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:6:30 am to 3:00 p.m. – Monday – Friday
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
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
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
