maximizing the value of recycled materials.

Is working at a scrap yard hard?

Working at a scrap yard can be physically demanding, involving heavy lifting, operating machinery, and working outdoors in various weather conditions. The job often requires safety awareness and physical stamina, but it can also offer straightforward tasks and opportunities for manual labor skills development.
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Scrap Yard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scrap Yard job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,821 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Scrap Yard Operator

OPTIMUS STEEL LLC

Tomball, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 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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