Waste Abatement Technician - Recycling Center

Recognized as one of the best places to work in Southeast Minnesota for three consecutive years, at Olmsted County every role helps to foster a vibrant community where everyone thrives. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, driving public service excellence and community well-being.

We don’t just offer a job, we offer a career filled with purpose, growth, and fulfillment. Our benefits package ensures your wellbeing, while career advancement opportunities and professional development empower you to reach your full potential.

Join us, and you'll be part of a purpose-driven team where your work truly makes a difference. Together, we build a sustainable, healthy, and welcoming community.

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

Nature of Work

Under supervision, performs work in the operation of the regional hazardous waste program, and recycling center, and composting site according to county, state, and federal regulations, and guidelines. Collects and processes hazardous, problem, and recycling materials. Performs routine maintenance and repairs for the Hazardous Waste and Recycling Center facilities and equipment. Performs cleaning activities within the Waste Abatement complex. Assists other waste abatement areas as needed. Supports a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

Examples of Work

• Operates baler, forklift, and skid loader in waste abatement areas to move and process materials.
• Assesses customer waste loads and determine the price needed for disposal of waste. Processes payments from customers including cash, check, and credit card.
• Performs activities to reuse materials and products.
• Loads and unloads semi-trucks that are docked using a forklift.
• Collects and transports recyclable materials from various public buildings to the County Recycling Center.
• Receives, assesses, and assists customers in disposing of their garbage, recycling materials, and special wastes in the right location and containers.
• Performs cleaning and routine maintenance.
• Provides technical assistance to the public using all available media.
• Places reusable items in a product reuse area.
• Performs emergency response procedures.
• Performs work in the scale house. 
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of a variety of potentially hazardous products, their chemical properties, and their environmental effects.
• Knowledge of DOT and MPCA regulations for hazardous wastes.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations for proper management and transportation of hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of Emergency Response Procedures.
• Skill in the use of computers and technology including Microsoft based computer data management, record keeping, and report generation.
• Skill in the use of basic business math.
• Skill in safely operating stationary and mobile equipment.
• Ability to physically move collected waste and materials to proper storage areas.
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to determine and perform reuse, recycle, treatment, and testing on potentially hazardous materials.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to successfully complete applicable training programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and provide good customer service.
• Ability to read and interpret safety labels.

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.