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Senior Scrap Yard Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gerdau

YARD OPERATOR I

Union City, TN · On-site

The Yard Operator requires knowledge of scrap grading, or have the ability to learn. The Yard Operator will assist in several aspects of daily operational needs such as scrap inspection, ferrous and ...

Gerdau

YARD OPERATOR I

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

The Yard Operator requires knowledge of scrap grading, or have the ability to learn. The Yard Operator will assist in several aspects of daily operational needs such as scrap inspection, ferrous and ...

Gerdau

YARD OPERATOR I - MR

Sikeston, MO · On-site

The Yard Operator requires knowledge of scrap grading, or have the ability to learn. The Yard Operator will assist in several aspects of daily operational needs such as scrap inspection, ferrous and ...

Gerdau

YARD OPERATOR I - MR

Milan, TN · On-site

The Yard Operator requires knowledge of scrap grading, or have the ability to learn. The Yard Operator will assist in several aspects of daily operational needs such as scrap inspection, ferrous and ...

Gerdau

YARD OPERATOR I - MR

Sikeston, MO · On-site

The Yard Operator requires knowledge of scrap grading, or have the ability to learn. The Yard Operator will assist in several aspects of daily operational needs such as scrap inspection, ferrous and ...

Gerdau

YARD OPERATOR I - MR

Minot, ND · On-site

The successful candidate will have knowledge of scrap grading or the ability and willingness to learn. As a Yard Operator, you will safely operate loaders and material handling equipment, inspect ...

Gerdau

YARD OPERATOR I - MR

Sikeston, MO · On-site

The Yard Operator requires knowledge of scrap grading, or have the ability to learn. The Yard Operator will assist in several aspects of daily operational needs such as scrap inspection, ferrous and ...

Gerdau

YARD OPERATOR I - MR

Jackson, TN · On-site

The Yard Operator requires knowledge of scrap grading, or have the ability to learn. The Yard Operator will assist in several aspects of daily operational needs such as scrap inspection, ferrous and ...

Gerdau

YARD OPERATOR I - MR

Jackson, TN · On-site

The Yard Operator requires knowledge of scrap grading, or have the ability to learn. The Yard Operator will assist in several aspects of daily operational needs such as scrap inspection, ferrous and ...

Gerdau

YARD OPERATOR I - MR

Minot, ND · On-site

The successful candidate will have knowledge of scrap grading or the ability and willingness to learn. As a Yard Operator, you will safely operate loaders and material handling equipment, inspect ...

Gerdau

YARD OPERATOR I - MR

Milan, TN · On-site

The Yard Operator requires knowledge of scrap grading, or have the ability to learn. The Yard Operator will assist in several aspects of daily operational needs such as scrap inspection, ferrous and ...

Gerdau

YARD OPERATOR I - MR

Jackson, TN · On-site

The Yard Operator requires knowledge of scrap grading, or have the ability to learn. The Yard Operator will assist in several aspects of daily operational needs such as scrap inspection, ferrous and ...

Gerdau

YARD OPERATOR I - MR

Milan, TN · On-site

The Yard Operator requires knowledge of scrap grading, or have the ability to learn. The Yard Operator will assist in several aspects of daily operational needs such as scrap inspection, ferrous and ...

Gerdau

YARD OPERATOR I - MR

Minot, ND · On-site

The successful candidate will have knowledge of scrap grading or the ability and willingness to learn. As a Yard Operator, you will safely operate loaders and material handling equipment, inspect ...

Harmon Scrap Metal

Laborer for Scrap Yard

Columbia, TN · On-site

$18/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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Senior Scrap Yard Operator information

See salary details

$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior scrap yard operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior scrap yard operator in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior scrap yard operator?

Senior Scrap Yard Operators are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of scrap yards, including the sorting, processing, and management of scrap materials. They ensure safety protocols are followed, supervise junior staff, and coordinate the logistics of incoming and outgoing materials. Their role often involves operating heavy machinery, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Senior Scrap Yard Operators play a crucial role in maximizing efficiency and profitability within the recycling industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior scrap yard operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Scrap Yard Operator, you need strong knowledge of material handling, inventory management, and safety protocols, often supported by experience in recycling or industrial environments. Familiarity with heavy machinery operation, such as cranes and forklifts, and relevant certifications like OSHA safety training are typically required. Leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for supervising teams and ensuring compliance. These skills ensure efficient operations, safe work practices, and optimal productivity in a demanding scrap yard environment.

What are some common challenges faced by senior scrap yard operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Senior Scrap Yard Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining safety standards in a busy and potentially hazardous environment, coordinating logistics for material flow, and ensuring efficient operation of heavy machinery. Effective management involves staying up-to-date with safety protocols, fostering clear communication within the team, and regularly inspecting equipment to prevent breakdowns or accidents. Building strong relationships with both team members and external partners also helps streamline operations and resolve issues quickly.

What is the difference between Senior Scrap Yard Operator vs Scrap Yard Supervisor?

AspectSenior Scrap Yard OperatorScrap Yard Supervisor
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, equipment operation licensesSame as Senior Operator, plus supervisory certifications
Work EnvironmentHands-on equipment operation, material handling, safety complianceOversees operations, manages staff, enforces safety protocols
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in scrapyards, recycling facilities, metal processing plantsUsed in larger facilities, overseeing multiple teams or shifts

The main difference is that a Senior Scrap Yard Operator focuses on hands-on equipment operation and material handling, while a Scrap Yard Supervisor manages staff and oversees overall yard operations. The Supervisor role involves more leadership and administrative responsibilities, whereas the Senior Operator emphasizes technical skills and safety compliance.

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Senior Scrap Yard Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Scrap Yard 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 $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

YARD OPERATOR I

Union City, TN • On-site

Gerdau
Mining of Natural Resources • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Gerdauexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Operate mobile equipment such as loaders and material handlers to load and unload scrap material.

  • Inspect, verify, and communicate the quality and grade of scrap materials, including scanning for radiation and applying deductions or downgrades as needed.

  • Follow safety, environmental, and routine procedures, perform daily equipment care, and report any faults or hazards.

Gerdau rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

At Gerdau, we empower our people to grow, thrive, and make a difference-together. With a culture built on trust and teamwork, we offer meaningful work, continuous development, and opportunities to shape your future. We invite you to come work with us, where your contributions are valued, your voice is heard, and your career is forged with purpose
Job Summary:
The Yard Operator has a variety of duties and a broad skill set that makes this position an important part of operational needs. The Yard Operator requires knowledge of scrap grading, or have the ability to learn. The Yard Operator will assist in several aspects of daily operational needs such as scrap inspection, ferrous and non-ferrous purchasing, mobile equipment operation, and performing general maintenance duties.
The Yard Operator will be expected to safely operate a material handling crane or loader in order to accomplish daily tasks. They must communicate regularly with the scale, supervisor, other coworkers, and customers about the quality of material and shipping requirements.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
  1. Follow all established Gerdau Safety, Environmental, and Routine procedures specific to the yard.
  2. Work involves a variety of tasks, simple through moderately complex in nature, requiring some care to ensure correct procedures are being followed.
  3. Ensure that all incoming scrap is scanned for radiation and that all material that fails the scan is quarantined and the appropriate personnel are notified.
  4. Operate the loader and/or the material handler to assist in loading and unloading scrap material, while following the quality standards of Gerdau and the customer.
  5. Ensure that all incoming scrap inspected against quality, and environmental standards and appropriate deductions and downgrades are applied. Communicate findings with the scale in a timely manner.
  6. Inspect and verify scrap for grade and quality. Identify deductions and downgrades.
  7. Ensure that all outbound materials meets safety and quality standards.
  8. Perform and document daily Routine Equipment Care (REC).
  9. Detect and report faulty material, environmental hazards, safety, and/or improper operation of plant equipment or machinery; refer questionable and unusual matters to proper supervision. Maintain work area and equipment in a clear and orderly fashion.
  10. Provide excellent customer service.
  11. Promote and practice the core values of Gerdau.
  12. Participation in daily safety routine.

Locations with Rail:
  1. For Operations that have rail; shift full and empty cars, operate locomotive, activate switches, couple and uncouple cars, and set brakes or wheel blocks as requested, in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Additional Responsibilities:
  1. Assist in monthly inventory counts (where applicable)
  2. Assist maintenance personnel in the performance of equipment repairs as required or directed.
  3. Operate the Baler Operation.
  4. Assist in nonferrous processing; including segregation of materials to upgrade products. For example: Copper, Brass, Aluminum, etc.
  5. Assist co-workers in daily operational duties that are essential to the yard in terms of safety, efficiency, and profitability.
  6. Stage and remove material for torching with a material handler (where applicable).
  7. Problem solving input and contributions as required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Qualifications and Experience:
  1. Desire to enhance skills and knowledge to develop as a Gerdau employee
  2. Promote and practice the core values of Gerdau
  3. High School Education preferred.

Gerdau believes in equal employment opportunity related to all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of Gerdau that there will be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. All external applicants must be legally eligible to immediately work in the country of hire without current or future sponsorship.
If you are vision-impaired or have some other disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act / Accessible Canada Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment at Gerdau, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at (866)-788-2798 or recruiting@gerdau.com

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