Labourer Material Recovery Facility, EWSWA (up to 8 months)

County of Essex; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency in Southwestern Ontario is seeking a Labourer for a Material Recovery Facility. This role involves operating heavy machinery, directing traffic, and assisting customers, all while ensuring environmental compliance. Successful candidates will have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma and experience in heavy equipment operation. The position offers a competitive hourly rate of $31.09 and a strong benefits package, including a pension plan. This position runs for up to 8 months, starting December 2025.

Benefits

Strong benefits package

Pension plan

Qualifications

• Must successfully obtain certifications for operating heavy equipment.
• Minimum of six months of heavy equipment operating experience in confined spaces.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Direct traffic and inspect incoming loads for sorting.
• Operate heavy machinery for site maintenance and waste handling.
• Assist customers with material drop-off and enforce site rules.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Customer service skills

Ability to lift materials

Education

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent

Tools

Heavy machinery

Forklift

Job description

Labourer Material Recovery Facility (up to 8 months)

Department: Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority
Position Type: Full-time Temporary
Location: Essex, Ontario
Posting #: SWA-22-25
Opening Date: December 10, 2025
Internal Closing Date: December 18, 2025
External Closing Date: December 29, 2025

Role Snapshot (Our Elevator Pitch!)

Are you a hands‑on, safety‑minded individual who enjoys working outdoors and making a difference in your community? Join the Essex‑Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA) as a Labourer – Material Recovery Facility, where your work supports environmentally responsible waste management practices such as the Green Bin and other reuse and recycling strategies.

Why Work With Us?

The Essex‑Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA) is the governmental agency charged with the responsibility of providing an economical and environmentally conscious integrated solid waste management system for the County of Essex and the City of Windsor. The mission of the EWSWA is to provide programs to manage the solid, non‑hazardous waste generated in the County and the City in an environmentally sound manner through processes which include, but are not necessarily limited to, reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, and landfilling.

What You’ll Do

• Traffic and Material Sorting
  • Work at a dynamic site, directing traffic, inspect incoming loads and send to designated areas for each material type – e.g., organic yard waste, electronics. Inspect incoming material for contaminants and ensuring materials are properly sorted and routed.
  • Conduct litter patrols and maintain site cleanliness and environmental compliance.
• Machinery Operation and Site Maintenance
  • Operate heavy machinery such as large front‑end loader, smaller articulated loader and forklift for material consolidation, site maintenance, snow removal, etc.
  • Use heavy equipment to load trucks and trailers with larger quantities of compost and other materials such as food waste and organics, etc.
  • Maintain yard waste pad and facility areas for electronics, ensuring efficient storage and transfer of yard waste, electronics, compost, and other materials.
  • Conduct regular checks on equipment, preventative maintenance needs, and report any equipment issues.
  • Support winter control by applying de‑icing materials, sanding, and ensuring safe access to facilities.
• Customer Service and Administrative Support
  • Assess, charge and collect cash or credit accurately for fees related to grass disposal and compost sales.
  • Assist customers with material drop‑off and loading pre‑packaged compost into vehicles.
  • Enforce site rules and report violations in accordance with operational and safety procedures.
  • Provide support during EWSWA programs, events, audits, and shipments.

What You Bring

Education and Commitment to Growth:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or recognized equivalent.
• Must be able to successfully obtain certifications for operating heavy equipment such as front‑end loader and forklift equipment.

Experience and Expertise:

• Minimum of six (6) months of heavy equipment operating experience in confined spaces.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment.
• Comfortable working in all weather conditions and dusty or dirty environments.
• Must be able to regularly lift, carry and place materials such as pre‑packaged compost bags, electronics, etc.
• Strong teamwork and customer service skills.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Class “G” Ontario driver’s license and have access to a personal vehicle for work‑related travel within Windsor and/or the County of Essex.
• Must provide a Ministry of Transportation Driver Abstract (Uncertified).
• Must provide a Police Information Check (PIC) document.

What We Are Offering

As a CUPE 2974.1 position, this role is on Band 7 with a starting hourly rate of $31.09, and that is just the beginning. The benefit package is second to none, and the defined benefit plan of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (O.M.E.R.S) is a pension system sought by many.

The EWSWA embraces diversity and inclusion in our workforce and workplace. EWSWA is committed to building inclusive teams and an equitable environment for people to be themselves. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply as the EWSWA will accommodate needs under human rights legislation throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

The County assists with the recruitment process and administers Human Resource functions on behalf of the EWSWA. Please notify the County of any accommodations through [e-mail]. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. This information can be made available in alternate formats upon request.

Personal information is collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for the purpose of this employment opportunity only.