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Senior Scrap Yard Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

... 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

Yard Operator

Orlando, FL · On-site

$55K/yr

Yard Operator Date: Aug 25, 2026 Location: Orlando, FL, US, 32824 Company: Nucor Job Details ... Inspect incoming scrap and vehicles, advising customers of accepted and non-accepted materials

... daily yard operations by handling material, assisting customers, operating equipment, and ... Inspect incoming scrap and vehicles, advising customers of accepted and non-accepted materials

Yard Operator

Orlando, FL · On-site

$55K/yr

... daily yard operations by handling material, assisting customers, operating equipment, and ... Inspect incoming scrap and vehicles, advising customers of accepted and non-accepted materials

Yard Operator

Rockledge, FL · On-site

$55K/yr

Yard Operator Date: Sep 1, 2026 Location: Rockledge, FL, US, 32955 Company: Nucor Job Details ... Inspect incoming scrap and vehicles, advising customers of accepted and non-accepted materials

Yard Operator

Rockledge, FL · On-site

$55K/yr

... daily yard operations by handling material, assisting customers, operating equipment, and ... Inspect incoming scrap and vehicles, advising customers of accepted and non-accepted materials

... daily yard operations by handling material, assisting customers, operating equipment, and ... Inspect incoming scrap and vehicles, advising customers of accepted and non-accepted materials

... daily yard operations by handling material, assisting customers, operating equipment, and ... Inspect incoming scrap and vehicles, advising customers of accepted and non-accepted materials

Yard Operator

Rockledge, FL · On-site

$55K/yr

... daily yard operations by handling material, assisting customers, operating equipment, and ... Inspect incoming scrap and vehicles, advising customers of accepted and non-accepted materials

... daily yard operations by handling material, assisting customers, operating equipment, and ... Inspect incoming scrap and vehicles, advising customers of accepted and non-accepted materials

... daily yard operations by handling material, assisting customers, operating equipment, and ... Inspect incoming scrap and vehicles, advising customers of accepted and non-accepted materials

Yard Operator

Orlando, FL · On-site

$55K/yr

... daily yard operations by handling material, assisting customers, operating equipment, and ... Inspect incoming scrap and vehicles, advising customers of accepted and non-accepted materials

Yard Operator

Rockledge, FL · On-site

$55K/yr

Inspect incoming scrap and vehicles,advisingcustomers of accepted and non-accepted materials * Take material deductions asrequiredbased on inspection results * Operate forklifts and other yard ...

Yard Operator

Orlando, FL · On-site

$55K/yr

Inspect incoming scrap and vehicles,advisingcustomers of accepted and non-accepted materials * Take material deductions asrequiredbased on inspection results * Operate forklifts and other yard ...

Inspect incoming scrap and vehicles,advisingcustomers of accepted and non-accepted materials * Take material deductions asrequiredbased on inspection results * Operate forklifts and other yard ...

The incumbent will develop standard operating procedures for the shredder, scrap yard and rail car dismantling operations; design, installation, modification and maintenance of all equipment at the ...

Showing results 41-60

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 14, 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.

More about Senior Scrap Yard Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Senior Scrap Yard Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Scrap Yard Operator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Scrap Yard Operator jobs?

The most popular types of Scrap Yard Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Scrap Yard Operator jobs?

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

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

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

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 - MR

Minot, ND • On-site

Gerdau
Mining of Natural Resources • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Safely operate loaders, material handlers, and other mobile equipment to load and unload scrap materials.

  • Inspect incoming scrap materials for quality, environmental compliance, and radiation, and communicate findings.

  • Follow safety, environmental, and operational procedures, participate in safety routines, and report 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
Yard Operator
Job Summary
Gerdau is seeking a motivated and safety-focused Yard Operator to join our operations team. This role is critical to the daily success of our yard operations and requires a versatile individual who can perform a variety of tasks related to scrap inspection, material handling, purchasing support, and equipment operation.
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 incoming and outgoing materials, maintain operational standards, and provide exceptional customer service while supporting Gerdau's commitment to safety, quality, and environmental responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
Safety & Compliance
  • Follow all established Gerdau safety, environmental, and operational procedures.
  • Participate in daily safety meetings and routines.
  • Identify and report safety hazards, environmental concerns, equipment issues, and improper operating conditions.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Material Inspection & Quality Control
  • Ensure all incoming scrap is scanned for radiation and properly quarantined if it fails inspection protocols.
  • Inspect incoming scrap materials for quality and environmental compliance.
  • Verify scrap grades and quality standards while identifying deductions and downgrades as required.
  • Communicate inspection findings promptly and accurately with scale personnel.
  • Ensure all outbound materials meet company safety and quality requirements.

Equipment Operation
  • Safely operate loaders, material handlers, and other mobile equipment to load and unload scrap materials.
  • Perform and document Routine Equipment Care (REC) inspections daily.
  • Assist with general yard maintenance and operational support as needed.

Customer Service & Teamwork
  • Communicate effectively with customers, coworkers, supervisors, and scale operators.
  • Deliver excellent customer service while maintaining operational efficiency.
  • Support Gerdau's core values through professional and respectful interactions.

Rail Operations (Location Dependent)
For locations with rail operations, additional duties may include:
  • Shifting full and empty rail cars.
  • Operating a locomotive in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • Activating rail switches.
  • Coupling and uncoupling rail cars.
  • Setting brakes and wheel blocks as required.

Qualifications
Preferred
  • Previous experience in scrap metal recycling, materials handling, or heavy equipment operation.
  • Knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap grading.
  • Experience operating loaders, cranes, material handlers, or similar equipment.

Required
  • Commitment to workplace safety and environmental compliance.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
  • Ability to perform physically demanding work and operate heavy equipment safely.
  • Dependable, self-motivated, and customer-focused.

What We Offer
  • Competitive compensation
  • Comprehensive training and development opportunities
  • Safe and team-oriented work environment
  • Career growth opportunities with an industry leader

Join Gerdau and become part of a team committed to safety, quality, sustainability, and operational excellence. Apply today!
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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