Scrap Yard Worker

Job Summary

The Yard Operator plays a key role in supporting daily yard operations and overall operational effectiveness. This position requires a broad skill set and the ability to perform a variety of tasks. The Yard Operator must have knowledge of scrap grading or demonstrate the ability and willingness to learn. Responsibilities include scrap inspection, ferrous and non‑ferrous purchasing support, operation of mobile equipment, and completion of general maintenance activities.

The Yard Operator is expected to safely operate material handling equipment such as cranes and loaders to complete daily tasks. Regular communication with the scale operator, supervisor, coworkers, and customers is essential, particularly regarding material quality and shipping requirements.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Follow all Gerdau safety, environmental, and routine procedures specific to yard operations.
• Perform a variety of tasks ranging from simple to moderately complex, ensuring proper procedures are consistently followed.
• Ensure all incoming scrap is scanned for radiation; quarantine any material that fails the scan and notify appropriate personnel immediately.
• Operate loaders and/or material handlers to load and unload scrap material in accordance with Gerdau and customer quality standards.
• Inspect incoming scrap to ensure it meets quality and environmental standards; apply appropriate deductions and downgrades and communicate findings to the scale in a timely manner.
• Inspect and verify scrap grades and quality, identifying deductions and downgrades as required.
• Ensure all outbound materials meet safety and quality standards.
• Perform and document daily Routine Equipment Care (REC) activities.
• Detect and report faulty materials, environmental hazards, safety concerns, or improper equipment operation; escalate unusual issues to supervision.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and equipment.
• Deliver excellent customer service.
• Promote and practice Gerdau’s core values.
• Participate in daily safety routines.

Locations with Rail Operations

For facilities with rail operations, responsibilities include shifting full and empty railcars, operating locomotives, activating switches, coupling and uncoupling cars, and setting brakes or wheel blocks in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with monthly inventory counts, where applicable.
• Support maintenance personnel with equipment repairs as directed.
• Operate baler equipment.
• Assist with non‑ferrous processing, including material segregation to upgrade products (e.g., copper, brass, aluminum).
• Support coworkers in daily operational tasks essential to yard safety, efficiency, and profitability.
• Stage and remove material for torching using a material handler, where applicable.
• Contribute to problem-solving efforts as required.

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills.

Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated desire to develop skills and grow within Gerdau.
• Commitment to promoting and practicing Gerdau’s core values.
• High school diploma preferred.