Zero Waste Technician, Part-Time Limited Hours (Weekends)

Swarthmore College; Swarthmore (Delaware County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking dedicated individuals for a pivotal role in its Zero Waste Program. This part-time position involves operating specialized waste collection vehicles and ensuring the effective management of waste streams across campus. With a commitment to sustainability, the role supports the college's goal of reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility. Ideal candidates will possess a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and a passion for contributing to a greener future. Join a community that values inclusivity and environmental stewardship while making a tangible impact.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver's license and some experience in waste removal.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate waste hauling vehicles and collect waste streams.
• Provide daily maintenance and safety checks of trucks and equipment.

Skills

Waste Removal

Effective Communication

Independence

Customer Interaction

Sanitization Methods

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Trash Truck (ParKan)

Utility Trash Cart (The Beast)

Job description

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Human Resources
Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA 19081

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Office Hours:
8:30am - noon & 1-4:30pm (M-F)

Employment

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Apply now Job no: 495607
Work type: Temporary Part Time
Location: Swarthmore
Categories: Staff, Hourly (Non-Exempt), On Campus

Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

This position is an essential component of the College’s Zero Waste Program. Moving away from the college's current fixed-cost waste contract is a key component to achieving cost savings through diversion and reduction of the waste. This position is vital to this objective as it is structured to support the expansion of waste collection services on campus to 7 days per week, as well as deliver compost to Kitchen Harvest at least 2 times each week. The role of this position is a significant step in the Zero Waste Plan because it enables Swarthmore to eventually remove all rear-load dumpsters from campus; resulting in a significant cost and carbon reduction. Flexibility is essential in this position to strengthen overall zero waste efforts as a campus community. We are currently hiring for pooled/part-time roles, scheduled to work Saturdays and Sundays, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.

• After receiving training, this position must demonstrate the ability to safely operate both the trash truck (ParKan) and the utility trash cart (The Beast). Further responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Provide daily pick-ups from multiple locations of all 3-waste streams; compost, recycling and trash.
  • Once the assigned vehicle has reached capacity it is expected that all waste material will be safely moved to the appropriate designated location for further processing.
  • Safely operate various waste hauling vehicles and waste collection equipment throughout the campus and to off-campus College sites to collect various waste streams.
  • Attention to detail is required to ensure waste streams are not commingled, which would result in processing facility rejection.
  • Accurate record-keeping of waste volumes and weights is sometimes required, as is weighing certain waste streams to obtain the data.
  • Alert EVS management when Zero Waste compactors are full and hauling service is required to empty them.
  The success of this program relies on consistent and reliable operation of specialized hauling vehicles and equipment, the technician must:
  • Provide daily maintenance and safety checks of trucks and equipment; looking for obvious damage or leaks, checking fluid levels and tire pressures.
  • Repair or report any deficiencies to EVS management and coordinate repairs with the Facilities Mechanic.
  • Maintain proper vehicle fuel levels.
  • Report vehicle accidents promptly to Public Safety.
  • Safely operate vehicles within the busy campus community at designated speed limits and defer to pedestrians on campus paths.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license
• Some experience in waste removal
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to work independently and follow though on assignments with minimal direction
• Ability to interact with customers (students, faculty, administration), co-workers and supervisors in a positive and helpful manner
• Knowledge of proper sanitization methods
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays and evening hours as needed

Physical Demands
• Ability to move, position, transport and place objects up to and including 35lbs is required.
• Frequently involves standing for extensive periods of time, walking, reaching & grabbing, bending, occasional climbing, seeing and hearing.

Working Conditions
• Exposure to inclement weather as well as to dirt/dust, chemicals/solvents, and noise in a mostly outdoor environment
• Frequently exposed to harsh chemicals and odors.
• Willingness to work overtime as available.

PA Criminal Required

Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.

MVR Required by Position

Due to operating a College owned motor vehicle while performing essential job responsibilities for this position, a motor vehicle report (MVR) clearance is required prior to the start of employment.

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Advertised: Apr 28 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled