Recycling Technician

Vanderbilt University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University is seeking a Recycling Technician to support campus recycling and waste management. You will interact with Faculty, Staff, and students, ensuring proper diversion, recycling, and disposal of wastes across the campus.

The role requires attention to detail, reliable self-management, and regular interaction with the Campus Waste and Recycling Manager. Typical hours are 6:30 am to 3:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, with potential extra hours as needed.

Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to stand, bend, lift, and carry items for extended periods.
• Follow written and verbal instructions with accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Check recycling dumpsters and notify when attention is needed.
• Collect recycling from indoor and outdoor containers.
• Perform daily time logging for work orders.
• Assist with special events like Move-In/Move-Out and Earth Day.
• Operate and maintain recycling equipment and vehicles as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Physical stamina

Attention to detail

Customer service

Self-motivation

Education

High school diploma

Valid driver license

Job description

Position Summary

The Recycling Technician is part of Vanderbilt University Maintenance and Operations (VUMO) and is a key individual responsible for supporting and executing the mission of the recycling and waste management programs. This position works to ensure the implementation and maintenance of diversion, recycling, and proper disposal of wastes throughout campus. The Recycling Technician position requires a motivated individual with good attention to details and a self-directed sense of ownership in their work. Reporting directly to the Campus Waste and Recycling Manager, the Recycling Technician is the customer service representative for the programs and interacts directly with Faculty, Staff, and students at all levels daily.

WORKING HOURS: 6:30 am to 3:00 p.m. – Tuesday – Saturday

Must be available to work additional hours as needed

About The Work Unit

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Real Estate, Facilities, and Development at Vanderbilt University is committed to upholding the University’s vision by excelling in management, strategic initiatives, and operational success. The unit embodies the core values and mission of the university, working closely with key stakeholders to address complex issues that span across the University and its affiliates as well as coordinating with the Board of Trustees on complex and cross-institutional issues. Each member of the team is crucial in executing the strategic initiatives and advancing the university through strategic partnerships to strategically managing growth, optimizing campus resources and ensuring that infrastructure supports Vanderbilt’s evolving academic and research needs and its vision to become the world’s best-run university.

VUMO is part of the Facilities Department which reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor & Chief Facilities Officer. VUMO provides maintenance, cleaning, and other ancillary services for six million square feet of academic, laboratory, administrative, residential, and recreational space, as well as power generation and thermal utilities for both Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The Grounds team cares for 330 acres including a registered arboretum and SEC athletic fields. VUMO’s annual budget exceeds $100 million and includes over 500 employees.

Facilities is part of the Vanderbilt University Real Estate, Facilities, and Development organization which works collaboratively to build, maintain, manage and operate campus infrastructure in a sustainable and cost-efficient manner to support the overarching academic mission and goals of the university.

Key Functions And Expected Performance

• Check recycling dumpsters and compactors; notify appropriate person when attention is needed
• Collect recycling from indoor and outdoor containers as per regular notes.
• Make extra pickups as needed/requested
• Complete daily time log for work order system
• CollCollect, flatten and place cardboard in recycling containers
• Safely sort materials when bins are contaminated
• Collect recycling from residential recycling areas
• Collect light bulbs, battery, and/or glass buckets from designated areas
• Collect ink cartridges at bins on route and place them in collection bins
• Collect electronics for recycling and transport to appropriate locations
• Assist Recycling Coordinator with new bin placements or bin location adjustments
• Clean and wipe down dirty bins as needed
• Re-sticker bins as needed
• Assist with retrieving items from storage or taking items to storage
• Assist with special events such as Move-In, Move-Out, Earth Day, Commencement, etc.
• Collect packing materials and transport them to warehouse
• Relocate glass bins for service by vendor
• Collect large, bulk amounts of recyclables and transport directly to vendors using pickup or other large trucks
• Operate and trouble shoot compactors
• Attend safety training
• Assist with snow removal
• Operate and perform operator maintenance level to assigned vehicle
• Event Support
• Assist with grounds keeping
• Other duties related to classification

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Campus Waste and Recycling Manager.

Education And Certifications

• High School Diploma is necessary
• Valid Driver License is required; must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records

Experience And Skills

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, use email and other forms of electronic communications, and complete basic calculations
• Ability to stand, stoop, bend, climb, lift and carry items for extended periods of time
• Ability to accurately follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to communicate with empathy, and understand the other parties’ perspective
• Push, pull, lift and carry at least 50 pounds regularly and repeatedly
• Thorough knowledge of the Vanderbilt Campus
• Ability to work in various weather conditions including hot, cold, and wet conditions