Recycling Technician

The University of Kansas

Lawrence (KS)

On-site

USD 34,000 - 46,000

Full time

1 hour ago
Be an early applicant

A complete application in a minute

Tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation
Sick leave
Holidays
Retirement plan
Medical & dental insurance
Life and disability insurance
Tuition assistance
EDTAS scholarship
Professional development

Job summary

The University of Kansas is seeking a Recycling Technician to collect, transport, and process campus recyclables to support sustainability goals. You will follow routes, operate balers/compactors, and respond to service requests, ensuring safe and efficient operations.

The role requires lifting up to 50 pounds, a valid driver’s license, and flexibility for overtime and overtime periods. Work is performed on campus with required vehicle operation.

Qualifications

  • Valid driver's license by time of hire.
  • Experience operating 1.5-ton box trucks, forklifts, and/or baling equipment.
  • Commitment to recycling and environmental sustainability.
  • Customer service, organization and leadership skills.
  • Experience in warehouse or materials handling.

Responsibilities

  • Perform campus-wide collection, transportation, and processing of recyclables to support sustainability goals.
  • Follow established routes and schedules for reliable recycling services.
  • Operate recycling equipment (compactors, balers) and process materials per procedures.
  • Monitor service requests and respond to inquiries to ensure timely support.

Skills

Valid driver's license
Physical stamina
Heavy lifting (50 lbs)
Flexible schedule
Overtime readiness

Tools

Box truck operation
Forklift operation
Commercial baling equipment

Job description

Position Overview

This position is responsible for the collection, transportation, and processing of recyclable materials across campus to support University sustainability goals. The position follows established collection routes and schedules, operates recycling equipment, and provides customer service by responding to service requests and addressing recycling-related needs. This position requires the operation of work-issued vehicles and equipment.

Work Schedule:

Monday to Friday, 6:00 am- 2:30 pm (some weekends may be required during high volume collection periods)

Center for Sustainability within KU Operations

works with campus units to provide healthy and safe learning and working spaces while also leading KU’s efforts to conserve resources and be more sustainable. KU Operations supports KU’s mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by providing the visible and behind-the-scenes services that make possible the university’s academic and research missions. This position requires the use of operating work issued vehicles.

Benefits
  • up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year
  • 96 hours of sick leave earned per year
  • nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day
  • a retirement program
  • medical & dental insurance
  • life and disability insurance
  • other benefit plan options
  • and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors
  • Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees
  • Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance
  • KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities.
Job Description
85% - Recycling Collection and Processing
  • Perform campus-wide collection, transportation, and processing of recyclable materials to support University sustainability goals.
  • Follow established collection routes and schedules to ensure efficient and reliable recycling services.
  • Operate recycling equipment, including compactors and commercial balers, and process materials in accordance with safety and operational procedures.
  • Monitor and respond to service requests and departmental communications to ensure timely customer service and issue resolution.
15% - Customer Service

Provide remarkable customer service to various departments across campus through interactions during recycling collections. Monitoring emails and service requests.

Position Requirements
  • Lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds frequently and the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds occasionally with or without accommodation.
  • Bend, stoop and/or kneel frequently.
  • Work overtime and a flexible schedule as needed.
  • Work under a variety of extreme temperature and weather.
Required Qualifications
  • A valid driver's license by time of hire and maintained throughout employment
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience operating any of the following equipment: 1.5-ton box truck, forklift, and/or a commercial baling equipment.
  • Knowledge of and familiarity with KU facilities, services, and processes as evidenced by application materials.
  • Commitment to recycling and environmental sustainability as evidenced by application materials and work history.
  • Experience providing customer service, organizational and leadership skills.
  • Experience working in a warehouse environment or materials handling.
Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete application will include the following:

  • Current contact information including email and phone number
  • Previous work experience including dates of employment
  • Name and contact information to three references

Resume/Cover letter is optional.

Review of applications will begin Monday, October 26th and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.
Contact Information to Applicants

Chris Alfers

chrisalfers@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

Starting at $40,000

Application Review Begins

Monday October 26, 2026

Anticipated Start Date

Monday November 16, 2026

Get your free, confidential resume review.

or drag and drop your file here.

Similar jobs

Similar jobs worth comparing

Recycling Technician
Recycling Technician

Center for Public Partnerships & Research • Topeka (KS)

On-site
USD 36,000 - 44,000
Recycling Technician
Recycling Technician

University of Kansas • Lawrence (KS)

On-site
USD 36,000 - 44,000
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
+2
Campus Recycling Technician — Route & Processing Pro
Campus Recycling Technician — Route & Processing Pro

University of Kansas • Lawrence (KS)

On-site
USD 36,000 - 44,000
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
+2
Campus Recycling & Logistics Technician
Campus Recycling & Logistics Technician

Center for Public Partnerships & Research • Topeka (KS)

On-site
USD 36,000 - 44,000
Custodian - Residential Day Shift (8:00am - 4:30pm)
Custodian - Residential Day Shift (8:00am - 4:30pm)

Center for Public Partnerships & Research • Topeka (KS)

On-site
USD 21,000 - 29,000
Custodian - (4pm - 12:30am)
Custodian - (4pm - 12:30am)

Center for Public Partnerships & Research • Topeka (KS)

On-site
USD 20,000 - 29,000
Recycling Specialist I
Recycling Specialist I

University of Central Florida • Orlando (FL)

On-site
USD 19,000 - 27,000
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
+8
Custodian - Residential Day Shift (8:00am - 4:30pm)
Custodian - Residential Day Shift (8:00am - 4:30pm)

The University of Kansas • Lawrence (KS)

On-site
USD 20,000 - 29,000
Paid vacation
Sick leave
Holidays
+4
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant

The University of Kansas • Lawrence (KS)

On-site
USD 36,000 - 44,000
Tuition assistance up to 12 credit per
Paid vacation
Sick leave
+5
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant

University of Kansas • Lawrence (KS)

On-site
USD 36,000 - 44,000
Paid vacation
Sick leave
Holidays
+5