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Scrap Yard Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

M&M Recycling

Excavator Operator

Locust Grove, GA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Excavator Operator Company Overview M&M Recycling is a family-owned scrap metal recycling company that values safety, hard work, and doing the job right. We operate a fast-paced yard where skilled ...

OPTIMUS STEEL LLC

Scrap Yard Operator

Tomball, TX · On-site

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 ...

Optimus Steel LLC

Scrap Yard Operator

Tomball, TX · On-site

$27.56 - $29.80/hr

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 ...

Optimus Steel LLC

Scrap Yard Operator

Vidor, TX · On-site

Scrap Yard Operator This position reports to scrap yard management and the melting supervisor. Responsibilities include operation of locomotives, railcar movements (switching) and the operation of ...

NLMK

Scrap Yard Operator

Portage, IN · On-site

Scrap Yard Operator Job Summary: 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 ...

OPTIMUS STEEL LLC

Scrap Yard Operator

Tomball, TX · On-site

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 ...

Optimus Steel LLC

Scrap Yard Operator

Tomball, TX · On-site

$27.56 - $29.80/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Gerdau

Scrap Yard Worker

Minot, ND · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

The Yard Operator must have knowledge of scrap grading or demonstrate the ability and willingness to learn. Responsibilities include scrap inspection, ferrous and non-ferrous purchasing support ...

New

Gerdau

Scrap Yard Worker

Minot, ND · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

The Yard Operator must have knowledge of scrap grading or demonstrate the ability and willingness to learn. Responsibilities include scrap inspection, ferrous and nonferrous purchasing support ...

New

M&M Recycling

Scrap Yard Buyer

Locust Grove, GA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The Opportunity We are looking for a Non-Ferrous Scrap Yard Buyer and Small Scale Operator to join our team in Locust Grove. This role is ideal for someone with scrap metal experience who wants to ...

M&M Recycling

Scrap Yard Buyer (Non-Ferrous)

Austell, GA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The Opportunity We are looking for a Non-Ferrous Scrap Yard Buyer and Small Scale Operator to join our team in Locust Grove. This role is ideal for someone with scrap metal experience who wants to ...

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Scrap Yard Excavator Operator information

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$33

How much do scrap yard excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for scrap yard excavator operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a scrap yard excavator operator do?

A Scrap Yard Excavator Operator is responsible for operating excavators and similar heavy machinery to move, sort, and load scrap metal and other recyclable materials at a scrap yard. Their daily tasks often include safely handling materials, removing debris, and ensuring that scrap is properly sorted for processing or shipment. Operators must follow safety protocols, inspect their equipment regularly, and coordinate with other yard workers to maintain efficient operations. Experience with heavy equipment and knowledge of safety regulations are important in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a scrap yard excavator operator?

To thrive as a Scrap Yard Excavator Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience operating heavy equipment, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, material handling attachments, and safety certifications such as OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient operations and help prevent accidents or equipment damage in the demanding environment of a scrap yard.

What are some common challenges faced by scrap yard excavator operators, and how can they be managed on the job?

Scrap Yard Excavator Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating tight or cluttered spaces, handling a variety of unpredictable materials, and maintaining equipment in harsh environments. Effective communication with ground staff and adherence to strict safety protocols are essential to prevent accidents. Staying proactive with equipment inspections and being adaptable to shifting priorities in the yard will help operators manage these challenges efficiently and contribute to a safe, productive work environment.

What is the difference between Scrap Yard Excavator Operator vs Demolition Excavator Operator?

AspectScrap Yard Excavator OperatorDemolition Excavator Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation licensesOSHA safety training, equipment operation licenses
Work EnvironmentScrap yards, recycling facilitiesConstruction sites, demolition zones
Industry UsageRecycling, scrap metal handlingBuilding demolition, site clearing

Both roles require similar certifications and safety training, but Scrap Yard Excavator Operators focus on handling scrap metal in recycling facilities, while Demolition Excavator Operators work on tearing down structures. The key difference lies in the work environment and specific tasks involved.

What are popular job titles related to Scrap Yard Excavator Operator jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Scrap Yard Excavator Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Excavator Operator Material Handler (Scrap Yard)

Locust Grove, GA • On-site

M&M Recycling, Inc
See more jobs at M&M Recycling, Incexternal

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Excavator Operator for scrap yard.

Company Overview:
M&M Recycling is a family-owned scrap metal recycling company that values safety, hard work, and doing the job right. We operate a fast-paced yard where skilled equipment operators keep everything moving efficiently and safely.

As part of our team, you’ll work with people who look out for each other, take pride in their work, and build long-term careers in the recycling industry.

The Opportunity:
We are looking for an experienced Excavator/Crane Operator to run / feed a hammer mill shredder safely.
This is a solid, full-time opportunity for a dependable operator who wants steady work, overtime potential, and room to grow.
You need a minimum of 7-10 years of experience on material handlers or DO NOT apply

What You'll Do:
  • Feed the mill consistently all day to produce a minimum of 6 trailer loads.
  • Sort, stage, and organize materials so you can do your production.
  • Perform daily inspections, basic maintenance, and housekeeping on your equipment to keep it in safe working condition.
  • Communicate clearly with the ground crew and other operators to coordinate safe moves in a busy, fast-paced yard.

What Success Looks Like:
  • Within 30–60 days, you confidently and safely operate our excavators with minimal supervision while following all safety procedures.
  • You consistently load the shredder to meet or exceed daily and weekly yard production targets.
  • Equipment under your care remains in good working order through thorough pre-trip inspections and timely reporting of issues.
  • You earn the trust of your team by being reliable, communicating well, and contributing to a safe, efficient, team-focused environment.

What We're Looking For:
  • At least 10 years of excavator operating experience, ideally in a scrap yard, demolition, or similar heavy equipment environment loading hammermills 
  • Hands-on experience operating grapples and magnets; shear experience is a strong plus.
  • Strong safety mindset with a track record of working safely in fast-paced outdoor environments.
  • Reliable, hardworking, and team-oriented, with the ability to communicate clearly with ground crews and fellow operators.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • To be discussed.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Full-time, steady work with opportunities for overtime.
  • Fast-paced outdoor work environment.

How to Apply:
If you are an experienced excavator or crane operator who takes pride in safe, solid work, apply today to join M&M Recycling as our next Excavator/Crane Operator.

Call Clinton or text 4042349401.