Manager, Waste, Recycle, and Fleet Operations

Columbia University Facilities & Operations; New York (NY); On-site; USD 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The Operations department at Columbia University Facilities & Operations maintains campus facilities and grounds across Morningside Heights and Manhattanville. The Manager, Waste Recycle & Fleet oversees waste logistics, with campus-wide duties including turf and planting area management and coordination with Grounds for high-quality landscapes.

This role requires NYC-certified pesticide applicator/technician status, strong administration skills, and the ability to work flexible hours for

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree is required.
• A minimum of 4 years related experience required.
• Minimum of five years of experience in waste logistics, and/or horticultural training is required.
• NYC-certified pesticide applicator or technician required.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours and shifts, including availability for weather‑related emergencies (e.g., snow), weekends, and holidays.
• Demonstrated experience in general administration, including fiscal responsibility, workflow, resource and inventory management, and personnel development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• In‑depth knowledge of plant care in an urban university environment.
• Knowledge in long‑term landscape development and habitat protection.

Responsibilities

• Oversee waste and recycling management in both academic and residential sites along with the snow removal strategy for the entire campus.
• Work closely with the Manager of Grounds in the care of lawns and landscapes, ensuring compliance with New York City and State regulations and codes.
• Assign and supervise daily tasks performed by the Grounds and Waste Management staff.
• Review staff performance and manage departmental record‑keeping, including payroll, overtime, and purchasing.
• Establish and maintain standards, policies, and procedures for staff work, ensuring adherence to University standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the NYDOS and assist with special events on campus.
• Work closely with the Director of Custodial Services to manage all waste routines.
• Support and manage special events on campus.
• Supervise the application of New York State restricted and non‑restricted pesticides as a NYS DEC Certified Pesticide Applicator or Technician (Categories 3(a) and any other categories deemed applicable to waste operations)
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Word & Excel

Waste logistics

Pesticide applicator

Staff supervision

Budget management

Resource management

Landscape knowledge

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $105,000 - $115,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The Operations department performs the regular services and repair work needed to maintain a clean, attractive, safe, and environmentally sound environment for the students, faculty, staff, and visitors of Columbia University. The group is responsible for maintaining all academic, administrative, and residence hall buildings as well as campus grounds for the Morningside Heights and Manhattanville campuses, Baker Athletics Complex and Nevis Laboratories. The Manager, Waste Recycle & Fleet is responsible for overseeing campus waste logistics along with the maintenance and management of existing turf and planting areas at the Morningside Campus. An expert in efficient sanitation and recycling programs, the Manager works closely with the Manager of Grounds to ensures high‑quality lawn and landscape upkeep.

Responsibilities

• Oversee waste and recycling management in both academic and residential sites along with the snow removal strategy for the entire campus.
• Work closely with the Manager of Grounds in the care of lawns and landscapes, ensuring compliance with New York City and State regulations and codes.
• Assign and supervise daily tasks performed by the Grounds and Waste Management staff.
• Review staff performance and manage departmental record‑keeping, including payroll, overtime, and purchasing.
• Establish and maintain standards, policies, and procedures for staff work, ensuring adherence to University standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the NYDOS and assist with special events on campus.
• Work closely with the Director of Custodial Services to manage all waste routines.
• Support and manage special events on campus.
• Supervise the application of New York State restricted and non‑restricted pesticides as a NYS DEC Certified Pesticide Applicator or Technician (Categories 3(a) and any other categories deemed applicable to waste operations)
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree is required.
• A minimum of 4 years related experience required.
• Minimum of five years of experience in waste logistics, and/or horticultural training is required.
• NYC-certified pesticide applicator or technician required.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours and shifts, including availability for weather‑related emergencies (e.g., snow), weekends, and holidays.
• Demonstrated experience in general administration, including fiscal responsibility, workflow, resource and inventory management, and personnel development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• In‑depth knowledge of plant care in an urban university environment.
• Knowledge in long‑term landscape development and habitat protection.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.