Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Junk Machine Operator (Scrap Processing & Recycling)

🎯 Role Definition

The Junk Machine Operator is the backbone of our processing facility, responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy-duty machinery used to sort, compact, and process recyclable materials and scrap metal. This role is crucial for maintaining a steady flow of materials through our plant, ensuring the integrity and uptime of critical equipment, and upholding the highest standards of safety and quality control. The ideal candidate is a proactive, safety-conscious individual with a strong mechanical aptitude, capable of thriving in a fast-paced, hands-on industrial environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer (Recycling/Scrap Yard)
Warehouse Associate / Forklift Operator
Manufacturing Production Worker

Advancement To:

Lead Machine Operator / Team Lead
Shift Supervisor / Production Supervisor
Maintenance Technician

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Inspector
Heavy Equipment Operator (Loader, Excavator)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Skillfully and safely operate heavy industrial processing equipment, including but not limited to large-scale balers, metal shears, car crushers, and industrial shredders, to process materials according to production schedules.
Conduct comprehensive pre-shift and post-shift inspections on all assigned machinery, meticulously checking fluid levels, moving parts, and safety guards to identify and report potential hazards or maintenance needs.
Continuously monitor machine operations, observing gauges, dials, and control panels to ensure optimal performance, material flow, and adherence to company processing standards.
Execute lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures correctly and consistently before performing any cleaning, clearing of jams, or minor maintenance tasks to ensure absolute equipment safety.
Identify and sort various grades of incoming materials, such as ferrous and non-ferrous metals, cardboard, and plastics, to ensure proper processing and prevent contamination of finished products.
Make necessary adjustments to machine settings, such as pressure, speed, and feed rate, to optimize throughput and ensure the finished product (bales, bundles) meets specific density and size requirements.
Proactively clear jams and blockages from conveyors, shredders, and baling chambers using approved tools and procedures, minimizing downtime while prioritizing personal safety.
Maintain accurate and detailed daily production logs, recording equipment uptime, downtime, throughput volumes, and any notable operational incidents for supervisory review.
Champion a culture of safety by adhering to all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements at all times.
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Communicate effectively with supervisors, maintenance personnel, and other equipment operators regarding equipment performance, material quality, and any production or safety concerns.
Load and unload materials from the processing line using a forklift, skid steer, or other mobile equipment as required, ensuring a consistent and efficient flow of materials.
Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks, including lubricating fittings, cleaning filters, and tightening bolts, to extend the life of the machinery and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Monitor the quality of processed materials, performing visual inspections to ensure bales are tight, properly strapped, and free of contaminants before being moved to inventory.
Operate the machine's control system, which may include programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or computer interfaces, to start, stop, and regulate the equipment's functions.
Manage the staging of materials for processing and the organization of finished bales or bundles, ensuring the work area is orderly and efficient.
Immediately stop equipment and report any unsafe conditions, equipment malfunctions, or operational abnormalities to the shift supervisor or maintenance department.
Assist in changing shear blades, shredder knives, or baling wire, following strict safety protocols and working in conjunction with the maintenance team.
Weigh, tag, and record data for finished products, ensuring accurate inventory tracking and shipment preparation.
Operate overhead cranes or grapples to feed large or bulky scrap materials into shredders or shears, demonstrating precision and a high degree of spatial awareness.
Participate actively in continuous improvement initiatives, offering suggestions to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and production quality.

Secondary Functions

Perform routine housekeeping duties in and around the machine's work area to maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment, free of debris and potential hazards.
Assist with the sorting and grading of incoming raw materials to ensure they meet quality specifications before processing.
Provide operational support and backup to other areas of the plant as directed by the shift supervisor, demonstrating flexibility and a team-oriented mindset.
Participate in team safety meetings, toolbox talks, and ongoing training sessions to stay current on best practices and contribute to our world-class safety culture.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Heavy Equipment Operation (Baler, Shredder, Shear)
Forklift & Skid Steer Operation Certification
Preventive Maintenance & Minor Mechanical Repairs
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures
Material Identification (e.g., ferrous vs. non-ferrous)
Reading Gauges and Control Panels
Basic Computer Skills for Data Entry/Logging
Use of Hand and Power Tools
Understanding of Hydraulic Systems
Quality Control Inspection

Soft Skills

Exceptional Safety Consciousness
Strong Mechanical Aptitude
High Attention to Detail
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
Ability to Work Independently with Minimal Supervision
Clear and Effective Communication
Physical Stamina and Strength
Adaptability in a Fast-Paced, Noisy Environment
Teamwork and Collaboration
Strong Work Ethic and Reliability

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational or Technical Certificate in Machine Operation, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Industrial Technology
Heavy Equipment Operation

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience operating heavy machinery in an industrial, manufacturing, or recycling environment.

Preferred: 3+ years of direct, hands-on experience operating scrap balers, metal shears, or industrial shredders. Demonstrable experience with routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting is highly desirable.