Lead Operator

Who we are For more than 40 years, Reworld has been a leader in sustainable waste solutions, providing our customers with innovative solutions that help them achieve carbon-negative outcomes. Our Vision Reworld is leading the charge to a carbon-negative future through revolutionary sustainable materials management solutions that reduce, reuse, recycle and reimagine waste for the benefit of society and the environment. Our Business Reworld partners with businesses by offering cutting-edge engineering and innovative solutions, to help customers reduce, reuse, recycle and recover value from waste streams and meet or exceed their sustainability goals. Our Value Reworld's differentiator comes from our ecosystem of technology, facilities and partnerships, trusted by the world’s largest organizations to reimagine waste management for a smarter, more sustainable world. All that we’re missing is you. Apply today! About the role Lead Operator is responsible for overseeing daily operations within their assigned area, ensuring work is completed efficiently, safely, and according to company standards. This role acts as a bridge between frontline workers and supervisor/management, providing leadership, guidance, and support to team members while maintaining a hands-on approach to operations. Key Responsibilities: • Lead and coordinate the daily activities of assigned personnel. • Assign tasks and monitor performance to ensure productivity, quality, and safety goals are met. • Serve as a “working” lead—actively participating in job duties alongside team members. I.E. – run mobile equipment or processing equipment as needed to meet production goals. • Train and mentor employees on job functions, safety protocols, and operational procedures. • Communicate effectively with supervisor regarding progress, challenges, and resource needs. • Ensure proper use of equipment, tools, and materials. • Monitor attendance, performance, and behavior of team members; report issues to Supervisor/management. • Assist in evaluating workflow, suggesting process improvements to enhance efficiency. • Maintain a safe and organized work environment in compliance with company and regulatory standards. • Complete shift reports, logs, or other documentation as required. • Performs additional tasks as directed by the Shift Supervisor. Safety & Compliance: • Always wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including: o Hard hat o Safety glasses o Hearing protection o Gloves o Steel-toe boots o Dust mask (full-face respirator) o Long-sleeved shirt • Strictly adhere to all Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) safety procedures. • Assist with conveyor line operations by sorting materials into designated bins. • Support general housekeeping efforts to maintain clean, safe work areas around equipment and throughout the facility. • Demonstrate consistent attendance and maintain a high standard of safety and job performance. Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED required Technical training or associate degree preferred, or equivalent industrial experience Minimum 1+ year of experience in metals or industrial plant operations Prior experience in a lead or informal leadership role preferred • Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. • Ability to work independently and make decisions under pressure. • Proficient in basic computer systems and documentation. • Ability to lift/move materials and stand for extended periods • Fluent in both English and Spanish a plus. • Reasonably available for call-ins outside of the normal work schedule Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Working knowledge of plant equipment, processes, and operating procedures Demonstrated ability to train and mentor team members Strong commitment to safety and operational excellence Ability to follow direction while also exercising sound judgment in day-to-day operations Effective communication and teamwork skills Basic problem-solving skills and ability to escalate issues appropriately Ability to work in industrial conditions, including heat, dust, noise, and vibration Work Environment: • Indoor/outdoor/warehouse/manufacturing environment • May be exposed to noise, dust, and temperature changes. • Must be available to work shift , weekends, holidays, overtime, as needed • Must have the ability to work wearing PPE and comply with all site safety requirements In addition to salary, this role is eligible for benefits. The benefits would include medical, prescription drug, vision, and dental plans; 401(k) plan; paid parental leave; paid time off; and paid holidays. Additional details are available at For additional information, refer to the Pay Transparency section below. All Reworld positions require a candidate's ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the role while upholding Reworld's Values, including (but not limited to) contributing to a safe and inclusive workplace, delivering results through trust, and building breakthrough capabilities. Please note that Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills. Pay Transparency Reworld is committed to paying its staff equitably, and we strive to provide competitive compensation and benefits packages. The range below reflects Reworld’s reasonable estimate of base pay for this role based on primary posting location. It is expected that most qualified candidates in this location will fall within the posting range. The final salary offered for this role will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to: experience, education, geographic location, skills and competencies, travel requirements and/or union contracts (if applicable). Pay ranges are reviewed from time to time and may be modified in the future. The pay range for the primary location of this position is: $66,000.00 - $87,900.00 USD. For hourly roles, this is the annualized salary. To calculate the hourly rate, divide by 2080. Our DEI Commitment Reworld is an Equal Opportunity Employer, has developed an Affirmative Action Program (AAP), and will not discriminate against any qualified applicants because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability (including perceived disability, physical, mental, and/or intellectual disabilities), veteran status, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or any other characteristic protected by law. Know Your Rights (Click to view poster) If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site because of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by going to Reworldwaste.com and clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ button. Under Inquires, select ‘Careers’ in the Interest field, fill out all required fields including your message. In the message section, please note this is a ‘Job Application Accommodation Request’. Attention Staffing Agencies & Search Firms Reworld may sometimes selectively collaborate with staffing agencies and search firms (Agencies). Reworld will only consider candidates from Agencies with whom a signed agreement and a duly authorized work order (for a specific role) has been duly executed. Any unsolicited candidate submissions or candidate submissions from Agencies that do not meet these criteria, will be deemed invalid and ineligible for any fees. Reworld™, formerly known as Covanta, is a leader in sustainable waste solutions and is dedicated to transforming waste into valuable resources through innovative technologies. With a comprehensive portfolio of solutions designed to address the most complex challenges of waste management, Reworld™ is committed to achieving carbon-negative outcomes and supporting partners on their sustainability journey. Others see waste. We see potential. Led by the promise of what’s possible, we partner with businesses and communities to reimagine what waste can do. Together, we transform refuse into a resource, steadfast in our determination to go beyond net zero, for the good of our people, our communities, and the planet we all depend on. Rooted in communities, with support across North America Our expansive geographical footprint gives us the large-scale resources to effectively support both our customers and the communities in which we live and work. Working together to find the beginning at every endpoint Ours is a diverse group, with a wide range of skills and expertise. We are passionate about our mission to do more and to do better through innovative value creation. No matter where we come from, we’re here to put our efforts toward building a smarter, more sustainable world. Dedicated to redefining what’s possible with waste When you work with us, you’ll find a hard-working team of collaborators united by our passion for protecting people, the planet, and the promise of a more sustainable future. For more information: Visit