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Shredder Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sims Limited

Millwright

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$24.50 - $32/hr

Conduct routine inspections of shredder systems and monitor wear components such as hammers, grates, and liners. * Assist operators with equipment startup, shutdown, and lockout/tagout procedures.

Sims Limited

Millwright

Chesapeake, VA

$24.50 - $32/hr

Conduct routine inspections of shredder systems and monitor wear components such as hammers, grates, and liners. * Assist operators with equipment startup, shutdown, and lockout/tagout procedures.

Sims Limited

Millwright

Petersburg, VA

$24.75 - $32.50/hr

Conduct routine inspections of shredder systems and monitor wear components such as hammers, grates, and liners. * Assist operators with equipment startup, shutdown, and lockout/tagout procedures.

Sims Limited

Millwright

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$24.75 - $32.50/hr

Conduct routine inspections of shredder systems and monitor wear components such as hammers, grates, and liners. * Assist operators with equipment startup, shutdown, and lockout/tagout procedures.

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Shredder Operator information

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How much do shredder operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for shredder operator in Virginia is $20.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $24.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Shredder Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to safety, and experience with industrial shredding or material handling equipment, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with lockout/tagout procedures, forklift operation certifications, and use of maintenance tools is commonly required. Strong communication, time management, and teamwork skills help operators work efficiently and safely with colleagues. These abilities ensure machine uptime, operational safety, and effective coordination within fast-paced production or recycling environments.

What is the highest paid machine operator?

The highest paid machine operators are often those working in specialized industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, or manufacturing with advanced skills and certifications. Shredder operators, a type of machine operator, typically earn competitive wages, but salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry demand. Generally, machine operators with extensive experience and technical expertise tend to earn the highest salaries.

What does a shredder operator do?

A shredder operator is responsible for operating and maintaining industrial shredders that break down materials such as paper, plastic, or metal for recycling or disposal. They monitor equipment, ensure safety procedures are followed, and perform routine inspections to keep the machinery running efficiently. Basic mechanical skills and safety training are often required for this role.

What's the highest paying job in waste management?

In waste management, senior roles such as waste management directors or environmental managers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, relevant certifications, and strong leadership skills, and they oversee operations, compliance, and strategic planning within waste management companies.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Shredder Operator?

As a Shredder Operator, your daily responsibilities include setting up and monitoring shredder machinery, feeding raw materials, conducting routine safety checks, and clearing jams or maintenance issues as needed. You will also maintain accurate logs, follow strict safety protocols, and collaborate closely with supervisors and other team members to ensure efficient workflow. The role may require working in industrial or warehouse environments with varying shifts. Attention to detail and the ability to identify potential hazards are crucial for maintaining productivity and workplace safety. This position often provides valuable experience for advancement to lead operator or supervisory roles in manufacturing or recycling operations.

Is shredding paper a job?

Shredding paper can be a job, often performed by a shredder operator or document destruction worker. This role involves operating shredding machines, ensuring secure disposal of sensitive documents, and may require safety training and attention to detail.

What is a Shredder Operator job?

A Shredder Operator is responsible for operating industrial shredding machines to process materials like paper, metal, plastic, or wood. Their duties include feeding materials into the shredder, monitoring the shredding process, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring safety compliance. They may also sort materials before shredding and handle the disposal or recycling of processed materials. Attention to safety and machine upkeep is essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Shredder Operator jobs in Virginia? For Shredder Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Shredder Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Shredder Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Shredder Operator jobs in VA? For Shredder Operator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Shredder Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shredder Operator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,631 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Heavy Equipment Operator- Tire Shredder Facility (Suffolk)

Heavy Equipment Operator- Tire Shredder Facility (Suffolk)

Southeastern Public Service Authority

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$20.86 - $26.60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Salary: $20.86 - $26.60 Hourly
Location : Tire Shredder Facility, 1 Bob Foeller Dr., Suffolk, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: HEO TS
Department: Landfill/Solid Waste
Division: Tire Shredder
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Description
Operates heavy and complex equipment, such as excavators or wheel loaders and yard tractors, in a safe and effective manner.
Examples of Duties
Safely and efficiently operates assigned equipment in loading, compacting solid waste. Depending on location of the assignment, may be required to do any of the following:
  • Compact, load, move or transfer shredded tire waste.

Inspects equipment for proper operating condition and loose or worn parts, maintain basic fluid levels on assigned equipment. Reports defects or damage to equipment to the appropriate authority.
Observes instruments and surroundings while vehicle is in motion.
Directs traffic entering and exiting the work area, using verbal commands and hand/arm signals.
Responsible for the proper use, loading, operation, and cleanliness of the equipment.
Reports defects or damage to equipment to the appropriate authority.
Performs routine clerical duties such as completing station logs, field and time reports and requisitions.
Loads trailers in a safe and efficient manner.
Participates in cleanup activities as directed.
Ensures that assigned tasks are done properly, safely, and in a timely manner.
Typical Qualifications
Any combination equivalent to high school graduation and three years in the operation of heavy construction equipment with at least one year as the primary operator of assigned equipment.
Supplemental Information
JOB TITLE: Heavy Equipment Operator
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
% OF TIME
Operate various types of heavy construction and/or earth moving equipment
Mental ability to read, writes, and comprehends general instructions, safety procedures, and reports. Driving skills. Ability to operate machinery in close working conditions requiring good eye/hand coordination. Perform maintenance checks and minor maintenance on equipment. Ability to use both hands and both feet to operate equipment pedals, levers, steering wheels, and buttons. Physical ability to sit and adapt to constant jerking motions from equipment for extensive periods of time (8 or 10 hour shifts, depending on work location). Ability to use provided three point support system(s) that enables a person to use simultaneously two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand while ascending, descending or moving about the machine/equipment. Reaching, extending hands and arms above shoulder and in any direction.
70%
Perform minor/major maintenance/upkeep as required.
Manual dexterity to work with hand tools on equipment, surfaces and components. Mental ability to read, writes, and comprehends general instructions and safety procedures.
20%
General cleaning
Physically able to hold and maneuver water hose discharges of 75 psi and lift up to 80 lbs. with assistance.
10%
Remarks: Requires working in adverse climatic conditions (i.e., dust, odor, hot, cold, rain, snow). Requires wearing appropriate safety gear including safety steel shank boots. Ability to understand oral and written instructions to perform lock-out on equipment being worked on as per SPSA Safety Policy and Programs. Physical and mental capability to work in a confined area for extensive periods. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force at all times and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently. Must be able to climb, crouch, stoop, handle repetitive motion, walk, be focused, aware, and communicate.
*Sufficient vision and hearing required to perform the essential functions of the job listed above*
SPSA offers a competitive benefits package to all full-time employees.
  • Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) - SPSA and employee contributions
  • Short and Long Term Disability Coverage (VRS)
  • Health Insurance (Includes Dental, Vision and Behavioral Health Coverage)
  • Basic Life Insurance (SPSA paid)
  • Delta Dental Insurance
  • Aflac Plans
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Optional Life Insurance available for Employee and Dependents
  • Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Holidays
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Uniforms provided
  • Safety shoes and PPE provided

01
How many years of heavy equipment operation experience do you have?
  • 0-3 years
  • 3-5 years
  • 5-10 years
  • 10-15 years
  • 15-20 years
  • 20+ years

02
Are you able to work a flexible work schedule that includes weekends, holidays and varying shifts?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Describe the type(s) of heavy equipment you are experienced in operating.
Required Question

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