Scrap Metal Grapple Crane and Excavator Shear Operator (Commercial DL preferred)

Overview

Department: Operations / Yard

Reports to: Yard Supervisor / Operations Manager

Location: CIMCO Recycling, Milan IL

Employment Type: Full-time

Compensation: Competitive hourly rate based on experience + benefits (health, retirement, paid time off)

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Grapple Crane/Excavator Shear Operator to join our scrap metal recycling team. The operator will safely and efficiently operate a hydraulic material handling equipment (and/or magnet) attachment to sort, load, unload, move, and process various types of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal. This role is critical to maintaining smooth yard operations, maximizing productivity, and ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Safely operate a mobile/hydraulic material handling equipment (e.g., Sennebogen, Fuchs, Komatsu or similar) fitted with grapple and/or electromagnetic attachments.

Load and unload incoming trucks, containers, rail cars, and trailers with scrap metal materials.

Sort, segregate, and stack different grades of scrap metal (e.g., HMS, shredded, plate & structural, copper, aluminum, etc.) in designated yard areas.

Move and reposition heavy scrap materials throughout the facility/yard to support processing, shearing, baling, or shipping operations.

Inspect loads for weight, balance, and hazards; determine load weights and ensure they stay within the crane's rated capacity.

Perform pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections, and report any mechanical issues or safety concerns immediately.

Follow all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and site-specific procedures to prevent accidents and injuries.

Communicate effectively with ground personnel, spotters, equipment operators, and supervisors using hand signals, radios, and verbal instructions.

Assist with general yard maintenance and housekeeping when crane operations allow.

Participate in safety meetings, training, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Experience — 2+ years of verifiable experience operating hydraulic material handling cranes with grapple and/or magnet attachments, previous scrap yard or metal recycling facility experience highly preferred (more experience strongly preferred).

Proven safe operating record with no major incidents or violations in recent years.

Ability to read and interpret load charts, equipment manuals, and basic blueprints/diagrams.

Strong understanding of rigging principles, load dynamics, and center of gravity.

High school diploma or GED preferred.

Valid driver's license; a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) would be a big plus (enhances flexibility for yard support duties or occasional vehicle operation).

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with specific brands (Sennebogen, Liebherr, Caterpillar, Fuchs, etc.).

Familiarity with different grades and types of scrap metal highly preferred (e.g., identifying and sorting ferrous/non-ferrous, HMS #1/#2, prepared/plate & structural,insulated copper, aluminum alloys, etc.).

Basic mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting minor equipment issues.

Physical & Working Conditions

Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow).

Prolonged sitting in crane cab; frequent hand, foot, and eye coordination.

Must be able to climb in/out of equipment, walk on uneven surfaces, and lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.

Exposure to dust, noise, heavy machinery, and potential hazards typical of a scrap yard.

Must pass pre-employment drug screen, physical exam, and background check.

Core Competencies

Safety-first mindset with zero-tolerance for shortcuts.

Excellent hand-eye coordination, depth perception, and spatial awareness.

Attention to detail and focus under pressure.

Reliability, punctuality, and strong work ethic.

Team player who communicates clearly and respectfully.

If you are a certified, experienced equipment operator with scrap yard background looking for a stable role with a respected recycling company, we want to hear from you!

How to Apply:

Please apply in person at our Cimco Recycling Milan, IL location at 1709 1st Ave E, Milan IL, email resume to [email protected], or call 563-571-5629 and speak with our General Mgr. Chad Kemper directly. : Scrap Metal Grapple Crane and Excavator Shear Operator (Commercial DL preferred)

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person