Position Summary

The eWaste Recycling Lead provides day-to-day operational oversight of Free Geek Twin Cities' electronics recycling operations. This hands-on role is responsible for ensuring that all donated electronics are processed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations. 

Operations Oversight & Process Improvement

• Provide supervision of Volunteers, Contractors and/or Green Corps Members.
• Direct daily workflows to ensure efficient movement of recycling, and material routing.
• Identify, develop, document, and implement operational process improvements across the recycling lifecycle.
• Establish standardized operating procedures that improve efficiency, safety, compliance, and productivity.
• Serve as the primary recycling liaison between facility staff, executive leadership, vendors, regulators, and community partners.
• Participate in strategic planning related to recycling operations and facility improvements.

Environmental Compliance, Safety & Responsible Recycling

• Maintain knowledge of current federal, state, county, and local regulations governing electronic waste and hazardous materials, including applicable Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Hennepin County requirements.
• Ensure all electronic waste and hazardous materials are handled, stored, transported, and disposed of in accordance with all applicable regulations and industry best practices.
• Maintain all required manifests, disposal records, regulatory documentation, and compliance reports.
• Coordinate and oversee certified recycling vendor pickups while ensuring proper documentation and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Maintain Free Geek Twin Cities' standing as a responsible and environmentally compliant recycler.
• Support regular safety inspections, ensure proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and support the Facilities and Operations Manager in enforcing all workplace safety procedures.

Inventory Management, Reporting & Data Analysis

• Maintain accurate inventory systems for inbound and outbound electronic materials.
• Collect recycling tonnage, quality, and processing data from incoming donations. Develop standard operating procedures (SOP’s).
• Compile operational statistics and evaluate recycling program effectiveness and costs.
• Prepare monthly statistical and narrative reports for leadership and regulatory agencies.
• Maintain accurate recycling records, invoices, manifests, and vendor documentation.

Supervisory and Training 

• Supervise, mentor and coach volunteers, contractors and/or Green Corps Members  while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Design and delive onboarding and training programs for staff and volunteers covering operational procedures, environmental compliance, workplace safety, equipment operation, and best practices for handling and processing electronic waste.
• Advise staff on responsible recycling procedures and ensure consistent adherence to organizational standards.
• Collaborate with the Education Team to develop educational materials and public information related to responsible electronics recycling.

Facility & Equipment Operations

• Actively participate in daily warehouse and recycling operations as needed.
• Move processed electronic waste from the recycling room to designated storage locations.
• Maintain organized, safe, and efficient warehouse, garage, and recycling workspaces.
• Monitor storage capacity and ensure materials are staged for efficient processing and vendor pickup.
• Maintain equipment and ensure safe operating procedures are followed throughout the facility.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience supervising diverse teams within production, warehouse, recycling, manufacturing, or industrial environments.
• Proven success implementing measurable operational improvements that increased efficiency, safety, regulatory compliance, or productivity.
• Experience supervising vendor relationships and coordinating contracted recycling services.
• Strong knowledge of electronic waste recycling, hazardous materials handling, environmental regulations, and recycling best practices.
• Exceptional organizational and project management abilities.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify operational challenges and implement sustainable solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers, leadership, vendors, regulators, and community partners.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to regulatory compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Environmental Science, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in recycling, scrap metal, electronics processing, heavy industrial operations, warehouse management, or related industries preferred.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience of operational teams.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move materials weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the workday.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Valid Minnesota Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.
• Experience operating forklifts, pallet jacks, dollies, and other material handling equipment.