Industrial Operations Associate

Casella Waste Systems, Inc.•Columbus, NE

14h•$18 - $22

About The Position

The Operations Associate is part of a team responsible for the daily monitoring and processing of materials to add value for customers. The role involves handling materials appropriately, processing recycling and production scrap, preparing shipments, and supporting safe and compliant operations. The position may require operating a 22-foot box truck or a truck with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. The Associate career path emphasizes strong attendance, safety, productivity, and customer service; knowledge of site materials and program needs; completion of role training; and the ability to perform basic job functions, plan daily work, prepare trailers to DOT requirements, complete paperwork, and separate materials. The Senior Associate path adds forklift certification and inspection capability, scrap-floor management, identifying and communicating leads and improvement opportunities, use of strategic account teams when relevant, and maintaining relationships with site contacts. The hiring range is $18.00–$22.00 per hour, based on experience.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
0–2 years of manufacturing experience.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Valid driver’s license.
Legally eligible to work in the United States.
Ability to lift 30 pounds frequently and 65 pounds several times a day.
Ability to stand for 8 hours and work extended hours if needed.
Excellent listening, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of equipment operation, such as forklifts, grinders, and box trucks.
Positive, team-oriented approach; strong work ethic; commitment to safety; customer focus; openness to training and development; and ability to balance attention to detail with a broader perspective.

Nice To Haves

6–12 months of equipment operations experience.
Knowledge of lockout/tagout procedures.
Ability to navigate and use Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

Operate industrial equipment such as bailers, forklifts, and grinders, as available at the location, and load recycling materials for collection and transportation.
Process production scrap, sort materials, and bale cardboard and plastic film.
Load finished products onto trailers and follow safe loading procedures.
Package food waste and recycling in appropriate containers that comply with transport regulations and disposal or recycling site acceptance requirements.
Attend safety training, report incidents and near misses, and wear personal protective equipment as needed to support workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
Create and manage shipping paperwork, including bills of lading, packing lists, trailer checklists, and waste manifests.
Generate packing lists for outbound loads and document the weights of items loaded onto trailers.
Communicate challenges or inquiries to the Operations Supervisor as needed.
Use workplace experience to develop and present ideas for program improvement.
Participate in training and other learning opportunities to expand knowledge of the company, products, sales, and services.
Perform other duties needed to support the company’s vision, mission, and core values.