Processor I
Recycle Ann Arbor is searching for a Recycling Processor to join our growing team. Recycle Ann Arbor is a mission-driven Zero Waste organization whose mission is to develop and operate innovative reuse, recycling, and zero-waste programs that improve the environmental quality of our community. As a Mission Based Non-Profit Organization, our annual budget is $8.5M, almost entirely generated by earned income from Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) recycling processing services, Recycling Curbside Collection Services, Recycling Drop Off Services and C&D (Construction & Demolition) Recovery Services.
If you’re someone who enjoys working outdoors, likes staying active, and takes pride in helping people—this role could be a great fit for you.
Benefits:
Pay 20.10 per hour
Full-Time Union position
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
5% 401(k) match
Employer-paid life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability
Voluntary critical illness, accident, and pet insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Mission-driven impact: Every day you help divert materials from landfills and support a circular economy.
Great team environment: You’ll join a group of people who care about the work and each other.
Stability & benefits: Full-time union position with strong, reliable benefits.
Growth + training: Learn new skills, including equipment operation (training provided).
At Recycle Ann Arbor, we don’t just process materials—we serve the public.
You’ll be the first point of contact for many customers, and your role is key to making their experience smooth, safe, and welcoming. That means:
Greeting customers with a friendly, helpful attitude
Answering questions clearly and respectfully
Helping customers unload materials safely
Resolving concerns with patience and professionalism
Creating a site environment where people feel supported and confident
Bottom line: You help make recycling easy and positive for everyone who walks through our doors
Assist customers with questions and help unload materials
Sort and process recyclable materials efficiently and accurately
Assess incoming materials for quantity and composition
Operate point-of-sale systems, scales, and cash handling systems
Prepare materials, bins, and trucks for shipment
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
Safely operate machinery and equipment (training provided)
Complete opening and closing procedures as assigned
Communicate clearly using handheld radios
Support special projects and team initiatives
We’re not just checking boxes—we’re looking for people who show up with the right mindset.
You’ll thrive here if you:
Enjoy working with people and providing excellent customer service
Are comfortable being active and working outdoors in all weather
Communicate clearly and professionally with a diverse customer base
Can work independently while being a strong team player
Stay flexible and adapt to changing conditions
Take pride in doing things safely and correctly
Helpful experience (not required):
1–3 years in recycling, waste, or a related industry
Experience working outdoors in varying conditions
Comfort with basic math and cash handling
This role is hands-on and physically active. You’ll be:
Standing, walking, bending, and lifting throughout your shift
Working in extreme temperatures and weather conditions
Occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds
Using hands, arms, and equipment frequently
Safety is always a top priority, and you’ll receive the training you need to do the job well and safely.
If you’re excited by meaningful work, enjoy helping people, and want to be part of something bigger than yourself—we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and help us build a zero-waste future—one truck, one load, one customer at a time.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Ability to work independently, yet within and contribute to, a teamwork environment.
Ability to operate a cash register and do basic math.
Possess excellent communication skills; be able to converse with a diverse customer base
Exceptionally demonstrated customer service skills.
Maintain a professional appearance and attitude.
Be flexible and adaptable to change.
Ability to safely operate heavy equipment (training provided).
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Experience working outdoors, in extreme weather conditions, preferred
Minimum 1-3 years of experience in the recycling industry, preferred
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
Must be able to frequently navigate in and out of vehicles and equipment. This includes climbing in and out of vehicles and equipment, bending and twisting.
This position requires an individual to perform a variety of physical labor activities using all the departmental equipment either as a direct operator or assisting in the operation.
Works in strenuously physical conditions include extreme cold or heat, inclement weather, and night conditions for periods over eight hours.
Exposure to material and equipment that requires specific and detailed safety use to prevent physical injury to self and others.
In order to properly perform the integral functions of this job, the employee is frequently required to: stand, walk or sit, talk, hear, climb, balance, push, pull, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, bend. Also, the employee will frequently be required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects and to reach with hands and arms.
The employee occasionally will be required to lift objects or exert a force equal to that of 50 pounds.
Vision requirements for this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
