Material Handler Operator

Job Overview

Scrapworks LLC is hiring a Material Handler Equipment Operator for our Beaumont industrial facility. This role operates a material handler (grapple, magnet, or other attachment) to load, sort, stage, and feed ferrous and non-ferrous scrap through our industrial processing and loadout operations.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience running material handlers, excavators, or similar heavy equipment in a scrap, demolition, or industrial environment. You'll work alongside shredder crew, loader operators, and management to keep material moving efficiently and hit daily production targets.

This is an outdoor, physically demanding position in a fast-paced industrial yard. Safety discipline and mechanical awareness are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Operation

• Operate material handlers (e.g., Sennebogen, Fuchs, Liebherr, Caterpillar) equipped with grapples, magnets, or other attachments to load, sort, and stage scrap
• Feed the shredder infeed, shear, baler, and outbound trucks/containers per production flow
• Perform pre-shift and post-shift inspections on the material handler and attachments
• Monitor hydraulic systems, attachment performance, and cycle times; report anomalies immediately
• Coordinate with loader operators, shredder crew, and loadout on material staging and feed flow

Industrial Operations

• Sort and segregate ferrous and non-ferrous material by grade and destination
• Stage material for processing, loadout, and shipment per mill specs and container dimensions
• Load outbound trucks and containers accurately and to weight
• Assist with general material handling as needed during downtime or shift changes
• Maintain a clean and organized work area around the operating zone

Safety & Maintenance

• Follow all safety protocols including lockout/tagout, PPE requirements, and equipment clearance zones
• Perform daily greasing, fluid checks, and basic maintenance on the machine and attachments
• Identify and flag maintenance issues before they become breakdowns
• Participate in facility safety meetings and training

Production & Reporting

• Meet daily and weekly production targets for material processing and loadout throughput
• Communicate material status and progress to the Yard Foreman or Operations Manager
• Log equipment hours and report fuel/fluid consumption as required

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 1 year experience operating a material handler, excavator, or comparable heavy equipment
• Ability to identify common ferrous and non-ferrous scrap materials
• Solid understanding of hydraulic systems and basic mechanical troubleshooting
• Strong safety discipline — consistent PPE use, lockout/tagout compliance, hazard awareness
• Physically able to work outdoors in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, dust)
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and work on uneven terrain
• Reliable attendance and transportation

Preferred

• 2+ years material handler experience in a scrapyard, demolition, or industrial environment
• Experience with multiple machine brands/models (Sennebogen, Fuchs, Liebherr, Cat MH series, etc.)
• Experience operating shears, balers, loaders, or shredder feed equipment
• Familiarity with scrap grading and mill specifications
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification

Compensation & Benefits

• $22–$25 per hour, depending on experience
• Overtime available per FLSA
• Health insurance (per company policy)
• 401(k) with company match (per plan terms)
• Paid time off (per company policy)
• Safety bonuses and performance incentives

Why Join Scrapworks

Scrapworks Group is a growing, multi-facility scrap metal recycling operation in Southeast Texas. We run modern equipment, invest in our people, and operate with a focus on efficiency, safety, and long-term growth. If you're a skilled operator who takes pride in running your machine well and wants to be part of a team that's building something, we want to hear from you.

Scrapworks LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All employment is at-will under Texas law.