Recycling Technician

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.

About the Work Unit:

VUMO provides facilities support for all construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University Central space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center. This position will report to the Director of Operations.

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 routes

• Make extra pickups as needed/requested

• Complete daily time log for Work Order system

• Collect, 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. 

WORKING HOURS:  7:00 am to 3:30 p.m.  Wednesday - Sunday

                                   Must be available to work additional hours as needed

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
  • Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, use email and other forms of electronic communications, and complete basic calculations

Experience and Skills:

• 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