Organics Receiving Area (ORA) Operator

Vanguard Renewables; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Vision benefits

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Vanguard Renewables in Saint Paul, MN is seeking a Processor to sort and process recyclable materials at our industrial facility. Reporting to the Lead Supervisor, you will operate conveyors and related equipment while maintaining safety and efficiency.

This entry-level to mid-level role requires a High School Diploma, ability to lift 50–75 lbs, and willingness to train. We offer health benefits, 401(k), and PTO in a collaborative, safety-focused environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, occasionally 75 lbs.
• Experience in manufacturing or industrial settings preferred.
• Ability to work in noisy, hot/cold environments.

Responsibilities

• Sort and process recyclable materials according to standards.
• Operate conveyors, grinders, crushers, balers, and pumps.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment.
• Follow safety protocols and report issues.
• Meet daily productivity and quality goals.

Skills

Teamwork

Safety-conscious

Physical stamina

Trainable

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift operation

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Vanguard Renewables, based in Weston, Massachusetts, is a national leader in environmental services and the development of food and dairy waste-to-renewable energy projects. The Company builds, owns, and operates on-farm anaerobic digestion facilities and is continuing to scale through an extensive national expansion of its Farm Powered® platform. It is committed to advancing decarbonization by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from farms and food waste, generating renewable energy, and supporting regenerative agriculture on partner farms. Vanguard Renewables is a portfolio company of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a part of BlackRock.

Reporting to the Lead Supervisor, the Processor will play a vital role in the sorting and processing of recyclable materials from manufacturing and distribution centers.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 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.

Preferred

• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial processing environment.
• 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.