Operations Manager

April 16, 2026

Annual Salary Range: $106,702.93 – $161,397.75

Ramsey Washington Recycling & Energy (R&E) is searching for an Operations Manager to provide technical, administrative and operational support for the R&E Center.

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 R&E Center in Newport, Minnesota. R&E’s vision is vibrant, healthy communities without waste. R&E accomplishes its mission through partnerships and innovation.

This position reports to the R&E Facility Director and will oversee and direct the work of staff and contractors to ensure the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the R&E Center; participate in the development and administration of the Facility Budgets and planning; and will be responsible for the overall operation of the Facility in the absence of the Facility Director

This is professional (exempt) work including, but not limited to, the following duties:

  • Promote a diverse, culturally competent and respectful workplace.
  • Lead effort to recommend, monitor, develop and update R&E Center standard operating policies and procedures.
  • Work with the Facility Director to develop R&E Center operations schedules to meet operational and contractual requirements.
  • Assist with the day-to-day supervision of plant supervisors.
  • Work with the Facility Director and staff in the preparation and submittal of the annual operations budget.
  • Supervise the performance and activities of contractors involved in the operation of the facility.
  • Assist the Facility Director in the preparation of operating and capital budgets, and in the overall processing, operations and maintenance schedule for the facility.
  • As assigned, participate in the selection of consultants/contractors for R&E Center maintenance, operations and capital projects.
  • Work with Safety Coordinator to ensure facility staff and supervisors adhere to safety standards and address any failure to meet those standards.
  • Compile environmental data, develop and submit reports to the counties and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to keep the R&E Center in compliance with regulations. Renew licenses and permits as needed.
  • Manages and directs work for the following positions: Transportation Manager, Supply Chain Coordinator
  • Ensure proper reporting and disposal of hazardous waste.
  • Process storm water samples quarterly and ship to vendor for testing. Report findings to the MPCA.
  • Act as primary liaison for contracted service providers for cameras, uniforms, janitorial, lawn/snow service, pest control, etc, to ensure effective servicing and maintenance that support facility operations.
  • Act as back-up for the Transportation Manager.
  • Make operational decisions in the absence of the Facility Director.
  • May make presentations to, or answer questions from, the R&E Board in the absence of the Facility Director.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Facility Director.

 

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

Strong applicants will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of management, and experience in the supervision of staff.
  • Knowledge of solid waste resource recovery planning, and engineering concepts and practices.
  • Knowledge of accepted standards, principles and practices as applied or related to the operation and maintenance of a solid waste resource recovery facility.
  • Knowledge of OSHA regulations.
  • Knowledge of public decision-making processes and policy development.
  • Knowledge of finance, capital and operations budgeting, and the ability to oversee the facility budget.
  • Knowledge of the specific laws, policies, and procedures related to managing and directing a refuse derived fuel facility.
  • Skill in establishing effective working relationships with vendors, staff, elected boards, unions, customers, regulatory agencies, consultants, the media, business community and the public.
  • Skill in analyzing operational needs and developing solutions to meet those needs.
  • Skill in analyzing technical information and preparing options for consideration.
  • Skill in Microsoft Office programs.
  • Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to plan, prioritize, manage, and exercise independent judgement.
  • Ability to manage various projects simultaneously, both directly and indirectly (through other staff), and to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to function in fluid, ambiguous situations.
  • Ability to work within cross-jurisdictional and/or interdepartmental teams to manage and implement complicated work projects.

 

Preferred Education and Experience

Education:      Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business or public administration, operations management, environmental health or science, or a closely related field.

Experience:     Experience in a union environment. Experience in waste management. Experience in an industrial setting. Five (5) years or more of progressive responsibility in operational management with some experience in employee management and supervision, consultants/contractors oversight and direction, and managing operating budgets and capital projects.

Substitution:  A master’s degree in one of the identified fields may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

 

Minimum Education and Experience

Education:      High School diploma, GED or equivalent

Experience:     A combination of post-secondary education and operational management experience equaling at least six (6) years.

 

Licensure/Certifications

A valid Class D driver’s license is required.

 

Job Description

A detailed job description can be found here: Operations Manager

 

Benefits

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

 

Posting Timeframe

Applicants should respond promptly as the posting will close on May 8, 2026 with initial review of applications and supplemental questions to follow.

 

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 job application
  2. Thoroughly answer all Supplemental Questions
  3. Send job application and supplemental questions to Human Resources by emailing completed application and supplemental questions to HR@recyclingandenergy.org.

 

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.