Compost Operations Specialist - Facilities Services - UTK

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Compost Operations Specialist performs a variety of duties related to the daily operations of the UT Compost Facility. This includes leading special projects to improve equipment and infrastructure, creating preventative maintenance schedules for equipment, performing diagnostics and complex repairs on vehicles and equipment, and making recommendations on how to best complete projects. The individual will operate heavy equipment, waste collection vehicles, and drive passenger buses. This position serves as a lead team member who provides work direction to students, AmeriCorps members, and other team members and volunteers, and assists in the supervision of others when the supervisor is absent.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Two or more years’ experience in mechanical repair and preventive maintenance.
Two or more years’ experience operating heavy equipment.
Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations and Lockout/Tagout procedures.
Maintenance skills for a variety of vehicles and heavy equipment such as refuse vehicles, excavators, skid steers, and backhoes.
Technology skills to use computers and smart phones to conduct research on parts and best practices, send emails, and for purchases and work requests.
Ability to mentor other staff and student workers.
Ability to read, write, and follow written and verbal instructions.
Ability to perform moderately strenuous work activities.
Ability to work alone on special projects with minimal supervision.
Class A Commercial Driver’s license with passenger endorsement or the ability to acquire the license within the first year of hire.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

Vocational or technical training in mechanical systems, operating, or waste collection or an Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in waste collection, sustainability, agriculture, construction, or other related field
Experience mentoring junior tradesmen on operation and safety procedures.
Good driving record with minimum three (3) year CDL-based driving experience including transporting passengers.
Problem solving skills to complete difficult, technical and complex assignments.
Advanced knowledge of safe work practices.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to lay out components of an entire project start to finish.

Responsibilities

Develops and implements preventive maintenance schedules for composting equipment.
Performs advanced preventive maintenance and complex repairs on all UT Compost Facility equipment and related systems.
Makes recommendations on how to best complete a project or advanced repair.
Orders or pulls supplies needed for job and responsible for delivery of materials to work site.
Monitors and adjusts systems and equipment to ensure efficient operation.
Corrects complex unsafe/dangerous conditions and assists with enforcing safety regulations, including lockout/tagout procedures.
Mentors and trains team members on basic maintenance and preventative maintenance procedures.
Operates equipment including but not limited to: an excavator, skid steer, backhoe, industrial screener, food waste collection truck, dump truck & trailers in compliance with OSHA guidelines.
Responsible for driving, operating, emptying and cleaning waste collection trucks for special events such as football games.
Drives and operates specialized trucks and trailers to pick up and deliver raw organic matter such as food waste/garden debris and bring them to the Compost Facility for processing.
Drives passenger buses requiring CDL with passenger endorsement for departmental and campus events.
Distribute PPE and ensure proper safety measures are adhered to on site by students and volunteers.
Assists in giving tours to visitors, explaining facility operations and the basics of composting.