Maintenance Foreman

Job Summary

The Foreman supervises and coordinates the activities of employees engaged in the loading, unloading, sorting, processing, storage, and transfer of recyclable materials, including scrap metal, plastics, and glass, in an outdoor recycling facility. This position ensures safe, efficient operations while maintaining productivity, quality standards, and compliance with company policies and safety regulations.

Major Job Responsibilities/Duties 

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinate and supervise employees involved in the receipt, handling, processing, and shipment of recyclable materials.
• Plan and allocate the use of material handling equipment, including conveyors, cranes, loaders, forklifts, tractors, and trucks.
• Monitor workflow and production activities to ensure operational efficiency and productivity goals are met.
• Direct and oversee recordkeeping related to materials received, processed, and shipped.
• Inspect incoming materials and verify associated documentation and invoices.
• Enforce all company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate job assignments, work schedules, and performance expectations to employees.
• Train, coach, and motivate employees to achieve operational and safety objectives.
• Maintain accurate timekeeping, attendance, and production records.
• Coordinate activities with other supervisors and departments to ensure smooth operations.
• Perform operational duties as needed to support business requirements.
• Identify, report, and assist in correcting safety hazards, hazard identifications (HAZ IDs), near misses, and unsafe conditions.
• Direct customers, vendors, and visitors to designated and safe unloading areas.
• Ensure housekeeping standards are maintained throughout the facility.
• Promote a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Job Qualifications

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in the recycling, scrap metal, manufacturing, industrial, transportation, or related industry.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments and in all weather conditions.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Basic computer skills and experience maintaining operational records preferred.

 Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle, grasp, or feel objects, and communicate effectively. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must:

• Regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The employee works primarily in an outdoor recycling facility and is regularly exposed to moving mechanical equipment, heavy machinery, vehicle traffic, varying weather conditions, noise, dust, dirt, vibrations, and other environmental conditions commonly associated with industrial and recycling operations. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times in designated areas.