Plant Laborer

July 20, 2026

Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy (R&E) has an opening for a full-time Plant Laborer at the Recycling & Energy Center (R&E Center) located in Newport, MN. Plant Laborers are responsible for cleaning and preparing the plant and production lines for safe and efficient operation.

R&E is a joint powers entity formed by Ramsey and Washington counties. R&E coordinates recycling and waste programs between the two counties, and owns and operates the Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy Center in Newport, Minnesota.

The starting salary for this position is $26.74 per hour. Upon successful completion of the 6-month probationary period, the hourly rate increases to $27.71. R&E also offers shift differential payment of $2.25 per hour when working the overnight shift. This position is also eligible for a $1,000 signing bonus after 30 days of active continuous employment and an additional $1,000 bonus after three months of active continuous employment.

As a Plant Laborer, your duties will include, but are not limited to:

  • Becoming thoroughly familiar with plant operating procedures
  • Performing general plant cleaning, which includes shoveling, sweeping, chiseling, and removing combustible dust
  • Removing litter from plant grounds
  • Operating a forklift and skid steer loader, in conjunction with clean-up duties
  • Performing fire watch duties
  • Assisting with trailer load-out functions
  • Starting and stopping the operation of plant machinery in conjunction with clean-up duties throughout the plant
  • Complying with R&E policies and procedures
  • Maintaining a safe work environment by using personal protective equipment, participating in safety training, and following safety procedures and adhering to all applicable SDSs

This is a union position, and the anticipated shift is overnight.

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify for this position you must possess a high school diploma or equivalent with post high school training a plus; have the ability to operate a fork lift, skid loader or similar equipment; be familiar with hydraulic equipment, air tools and various hand tools; possess a Class “D” driver’s license; be able to work from scaffolding and catwalks in high and confined areas; be able to work in a wide range of climatic conditions; be able to work on static rotating shift schedules, overtime, weekends and holidays as the needs of the plant dictate; have the physical dexterity to operate plant equipment in conjunction with clean-up duties; be able to lift up to 40 pounds; be able to lift and use a compressed air-powered chisel weighing 20 pounds for a period of one to three hours per shift; physically qualify for use of respirator equipment; be able to work well with others and possess good interpersonal skills. A positive attitude, good safety awareness and strong work ethic are additional success factors.

Must pass R&E Board physical examination and security screening. Positions in this job class are subject to drug, cannabis, and alcohol testing. Testing negative on required tests is a condition of employment.

Job Description

A detailed job description can be found here: Plant Laborer Job Description.

Benefits

Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer-paid life insurance, employer-paid short- and long-term disability insurance and tax-deferred compensation. Employees of Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy participate in the Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association (P.E.R.A.) pension plan. Both the employee and the employer make contributions in accordance with current legislative requirements.

A summary of benefits available to R&E union-represented employees can be found here: Union-Represented Summary of Benefits

Posting Timeframe

Position open until filled.

To Apply

All steps must be completed for an application to be considered. Please submit all attachments (e.g., resume, cover letter, portfolio) in PDF format to ensure documents are readable and can be thoroughly reviewed.  The job application and supplemental questions are both fillable-PDFs. Learn how to use fillable PDFs

1. Complete the employment application
2. Send job application to Human Resources through one of the following methods:

  • Email completed application to HR@recyclingandenergy.org, or
  • Mail or hand-deliver completed application to the R&E Center Human Resources Department at 100 Red Rock Road, Newport, MN 55055

Veterans’ Preference Scoring Points

All positions posted require an open and competitive selection process.  Application materials are first scored on training and experience and answers to supplemental questions (if applicable). If documentation is received to support Veterans’ Preference points, those points will be applied after application materials have been scored. Applicants who are eligible for veteran’s preference points should complete R&E’s Veterans’ Preference Form, update their veteran’s DD214 and other supporting documents, and submit them at the time of application.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy provides equal access to employment, programs and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, public assistance or national origin.