Lead Operator (Night Shift) (English & Spanish Speaker)

Vanguard Renewables; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 27,552 - 37,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & vision benefits

401(k)

PTO

Job summary

Vanguard Renewables in Saint Paul, MN is seeking a Lead Processor to supervise the sorting and processing of recyclable materials on night shifts. You will guide the processing team, ensure safety compliance, and maintain high-quality operations in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires hands-on experience, the ability to lift heavy loads, and bilingual English/Spanish communication. Join a team focused on efficiency, safety, and reliability in our EZ Recycling facility.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• 2+ years of manufacturing/industrial experience.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly, up to 75 lbs occasionally.
• Experience operating assembly line equipment and forklifts (or willingness to train).
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Eligible to work a 3 PM – 11 PM shift.

Responsibilities

• Lead the processing team to meet daily productivity goals.
• Act as point of contact for workflow, safety, and productivity questions.
• Sort and process recyclables according to standards.
• Operate conveyors, grinders, crushers, balers, and pumps.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment and report issues.
• Assist with training new employees.
• Participate in safety and housekeeping programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Team collaboration

Bilingual: English/Spanish

Shift work: 3PM–11PM

Physical ability to lift up to 50–75 L

Experience in manufacturing

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Job description

Reporting to the Lead Supervisor at our EZ Recycling (St. Paul) location, the Lead Processor will play a vital role in overseeing the sorting and processing of recyclable materials from manufacturing and distribution centers. The position provides hands‑on processing support while offering day‑to‑day guidance to the processing team to ensure safe, efficient and high‑quality operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the processing team during assigned shifts to ensure timely and accurate completion of recycling activities.
• Serve as a point of contact for team questions regarding workflow, safety expectations and productivity goals.
• Sort and process recyclable materials from manufacturers and distribution centers according to company and environmental standards.
• Operate equipment and machinery used in the recycling process, including conveyors, grinders, crushers, balers, and pumps.
• Maintain a clean and organized working environment to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Follow all safety protocols and procedures to maintain a safe workplace.
• Monitor and report equipment issues or safety concerns to management.
• Meet productivity and quality goals set by management.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure timely processing of materials.
• Assist with training and onboarding of new employees as needed.
• Participate in plant housekeeping programs and material handling safety activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or processing environment.
• Ability to regularly lift, move, push, and/or pull objects weighing up to 50 lbs (occasionally up to 75 lbs).
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, heat/cold, and liquids.
• Experience operating assembly line equipment and forklifts (or willingness to train).
• Ability to work collaboratively and meet daily production goals.
• Bilingual: English and Spanish
• Ability to work a 3PM to 11PM shift

Preferred

• Experience in a lead role in a manufacturing or industrial processing environment.
• Ability to diagnose and fix minor mechanical equipment failures.
• Forklift certification.
• Familiarity with safety procedures and best practices.
• Ability to respond quickly to changing conditions and analyze operational data.
• Basic proficiency in Windows‑based applications (Outlook, Word, Excel).

Working Conditions

• Work locations are industrial, both indoors and outdoors.
• Regular exposure to heat, noise, rotating equipment, and other conditions normally encountered in an industrial environment should be expected. Limited exposure to hazardous materials and/or toxic fumes will require the use of approved personal protective equipment.
• Vanguard Renewables ensures all applicable work rules and safety requirements are closely adhered to.

What We Offer

• Employer health care, vision, and wellness benefits.
• 401(k).
• Paid time off (PTO).

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.

Language: English & Spanish (Required)

Shift availability: Night Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute: Saint Paul, MN 55104 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary: $20-$27/HR