Plant Laborer

July 25, 2025

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 $25.71 per hour. R&E also offers shift differential payment of $2.25 per hour when working the overnight shift. This position is also eligible for a $1000 bonus after completion of 30 days of employment and another $1000 bonus after completion of 3 months of 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 position is a union position and will likely be assigned to the overnight shift.

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.

A detailed job description can be found here.

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.

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

To Apply

Position will remain open until filled.

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

Note: Please submit all attachments (e.g., resume, cover letter, portfolio) in PDF format to ensure documents are readable and can be thoroughly reviewed.

The application is a fillable PDF. Click here to learn how to use fillable PDFs. You may also print the application and complete it.

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.