Zero Waste Coordinator

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Grounds & Vehicle Maintenance

Time Type: Full time

Work Modality: Full On Campus Presence

Union: Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

The Zero Waste Coordinator assists the Zero Waste Manager in the planning, implementing, organizing, tracking, and monitoring of all the campus wide composting operations, food recovery program, and project move-in/move-out. The Zero Waste Coordinator manages the furniture surplus program, battery collection and recycling, E-Waste recycling and collection, and plastic bag recycling program. The Zero Waste Coordinator liaises with faculty, staff, and students to promote and improve waste management practices at American University.

Essential Functions:

The position is housed under Facilities Management and directly reports to the Zero Waste Manager along with one Support Services/Recycling Supervisor. Reporting directly to this position are student employees, temporary contracted labor and contractors related to solid waste management, reuse, recycling, and composting. In addition, the position will liaise with the Director of Sustainability, FO Managers, Housekeeping and Dining Management. This position is essential. The Zero Waste Coordinator will be responsible to work during inclement weather, emergencies, and holidays as needed.

Zero-Waste Program Management: The Zero Waste Coordinator works closely with contracted solid waste and recycling service providers and in-house recycling operations. Provides insight on container types, quantities, and locations, recommending changes as necessary and making sure there are recycling and organic waste containers in all buildings and around campus. Recommends improvements to assigned programs and projects to ensure accuracy and frequent collection schedules to increase the amount and types of materials being recycled. Assists the Zero Waste Manager in planning, scheduling, coordinating, and performing campus clean up, internal movement of waste to compactors, battery and E-waste recycling/collection, compost collection, and food recovery program (student, federal work study, and part time staffing), and facilitate sustainability practices to meet the Zero Waste goal.

Waste Data Collection, Performance Measurement, and Reporting: Knowledge of the most effective methods and systems for measuring and recording waste reduction. Monitor specified ongoing collection activity to ensure that accurate data is being obtained and tracked on the master Zero Waste spreadsheet to ensure targets are met. Continuously analyze all specified collection data for accuracy and compare month-over-month data to ensure the annual reduction targets are achievable and adjust along the way. Collects and tracks all necessary data, analysis, and weights for sustainability commitments and submits reports to the Zero Waste Manager.

Supervise Contractors and Student Employees. This includes hiring, onboarding, training, and providing coaching and feedback. Work with student organizations and academic departments to develop research projects, programs, and manage student employees, work-study hires, and part-time staff.

Zero Waste Education and Representation: Develop promotional and education programs, printed materials, and website (AU website and social networking media such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads, and X) to encourage all members of the University community to support the University’s recycling and zero waste programs.

Competencies:

Serving Customers.

Prioritizing and Organizing.

Driving Continuous Improvement.

Managing Performance.

Acting Strategically.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Full-Time.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies or related field required.

2-4 years of relevant experience. Minimum two years’ work experience in sustainability, solid waste management, resource conservation, or recycling.

Other skills and abilities required include knowledge of recycling techniques and processes; excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate both orally and in writing with a diverse campus population including faculty, staff, students, city officials, and university neighbors on sustainable solid waste management and recycling issues. The ability to produce reports on the recycling program and to interpret institutional policies, plans, objectives, rules and regulations, and to communicate the interpretation to others is also required.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree.

4-6 years of relevant experience.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Reporting directly to this position are Student employees related to solid waste management, reuse, recycling, and composting. In addition, the position will liaise with the Director of Sustainability, FO Managers, Housekeeping and Dining Management.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

Incumbent may be asked to serve on university project team(s).

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

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