Foreman - Shredding/Solidification Operations

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC; New Braunfels (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Matching

Paid Holidays

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Telemedicine

Employee Discount

Job summary

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC is seeking a hands-on Foreman to lead day-to-day operations in the shredding or solidification lines. You will coordinate personnel, equipment, and workflow to safely achieve production goals while ensuring compliance with SOPs and regulatory requirements.

You will support startup activities, operator training, and development of work instructions, acting as Operations Supervisor when needed. Strong leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical training preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years of industrial, manufacturing, recycling, or waste processing experience.
• Previous lead operator or supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience operating heavy equipment such as loaders, forklifts, excavators, and/or shredders, conveyors, or similar processing equipment.
• Working knowledge of OSHA, EPA, RCRA, DOT, Lockout/Tagout, and Hazard Communication requirements.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including overtime, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.
• May serve as acting Operations Supervisor when assigned.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams) and general computer applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and direct operators while promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork.
• Assign daily work, conduct shift meetings, and monitor production to achieve safety, quality, and throughput objectives.
• Oversee shredding or solidification activities, ensuring compliance with approved waste profiles, Mix Matrix requirements, and SOPs.
• Coordinate landfill and Waste‑to‑Energy (WTE) blend preparation to meet customer and disposal specifications.
• Inspect work areas, equipment, and production activities to maintain housekeeping, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate equipment issues with the Maintenance Supervisor to minimize downtime.
• Work closely with QA/QC, Maintenance, Customer Service, and Transportation to support daily operations.
• Complete production documentation, communicate shift performance, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Support startup activities, operator training, equipment commissioning, and development of work instructions.
• Operate production equipment as needed to support safe and efficient operations.

Skills

Leadership

Safety culture

Shift coordination

Problem solving

Strong communication

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

About VLS!

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC, is a recognized leader in providing sustainability solutions, with three divisions providing industry‑leading services. With a mission to innovate solutions to meet clients' sustainability goals, VLS has over 1,200 employees in 40+ locations across North America.

Waste Services

VLS Waste Services provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non‑hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration.

Railcar Services

VLS Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services division provides specialty cleaning services for difficult‑to‑clean products, including chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases, and comprehensive repair services for certified full‑service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance.

Marine Services

VLS Marine Services division offers state‑of‑the‑art barge cleaning, repair, and gas‑free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products.

Job Summary

Role Summary: The Foreman reports to the Operations Supervisor and provides hands‑on leadership for the daily execution of either the Shredding or Solidification operation. This working supervisor coordinates personnel, equipment, and workflow to safely achieve production goals while ensuring compliance with operating procedures, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. As part of the startup leadership team, the Foreman assists with equipment commissioning, employee training, implementation of SOPs, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Job Duties

• Lead, coach, and direct operators while promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork.
• Assign daily work, conduct shift meetings, and monitor production to achieve safety, quality, and throughput objectives.
• Oversee shredding or solidification activities, ensuring compliance with approved waste profiles, Mix Matrix requirements, and SOPs.
• Coordinate landfill and Waste‑to‑Energy (WTE) blend preparation to meet customer and disposal specifications.
• Inspect work areas, equipment, and production activities to maintain housekeeping, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate equipment issues with the Maintenance Supervisor to minimize downtime.
• Work closely with QA/QC, Maintenance, Customer Service, and Transportation to support daily operations.
• Complete production documentation, communicate shift performance, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Support startup activities, operator training, equipment commissioning, and development of work instructions.
• Operate production equipment as needed to support safe and efficient operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical training preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years of industrial, manufacturing, recycling, or waste processing experience.
• Previous lead operator or supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience operating heavy equipment such as loaders, forklifts, excavators, and/or shredders, conveyors, or similar processing equipment.
• Working knowledge of OSHA, EPA, RCRA, DOT, Lockout/Tagout, and Hazard Communication requirements.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including overtime, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.
• May serve as acting Operations Supervisor when assigned.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams) and general computer applications.

What's in it for you!

At VLS our employees are the core of our business. As such, we value our employees' physical, mental, and financial wellbeing by providing first‑class, high‑value benefits and resources that are centered around a proper work‑life balance.

Physical and Mental Wellbeing

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance - Based on each employee's need, we offer various high‑quality, low‑premium medical, dental and vision plans, which include our first‑in‑class concierge service (available in Spanish) and 2nd MD Offering.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Healthcare Saving Accounts (HSA) – Set aside pre‑tax money to use toward your health care spending. VLS provides an employer contribution to all HSA accounts.

Time Off - We offer 11 (eleven) company‑paid holidays, in addition to our paid time off and voluntary time off plans.

Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 assistance and counseling services that are 100% confidential and free to all employees and their dependents.

Telemedicine – All employees and dependents receive free virtual visits by licensed practitioners any time, any day, including holidays!

Financial and Retirement Planning

401(k) – Generous 401(k) matching program after 90 days of employment. VLS will match up to 5% of your pay every pay period. Matching contributions are 100% vested immediately.

Life and Disability Insurance – Employer‑paid life insurance, along with short‑term and long‑term disability coverage provided to all full‑time employees.

Voluntary Life Protection Plans – Employees and their dependents can elect coverage in our voluntary life/add, critical illness, hospital indemnity and accident plans.

Rewards and Recognition Programs – We celebrate our employees! From birthdays to anniversaries and other various milestones/achievements, we have programs in place to recognize our employees.

Financial Planning – Free One on One financial planning with a certified Financial Planner/Coach.

Employee Discount – Employee Discount Program for savings on everyday goods and services at various retailers throughout the US.