Recycling Processor - Part Time

Kearney, City of (NE); Kearney (NE); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Kearney, Nebraska is hiring for a municipal recycling operative to sort recyclables, operate basic equipment, and assist in maintenance tasks. The role emphasizes safe handling of waste, adherence to procedures, and teamwork within a public Works setting.

Applicants should have at least an 8th-grade education and a Nebraska driver’s license or transportation plan. The position is full-time, on-site, with regular attendance expected and potential overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of eighth grade and experience in manual labor.
• Valid Nebraska Driver’s License or ability to secure transportation.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials and the public.
• Regular timely/punctual attendance.
• Maintain and safely operate equipment.
• Perform assigned tasks properly and efficiently.
• Handle solid waste properly and safely.

Skills

Manual labor

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

8th grade or equivalent

Tools

Conveyor sorting line

Bobcats

Forklifts

Welders

Crushers

Grinders

Shovels

Rakes

Brooms

Balers

Job description

First review of applications: September 9, 2026.

Under close supervision, sort and process recyclables, and operate noncomplex equipment and machinery incidental to manual labor tasks. Follow instructions; procedures are well defined; may make suggestions for work improvement.Sort recyclables; assemble metal or plastic refuse and recycling containers, may occasionally operate equipment in the recycling operation including skid steer loaders, balers, grinders, forklifts, and crushers; may pick up recycled material using a pickup and trailer; check and perform minor servicing to recycling equipment; perform building and ground maintenance to include, but not limited to, litter pickup, lawn mowing, cleaning, sweeping and mopping of floors; complete work orders; perform overtime as required; and perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS

None.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials and the public. (Daily)
• Regular timely/punctual attendance. (Daily)
• Maintain and safely operate equipment. (Daily)
• Perform assigned tasks properly and efficiently. (Daily)
• Handle solid waste properly and safely. (Daily)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Work Type: Intermediate, exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Climbing/Balancing: Climb inclines, uneven surfaces, balance required
• Walking/Running: Moderate amount of walking
• Stooping/Bending: Frequent
• Stand/Sit: Sit about 10% of the time
• Reaching: Continuous, overhead 10% of the time, horizontal 90% of the time
• Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions
• Color Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions
• Hearing: Seldom perceive nature of sounds by ear
• Speech: Seldom express ideas by means of spoken words
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Minimal, able to walk, push carts and work levers
• Manual Dexterity: Minimal, able to use shovels, rakes, brooms, clutch and levers

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Inside/Outside: Primarily work inside
• Cold/Heat: Primarily controlled
• Wet/Dry: Primarily controlled
• Noise/Vibrations: Heavy packer and truck noise
• Hazards: Exposure to traffic safety and dump areas
• Fumes/Dust/Odors: Exposure to dust, garbage odors and minimum exposure to fumes
• Infectious Diseases: Moderate exposure

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Ability to listen and apply information and instructions.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of eighth grade and experience in manual labor work. Valid Nebraska Driver’s License or ability to secure adequate transportation to and from work.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

None.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND WORK AIDS USED

Conveyor sorting line, bobcats, forklifts, welders, crushers, grinders, shovels, rakes, brooms, and balers.

REMARKS

The above position description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily describe all of his/her duties.