Recycling Technician

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Sustainability within KU Operations is seeking a Recycling Collector/Equipment Operator to support campus recycling and sustainability goals. You will gather, transport, and process recyclables across campus, following established routes and operating recycling equipment according to procedures.

Two main duties include providing strong customer service during collections and addressing requests.

Qualifications

• Experience providing customer service, organizational and leadership skills.
• Experience working in a warehouse environment or materials handling.
• Commitment to recycling and environmental sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Perform campus-wide collection, transportation, and processing of recyclable materials.
• Follow routes and schedules to ensure efficient recycling services.
• Operate recycling equipment including compactors and balers, adhering to safety procedures.
• Monitor service requests and respond to communications to ensure timely issue resolution.

Skills

Customer service

Leadership

Warehouse handling

Tools

Box truck operation

Forklift operation

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

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

KU offers great benefits to employees with 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. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities.

Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance

Company Culture

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

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.

Salary

Starting at $40,000

Application Review Begins

Monday October 26, 2026

Anticipated Start Date

Monday November 16, 2026