1

Scrap Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Scrap information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11.8K

$430.6K

How much do scrap jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for scrap in Portland, OR is $430,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $430,600.00 and $430,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What pays the most for scrap?

In scrap jobs, the highest-paying materials are often precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum, which can be found in electronic waste, jewelry, and industrial equipment. Additionally, copper and aluminum are valuable due to their widespread use and high demand, especially when sourced from large quantities or specialized recycling processes. Skilled labor, proper safety training, and access to specialized tools can also influence earning potential in scrap-related roles.

What is a Scrap job?

A scrap job typically involves collecting, sorting, and processing discarded materials such as metal, paper, or plastic for recycling or resale. Workers in this field may dismantle items, separate valuable materials, and ensure proper disposal of waste. Scrap jobs are common in recycling centers, junkyards, and waste management companies. The role requires physical labor and knowledge of material handling and safety protocols.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

Jobs that can earn $1,000,000 annually include high-level executive roles such as CEOs, investment bankers, and successful entrepreneurs, often supplemented by bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing. Certain specialized professions like top-tier surgeons, professional athletes, and celebrity entertainers can also reach this income level, typically requiring extensive experience, skills, and a high-profile environment.

How much do scrap yard workers get paid?

Scrap yard workers typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the specific employer. Entry-level positions may pay closer to minimum wage, while experienced workers or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Overtime and benefits may also affect overall compensation.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in a scrap yard or scrap processing facility?

A typical day in a scrap yard or processing facility involves sorting, weighing, and processing various types of scrap metal and materials using specialized equipment and manual techniques. Employees may operate machinery, inspect incoming loads for contaminants or prohibited items, and maintain records for inventory and shipments. Safety is a key priority, so adhering to strict protocols and wearing protective gear are part of the routine. Team members often work closely with drivers, machine operators, and supervisors to ensure the efficient flow of materials and compliance with environmental regulations. Over time, there can be opportunities to advance to supervisory or specialized equipment operator roles within the industry.

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

To thrive in the scrap industry, you need a solid understanding of material sorting, recycling processes, and safe handling procedures, often supported by experience or relevant training in waste management. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as balers, forklifts, and metal analyzers, along with safety certifications like OSHA, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and a reliable work ethic are important soft skills for this position. These qualities are crucial for maintaining safety standards, maximizing material recovery, and ensuring efficient operations within the recycling environment.

Is scrapping a good job?

Scrapping involves collecting and processing recyclable materials, often requiring physical labor and knowledge of safety procedures. It can provide steady employment but may involve exposure to hazardous materials and physically demanding work, making it suitable for individuals comfortable with manual labor and safety protocols.
What are popular job titles related to Scrap jobs in Portland, OR? For Scrap jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Scrap jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Scrap jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Scrap job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $430,596 per year, or $207 per hour.

$85K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

General Position Summary & Responsibilities:
The Outside Buyer reports to the Regional Accounts Manager. This position is an outside sales role, responsible for generating purchases of scrap metals (both Ferrous and Non-Ferrous) for the book of business within his/her defined geographic area. Incumbent must have external sales/account management experience and will visit facilities of current and potential suppliers within their area which may include scrap metal dealers, demolition contractors, industrial manufacturers, auto wreckers, and any other scrap metal generating project or company. The Outside Buyer continually seeks new opportunities to buy scrap and develops relationships leading to the acquisition of all grades of metals.
The Outside Buyer will focus on developing and building customer/supplier relationships and negotiating prices and long-term contracts that build, grow, and retain the supplier base. Incumbent must be knowledgeable of all different types of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous scrap grades to assess the value, quality, and the required processing to maximize profit for the company. The Outside Buyer will work with several cross-functioning teams within the organization to successfully maximize volume and margin requirements based on the commercial strategy.
This buyer will be knowledgeable about the transportation, grading, handling, and processing costs for all commodities and possess a thorough understanding of the current pricing strategy. The Outside Buyer will understand current market conditions and be cognizant of customer's and competitor's pricing.
Salary Range: $85,000 to $105,000 Annually
Essential Functions:
Environmental and Health & Safety (H&S)
  • Ensures safe work practices and equipment are always used and that documentation and current practices are in accordance with company safety policies, OSHA, and other regulatory guidelines. In addition, provides a safe environment for employees, customers, and visitors.
  • Communicates and reinforces MRB's position on scrap acceptance in line with Environmental, Health, and Safety regulations.

Operational Performance & Best Business Practices
  • Communicates daily with current and potential suppliers, both in person and over the phone.
  • Fosters current relationships and develops/expands supplier base.
  • Communicates daily with other facilities per purchase contracts or known commitments.
  • Educates and trains customers on scrap quality and acceptance policy; monitors to ensure compliance with current regulations.
  • Competitive Bid Preparation:
    • Prepares and submits bids in response to request for quotes.
    • Works with the Inside Buyer to prepare standard bid forms for approval by the Regional Director of Commercial Operations.
    • Calculates resources that will be needed to support the bid offering requirements.
    • Metals Purchasing.
    • Communicates daily with the Regional Account Manager or Director of Commercial Operations when confirming bids or pricing requests that come in for a significant quantity of material.
    • Reviews current market conditions and the company's inventory position with the Commercial Operations team to obtain guidance before making significant or long-term purchases.
    • Encourages suppliers to move product to the facilities as quickly as possible.
  • Advance Payments.
    • Advances payments to suppliers in accordance with published MRB and regional policy.

Servicing of Existing Supplier Base (50% of work week)
  • Reviews transactions and purchase activities daily.
  • Ensures proper pricing is on hand for the Commercial Operations team and Scale Receiving teams.
  • Verifies that the scale purchase system has the latest pricing and coordinates with the facility's Office Manager to ensure the pricing is continuously brought up to date.
  • Entertains and maintains a requisite relationship with key top-tier customers to ensure the best customer service and added value experience for our suppliers/customers.

Marketing & Business Development (25% of work week)
  • Works with the Regional Account Manager to develop a written plan of action.
  • Spends approximately 25% of the work week in search of new business to build his/her own book of business.
  • Portrays a positive image for Schnitzer Metals Recycling Business (MRB) during discussions or visits with customers.

Administrative Management (25% of work week)
  • Coordinates with office staff to ensure accurate and timely documentation of all purchasing transactions.
  • Provides weekly reports on number of visits to customers, quantity and quality of material purchased, follow-up action that is anticipated or required, expense reports, etc.
  • Monitors and maintains exempt and and/or hourly staff at cost effective and competitive levels.
  • Monitors supervisory practices for self and direct reports to ensure compliance with HR policies and union contracts, as applicable.
  • Reviews performance of direct reports.
  • Interviews prospective management and/or production employees.
  • Works with Human Resources personnel to prepare job descriptions.

Special Projects
  • Performs special projects or other duties as needed or assigned.

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.
Job Conditions:
Average office environment: occasional exposure to dirt and dust related to scrap yard environment. Work pressure can be substantial during peak times, requiring considerable adaptability; disturbances of workflow, and/or irregularities in work schedule are expected to occur on an intermittent basis. Offsite work involves meeting in person with current or potential customers and visiting other Schnitzer locations. Regional travel required.
Physical Activities Required to Perform Essential Functions: (see standard available bullets)
Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods of time, up to 6-8 hours per day; bend at waist; operate a vehicle, use hands to write or keyboard; assemble papers, staple; photocopy; use ten-key; be mobile within an average office environment; and communicate by phone and in person in a professional manner. Visual acuity to read detailed documents, inspect material and use a computer.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelors degree preferred, but not required.
  • One to four years sales or non-procurement buying experience. Preference given to candidates with exposure or experience in the scrap metal industry.
  • Valid drivers license.

Skills:
  • Superior customer service skills
  • Windows XP, which includes Outlook
  • Tact and ability to communicate with people at all levels, both orally and in writing, in a professional manner
  • Excellent mathematical and problem-solving skills
  • Strong negotiation skills attention to detail and accuracy
  • Basic typing and data entry skills.
  • Ability to: have practical understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form; deal with problems involving several specific variables in or from standard situations.

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.
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.