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Waste Handler Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Department Solid Waste Classification Grade 8 Reports to Solid Waste Supervisor Solid Waste ... handler, horizontal grinder), including empty transfer station dumpsters; unload and load trucks ...

Department Solid Waste Classification Grade 7 Reports to Solid Waste Supervisor Solid Waste ... handler, horizontal grinder), including empty transfer station dumpsters; unload and load trucks ...

Department Solid Waste Classification Grade 7 Reports to Solid Waste Supervisor Solid Waste ... handler, horizontal grinder), including empty transfer station dumpsters; unload and load trucks ...

Painter - 1st Shift

Dodge Center, MN ยท On-site

$20 - $28.34/hr

Participate in onboarding training and annual training related to being a hazardous waste handler as required by the EPA RCRA hazardous waste rules. This will include ability to understand what waste ...

Material Handler

Duluth, MN ยท On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

The Material Handler's primary responsibility is to provide support for the mill's production ... Operate trash compactors for waste disposal. * Maintain a safe and clean working environment by ...

Material Handler

Duluth, MN ยท On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

The Material Handler's primary responsibility is to provide support for the mill's production ... Operate trash compactors for waste disposal. * Maintain a safe and clean working environment by ...

Material Handler

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$17 - $20.50/hr

Material Handler Trafera is an industry leader in delivering innovative IT products and integrated ... waste removal, and organizing pallets for production use. The position plays a critical role in ...

Hyperbaric Technician

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$27.57 - $34.75/hr

May function as a Hazardous Waste Handler, including properly identifying, segregating, and disposing of hazardous waste, ensures container integrity, knows emergency response procedures to spills ...

Material Handler (Beverly Location)

Eagan, MN ยท On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Material Handler Monday through Friday 7AM to 3:30PM. Job Summary: The Material Handler, under the ... waste products. * Depending on plant (Wood, PVC or Rail), may assist Receiving Department in ...

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Waste Handler information

What is a waste handler?

Waste handlers are professionals responsible for collecting, transporting, sorting, and disposing of various types of waste, including household, industrial, and hazardous materials. Their work ensures that waste is managed safely and efficiently to protect public health and the environment. Waste handlers often work with specialized equipment and follow strict safety protocols to handle materials properly. They may also be involved in recycling and resource recovery processes.

What is the difference between Waste Handler vs Waste Collector?

AspectWaste HandlerWaste Collector
CertificationsOSHA training, safety certificationsOSHA training, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, waste processing plants, recycling centersResidential, commercial, and industrial areas
Job DutiesHandling, sorting, and processing waste materialsCollecting waste from designated routes
Industry UsageManufacturing, recycling facilitiesMunicipal waste collection services

Waste Handlers and Waste Collectors both work in waste management but have different roles. Waste Handlers focus on processing and managing waste at facilities, while Waste Collectors are responsible for collecting waste from various locations. Both roles require safety certifications and are essential in maintaining sanitation and environmental standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a waste handler?

To thrive as a Waste Handler, you need a basic understanding of waste management procedures, safety regulations, and physical stamina, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with material handling equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and sometimes certifications like HAZWOPER are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are essential soft skills for maintaining safety and efficiency. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure proper disposal, protect public health, and comply with environmental regulations.

What are the typical safety protocols that waste handlers need to follow during their daily work?

Waste Handlers are required to adhere to strict safety protocols, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and safety boots to prevent exposure to hazardous materials. They must follow proper procedures for sorting, transporting, and disposing of different types of waste to minimize health and environmental risks. Regular training on handling hazardous or infectious materials is common, and adherence to OSHA or local regulatory guidelines is essential. These protocols are reinforced through team meetings and on-site supervision to ensure everyone's safety.
What are popular job titles related to Waste Handler jobs in Minnesota? For Waste Handler jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Waste Handler jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Waste Handler jobs in Minnesota are:
Infographic showing various Waste Handler job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Solid Waste Operator I

Hubbard County

Park Rapids, MN โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Department Solid Waste
Classification Grade 8
Reports to Solid Waste Supervisor
Solid Waste Administrator
Solid Waste Operator-Lead
Unit IUOE Local No. 49-Solid Waste
Supervises N/A
FLSA Status Non-exempt
Position Description
Service a route for collection and deliveries of recyclables and organics, including loading, unloading, and sorting. Responsible for accepting and properly disposing of incoming waste to the Hubbard County transfer stations, household hazardous waste areas, demolition landfill areas, reuse center, and recycling center. Maintain buildings, equipment, and grounds of the facilities. Follow state and federal regulatory compliance and guidelines for the facilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Service a route for collection of recyclables and organics including loading, unloading and sorting.
  • Haul recyclables, organics, municipal solid waste (MSW), household hazardous waste (HHW), and other materials as needed.
  • Accept incoming recyclables, waste; inspect loads, including identifying HHW; assist with unloading.
  • Properly sort, bale, and store recyclables in designated areas and containers; sort, store or package, document quantities and type of HHW, including electronics, lights, batteries, and prepare for shipment; sort and track materials for reuse, assist with loading and distribution of reuse materials.
  • Communicate with the public, businesses, and recycling facilities regarding pickups, deliveries, shipments; direct traffic to appropriate sites for disposal of waste, recycling, HHW, and reuse.
  • Charge contractors and out-of-county users fees and issue Provide customer service in person, by telephone, or email.
  • Operate the weigh scale, including processing tickets and payments.
  • Operate heavy/off-road equipment (packer truck, hook-lift truck, compactor, baler, backhoe, dozer, loader, semi, forklift, skid steer, telehandler, material handler, horizontal grinder), including empty transfer station dumpsters; unload and load trucks; compact, cover and slope demolition waste.
  • Maintain heavy off-road equipment, including detailed service, maintenance, and inspection logs on all equipment and fueling stations (diesel, propane, ).
  • Maintain facilities buildings and grounds, including snow removal, building upkeep, general cleaning, mowing, weed whipping, etc. and recycling areas (scrap metal, tires, fluorescent tubes, waste oil/filters, concrete, brush, electronics).

Qualifications and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Minimum qualifications
  • High school graduate or equivalent and 2 years work experience operating heavy equipment (i.e. compactor, baler, backhoe, dozer, loader, garbage truck, semi, forklift, skid steer, telehandler, material handler, hook-lift truck) and mechanical background; Or 4 years work experience operating heavy equipment (i.e. compactor, baler, backhoe, dozer, loader, garbage truck, semi, forklift, skid steer, telehandler, material handler, hook-lift truck) and mechanical background.
  • Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brakes; Or Class B CDL and must obtain Class A CDL with air brakes within 6 months of hire.
  • Successfully pass a pre-placement screen, contingent upon a job
  • Successfully pass a pre-placement-controlled substance test (under the Federal Drug and Alcohol Testing law) and completion of Release of Information 49 CFR Part 40 (40.25, as amended) 301, contingent upon a job offer.
  • Obtain Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Type III Solid Waste Facility Operator Certification within 6 months of
  • Complete OSHA Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) training within 1 year of hire

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge: General maintenance of heavy and light equipment. Area of operation and familiarity with roads and highways. Hazardous waste identification and handling. Adhere to all laws, statutes, policies and rules with the essential level of confidentiality and safety required of the position.
Skills: Work safely using heavy equipment around public traffic. Record keeping for load documentation, billing, receipts, maintenance records, etc. Proficient in using automated systems relevant to the position. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all stakeholders relevant to the position. Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills, accuracy, and problem solving.
Abilities: Work a flexible schedule. Work in heavy traffic areas, extreme weather conditions, fast-paced environment, independently. Complete job tasks in a timely manner with frequent interruptions, multi-task, detail oriented. Establish and maintain effective working relationships. Follow established procedures and directives from supervisors.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Class A CDL with air
  • MPCA Type III Solid Waste Facility Operator
  • OSHA HAZMAT training
  • Work experience, beyond the minimum qualification, operating heavy equipment (i.e. compactor, baler, backhoe, dozer, loader, garbage truck, semi, forklift, skid steer, telehandler, material handler, hook-lift truck, horizontal grinder) and mechanical background.
  • Forklift certification.

Physical Requirements
To view the Functional Job Analysis, click here.
Note (Management Right)
The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. Regular attendance on the job and the performance of other duties as assigned are required. The County retains the discretion to add or change the contents of this position description at any time.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.