Madden Industrial Craftsmen is seeking a Chopper Operator for our client, a union metal recycling and processing facility, in Portland, OR. This role supports daily operations involving material handling, metal processing, and equipment operation in a fast-paced industrial yard environment. The ideal candidate is reliable, mechanically inclined, and comfortable working outdoors while operating equipment and supporting production needs.
Pay & Schedule
Pay: $23.50/hour (with two pay increases within the first 180 days)
Shift: MondayFriday, 10:00 AM 6:30 PM (Fridays start at 5:00 AM)
Position Type: Full-Time
Key Responsibilities
Operate a sit-down forklift to move and stage scrap metal throughout the facility
Operate and maintain chopper equipment used in metal processing
Sort and separate various types of metals including steel, aluminum, and copper
Assist with material handling and general yard operations as needed
Perform basic equipment checks and report maintenance needs
Work safely around heavy equipment, machinery, and moving materials
Follow all safety procedures and PPE requirements
Required Qualifications
Minimum 3 years of forklift experience
Mechanical aptitude and ability to work with industrial equipment
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical work throughout the shift
Ability to stand, sit, climb, and work off ladders as needed
Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Strong work ethic and reliability in a production environment
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in metal recycling, scrap yards, or industrial environments
Experience operating processing equipment (choppers, shears, or similar)
Familiarity with different metal types and sorting processes
Benefits
Medical (Kaiser)
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
401(k)
Union position
Prevailing wage opportunities
Scheduled pay increases within first 180 days and annual raises
Work Environment
This role operates in an outdoor industrial recycling environment. Work includes exposure to heavy equipment, moving materials, weather conditions, and industrial noise. PPE and safety compliance are required at all times.
#zr
You can get onto building a business and career faster with us, because we find and match the right talented job seeking craftsmen with the right industrial jobs. For 30 years, Madden Industrial Craftsmen has served as the premier staffing provider for industrial businesses in the Pacific Northwest, which provides quality employment opportunities to our pool of skilled working craftsmen. We are a local family-owned company with deep roots in the Northwest! We are extremely proud of our extended Madden family, and invite you to take part.
Industry is our craft. Honesty and integrity is our promise.
We are Madden.