Solid Waste and Recycling Worker

University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Support the safe and efficient collection of landfill trash, recycling, compost, and related materials across The University of Texas at Austin campus and assigned off-campus locations by assisting drivers with route completion, container handling, material loading and unloading, collection area cleanup, event support, and other field operations. You’ll be working for a university that is internationally recognized for our academic programs and research. Your work will make a difference in the lives of staff, thereby enhancing the student experience. If you’re the type of person who wants to know your work has meaning and impact, you’ll like working in our department and for UT Austin.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Possess and maintain a valid Class “C” driver’s license.
• If not currently a Texas resident, must obtain a Texas driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency.
• Meet University of Texas System driver eligibility standards and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds repeatedly and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to perform physical labor, including walking, bending, lifting, climbing, and using hand tools in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Working knowledge of smartphones, tablets, and apps for communication.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Must pass a background check and pre-employment screening.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of a valid Class “C" drives license.
• Experience in solid waste, recycling, compost, custodial, moving, delivery, or other field operations.
• Experience operating large trucks.
• Experience with container handling, basic field maintenance, use of hand tools, and safe material handling.
• Experience in a university, municipal, or similar environment.

Responsibilities

• Collect and transport landfill, recycling, and compost materials from campus locations while assisting drivers with route completion, including loading, unloading, moving, staging, and servicing containers safely and efficiently, and supporting inventory-related tasks.
• Operate university vehicles, including box trucks, pickup trucks, and utility carts, to support collection, transport, and other assigned duties.
• Support safe vehicle operation and movement by ground guiding in tight areas, including loading docks, service drives, and high-pedestrian environments, while maintaining situational awareness.
• Clean, sweep, and maintain dumpsters, compactors, and waste corral areas to meet university cleanliness and safety standards.
• Report blocked access, waste contamination, and safety concerns to crew leader or supervisor.
• Follow all verbal and written instructions from crew leaders and supervisors related to collection routes, priorities, and safety protocols while supporting a collaborative, team-oriented work environment.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment and participate in required training.
• Use assigned electronic systems, tablets, smartphones, paper forms, or other tools to document completed work and report issues.
• Update and complete assigned electronic work orders as directed.
• Demonstrate professional conduct at all times, including respectful communication with students, staff, and visitors, and actively support teamwork with the Solid Waste and Recycling staff.
• Support university and athletic events, including football home games, and special assignments such as event cleanups, move-outs, bulk pickups, and inclement weather response.
• Work overtime, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or adjusted schedules as required.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned to support organizational goals and objectives.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 7.75% employer matching funds
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED