Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Operator
Position in Santa Cruz, CA
Key Information
- Employer: Waste Management (Hiring in Santa Cruz)
- Job Title: Material Recovery Facilityoperator (Gig/Contract)
- Based in: Santa Cruz, CA (a key business district)
- This Santa Cruz-based role is an excellent opportunity for professionals skilled in relevant skills.
- Our Waste Management team in Santa Cruz, CA is growing.
- Benefit from working in Santa Cruz, a key hub for the Recycling And Resource Recovery industry.
What You Get
- Salary: $24-$31/Hour (approx. $57.8k/Year)
- Benefits: A competitive compensation package is offered.
- Join our Santa Cruz team for this flexible role.
Responsibilities
- Apply your your professional skills skills at our Santa Cruz location.
Company Overview: Waste Management operates state-of-the-art Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) across North America that process hundreds of thousands of tons of recyclable commodities annually using advanced optical and mechanical sorting technology.
Position Summary & Responsibilities: As a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Operator, you oversee automated single-stream recycling lines, optical sorters, ballistic separators, and high-density baling machinery. You adjust conveyor line speeds, clear mechanical jams along screening decks, calibrate optical sensor channels, and monitor commodity purity standards for cardboard, paper, plastics, and metals. Additionally, you perform pre-shift machinery safety inspections, maintain clean plant work bays, and log daily bale counts into production databases. This position is 100% physical and strictly requires full on-site plant presence (no work-from-home options).
Qualifications & Benefits: High School Diploma or GED required; technical trade school certification is a plus. Requires 2+ years of experience operating machinery inside material recovery facilities, recycling centers, or high-volume industrial processing plants. Offers top market hourly base wages, performance bonuses, complete health/dental insurance, 401(k) company match, paid vacation, and career advancement paths into plant leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Material Recovery Facility Operator position pay at Waste Management?
This role offers a pay range of $24 - $31. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, shift, and location within Santa Cruz.
Where is this Material Recovery Facility Operator job located?
This position is based in Santa Cruz, CA. Waste Management has facilities throughout the region, but this specific opening is in Santa Cruz.
What benefits does Waste Management offer for this position?
Waste Management provides comprehensive benefits starting Day 1, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and employee assistance programs.
Does Waste Management provide training for new hires?
Yes, Waste Management provides comprehensive paid training for all new associates. This includes safety orientation, equipment operation certification, and role-specific process training.
What qualifications do I need for this Material Recovery Facility Operator role?
Most Material Recovery Facility Operator positions at Waste Management require a high school diploma or equivalent. Specific experience requirements vary by role. Check the full job description for details.
How do I apply for this Material Recovery Facility Operator position in Santa Cruz?
You can apply directly on this page by clicking the 'Apply Now' button. The application process is quick and typically takes just a few minutes. Waste Management reviews applications on a rolling basis.
