Recycling Laborer

Recycling Laborer

Vanguard Renewables – EZ Recycling | St. Paul, MN

Help Turn Waste Into a Resource

Are you looking for a hands-on job where the work you do every day makes a difference? Join Vanguard Renewables’ EZ Recycling team in St. Paul, MN, where we’re helping manufacturers and distribution centers divert recyclable materials from waste streams and put valuable resources back to work.

As a Laborer/Operator you’ll be an important part of our operations team, helping sort, process, and prepare recyclable materials while operating industrial equipment and maintaining a safe, clean, and productive facility.

This is an active, hands-on role that is ideal for someone who enjoys working with a team, takes pride in doing quality work, and wants to be part of an organization focused on sustainability and responsible resource management.

What You'll Do:

• Sort and process recyclable materials from manufacturing and distribution facilities in accordance with company and environmental standards.
• Operate equipment used throughout the recycling process, including conveyors, grinders, crushers, balers, pumps, and other processing equipment.
• Safely handle and move materials throughout the facility.
• Monitor equipment and promptly report mechanical issues, safety concerns, or other operational problems to management.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and environmental requirements.
• Meet established productivity, quality, and processing goals.
• Work collaboratively with teammates to ensure materials are processed efficiently and on schedule.
• Participate in plant housekeeping programs and material-handling safety activities.
• Assist with training and onboarding new team members as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For:

Required Qualifications

• Dependable and reliable with a strong commitment to attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team while meeting daily production goals.
• Ability to regularly lift, move, push, and/or pull materials weighing up to 50 lbs., with occasional lifting of up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to work in an industrial environment with exposure to noise, heat, cold, liquids, and moving equipment.
• Previous experience operating production or assembly-line equipment is helpful; willingness to learn is essential.
• Previous forklift experience is a plus; training may be provided.
• Commitment to following safety procedures and using required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Previous experience in manufacturing, recycling, waste management, or an industrial processing environment.
• Forklift certification or experience operating material-handling equipment.
• Familiarity with industrial safety practices and procedures.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to changing operational conditions.
• Ability to understand and use basic operational or production data.
• Basic proficiency with Windows-based applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

What It's Like to Work Here

This is a hands-on industrial position with work performed both indoors and outdoors. You should be comfortable working around:

• Industrial machinery and rotating equipment
• Noise and vibration
• Heat and cold
• Liquids and recyclable materials
• Occasional limited exposure to hazardous materials or fumes

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required when applicable. Vanguard Renewables is committed to maintaining a safe workplace and expects all employees to follow applicable work rules, environmental requirements, and safety procedures.

Why Join Vanguard Renewables?

At Vanguard Renewables, your work contributes to a more sustainable future. Our teams help businesses responsibly manage materials and reduce the amount of valuable resources sent to landfill.

In addition to meaningful work, we offer:

• Health, vision, and wellness benefits
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• A hands-on, team-oriented work environment
• Opportunities to learn new equipment and develop industrial skills

Background Check & Employment Verification

Vanguard Renewables conducts a background check and employment verification as part of the hiring process, consistent with applicable laws.

Ready to Get to Work?

If you're dependable, safety-minded, and ready for a hands-on role where you can make a difference every day, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply today to join the EZ Recycling team in St. Paul, MN!

Vanguard Renewables is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristic.

Pay: $20.00 - $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• This position requires a background check after a conditional offer. Are you able to meet this requirement?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Forklift: 1 year (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Saint Paul, MN 55104 (Required)

Work Location: In person