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Waste Management Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

3M

Wastewater Operator

Cottage Grove, MN · On-site

$22.75 - $31.25/hr

Wastewater Operator Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and ... Perform all hazardous waste management duties according to 3M waste management guidelines. This may ...

3M

Wastewater Operator

Cottage Grove, MN · On-site

$22.75 - $31.25/hr

Wastewater Operator Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and ... Perform all hazardous waste management duties according to 3M waste management guidelines. This may ...

3M

Wastewater Operator

Cottage Grove, MN · On-site

$22.75 - $31.25/hr

Wastewater Operator Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and ... Perform all hazardous waste management duties according to 3M waste management guidelines. This may ...

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All JobsWaste Management Operator JobsWaste Management Operator Jobs in Minnesota

Waste Management Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do waste management operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for waste management operator in Minnesota is $25.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.76 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a waste management operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Waste Management Operator, you need a solid understanding of waste handling procedures, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with heavy machinery, computerized tracking systems, and regulatory compliance software is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help operators work safely and efficiently in team settings. These skills ensure proper waste processing, compliance with environmental regulations, and the safety of both workers and the community.

What is a waste management operator?

Waste Management Operators are professionals responsible for the collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of waste materials. They ensure that waste is managed efficiently, safely, and in compliance with environmental regulations. Their duties may include operating specialized vehicles and equipment, segregating recyclable materials, and monitoring landfill or recycling facility operations. Waste Management Operators play a crucial role in protecting public health and the environment by minimizing pollution and promoting sustainable waste practices.

What is the difference between Waste Management Operator vs Waste Collection Driver?

AspectWaste Management OperatorWaste Collection Driver
CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), safety trainingCDL, safety training
Work EnvironmentLandfills, recycling centers, waste processing facilitiesResidential, commercial waste pickup routes
Employer & IndustryWaste management companies, municipalitiesWaste collection companies, municipalities

Waste Management Operators typically work in waste processing facilities and landfills, focusing on waste sorting and disposal. Waste Collection Drivers primarily operate trucks to collect waste from residential and commercial sites. Both roles require CDL licenses and safety training, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by waste management operators, and how can they be addressed?

Waste Management Operators often encounter challenges such as handling hazardous materials safely, maintaining equipment, and adhering to strict environmental regulations. To address these challenges, operators receive thorough safety training, use personal protective equipment, and follow detailed protocols for waste sorting and disposal. Regular equipment maintenance and teamwork with supervisors and environmental specialists help ensure operations run smoothly and safely. Staying updated on industry regulations and best practices is also essential for long-term success in the role.
What are popular job titles related to Waste Management Operator jobs in Minnesota? For Waste Management Operator jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Waste Management Operator jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Waste Management Operator jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Waste Management Operator jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Waste Management Operator job openings:
Waste Management Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waste Management Operator job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,128 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Systems Operator - Waste Management

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

Mayo Clinic rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 696 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

This position can be filled as a Systems Operator I or Systems Operator II
 

The responsibilities of this position assists with: 

  • guiding refuse through the combustion process;
  • operating all systems to ensure compliance with USEPA, MPCA, USDA and the city of Rochester regulations; 
  • adjusting refuse feed rates for optimal combustion efficiency, operating and monitoring the control panel to ensure the waste combustor, wet scrubber, WESP, wastewater treatment system, Urea, and caustic systems are functioning within their designed specifications and set-points;
  • emergencies, repairs and power outages;
  • ongoing checks on all systems using the computer operating system
  • operating the high pressure boiler to provide steam to the smoke eater and infectious waste sterilizers;
  • preventative maintenance and tasks as assigned;
  • improvement projects for all systems and material handling equipment;
  • record keeping on ash roll-offs, refuse deliveries, circular charts, customer regulated medical waste deliveries, regulated waste deliveries and daily log book;
  • loading and monitors the pathological waste combustor
     

Other responsibilities include:

  • Monitors the data acquisition system and assists with adjustments to comply with the operating permit.
  • Notifies SR Systems Operator of potential failures and provides technical and mechanical assistance for repairs and modifications of facility systems. 
  • Operates front end loader to stage refuse for the receiving conveyors and to clear the unloading area for the refuse trucks. 
  • Operates articulating material handlers to keep refuse pits flowing to the conveyance system. 
  • Operates fork-lift to dump ash and unload deliveries. 
  • Attends on and off-site training for new equipment, MPCA certification, electrical, safety and permit changes. 
  • Sanitizes waste carts, ensuring at least one load of sanitized carts is ready to return to the Clinic campus at all times. 
  • Performs miscellaneous housekeeping in and around the work area.
  • Requires the ability to work rotating shifts and overtime, as needed, including some weekends.
Why Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans - to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.

Benefits Highlights
  • Medical: Multiple plan options.
  • Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
  • Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
  • Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
  • Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.
Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is. 

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the "EOE is the Law".  Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Systems Operator I: High school diploma or equivalent. Completion of a 2-year facility or industrial maintenance degree or equivalency of 3-years of experience. Minnesota 2nd Class B Engineer License or achieve within 1 1/2 years of hire. Minnesota Waste Combustor Operator Certificate or achieve within 1 1/2 years of hire. BLS certification or achieve within 6 months of hire.

Requires general computer operating ability. Must be able to safely and comfortably handle regulated medical waste. Experience operating powered and un-powered hand tools. Operate a forklift, bobcat, front-end loader, articulating arm, floor scrubber and floor sweeper. 


Systems Operator II: High school diploma or equivalent. Completion of facility or industrial maintenance program degree or equivalency of 4 years of maintenance experience. 

Must be able to safely and comfortably handle regulated medical waste. Requires general computer operating ability. Experience repairing and maintaining electrical equipment, 3-phase motors, and industrial maintenance preferred. Ability to read and record data from gauges, meters, computer based data acquisition systems, test equipment and accurately interpret such data is strongly desired. Electrical license holders desired. Must be able to operate a forklift, bobcat, front-end loader, articulating arm, floor scrubber and floor sweeper. 

What Mayo Clinic employees say

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About Mayo Clinic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Mayo Clinic is the largest integrated, not-for-profit medical group practice in the world. We're building the future, one where the best possible care is available to everyone — and more people can heal at home. Our relentless research turns into earlier diagnoses and new cures. That's how we inspire hope in those who need it most. At Mayo Clinic, experts work together to solve the most challenging unmet needs of patients. Our history of innovation dates back almost 150 years, when brothers Will and Charlie Mayo pioneered an integrated, team-based approach to medicine. Today, that trailblazing spirit drives innovations like Mayo Clinic Platform — which powers new technologies to change how care is delivered to all.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, MN, US

Year founded

1919

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