Zero Waste Coordinator - Facilities Services - UTK

The Zero Waste Coordinator plans, manages, and supports campus-wide waste reduction and diversion programs. Responsibilities include evaluating program performance, developing policies, coordinating sustainable events, and assisting with recycling operations. The role also involves supervising staff and student workers, ensuring compliance with regulations, and advancing the Chancellor’s Zero Waste goals.

• Develops, implements, and improves processes and procedures surrounding zero waste on campus.
• Create and distribute educational materials such as brochures, fliers, and online content to promote zero waste practices.
• Plan and execute awareness campaigns to educate the public about zero waste goals and initiatives.
• Assist in the training of student workers, and AmeriCorps members on operations such as collection of materials, navigating campus, and quality control of recyclable materials, electronic waste, and Universal Waste.
• Assist in the training and supervision of team members and volunteers on safe equipment operation, safety standards, and maintenance procedures, providing work direction and safety guidance.
• Assist with developing work plans and schedules and evaluate work of subordinates including AmeriCorps members, student workers and volunteers.
• Manages all phases of projects, including managing and overseeing activities of various groups of internal and external stakeholders, personnel, and vendors.
• Ensures deliverables are completed and outcomes are achieved on schedule.
• Work with other campus organizations to support joint projects.
• Help orchestrate the success of Zero-Waste game days as a driver or zone leader. This involves pregame set up, game day or post-game operations, leading volunteers, AmeriCorps members, student workers, and planning logistics and efficiency.
• Participate in occasional weekend and evening events such as move-in, move-out, and zero-waste picnics.
• Assist with quality control, organization, sorting, intake, and disposal of recyclable materials such as Universal Waste, electronic waste, scrap metal, textiles, pallets, plastic film, and scrap wood.
• Keep UT Recycling Warehouse and Public Recycling Drop-Off clean and organized.
• Operate a variety of truck features to collect, compact, and maneuver waste such as hydraulic truck controls, hydraulic cable cinches, lift gates, and cart tippers.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Construction, or Waste Management
• Experience: Two (2) years of experience operating heavy equipment
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Safe driving and equipment operating skills and knowledge of safety practices.
  • Knowledge of recycling, Universal Waste, composting, and sustainability and related Federal, State, and local laws.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects or estimates.
  • Effective oral and written communication, time management, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
  • Computer and smartphone skills in order to use email and order parts
  • Ability to perform moderately strenuous work activities, including continuously lifting for multiple hours.
  • Ability to work with diverse audiences.
  • Ability to understand and effectively carry out written and verbal instructions, readily learn assigned tasks.
  • Ability to provide quality customer service and to work in a positive team environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with community members, businesses, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
  • Ability to conduct effective outreach to raise awareness of zero waste practices.
  • Working knowledge of mechanical repair and preventive maintenance.
• Other Conditions:
  • Valid Driver’s license
  • Class B (or higher) Commercial Driver License with Passenger (P) endorsement (within 6 months of hire).

Work Location

• University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN Campus
• This is an on-site position

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR07
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

About The College/Department/Division

UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute. The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.