Zero Waste Program Technician

Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

The opportunity:

This position is an essential component of the College’s Zero Waste Program. Moving away from the college's current fixed-cost waste contract is a key component to achieving cost savings through the diversion and reduction of waste. The role of this position is a significant step in the Zero Waste Plan because it enables Swarthmore to eventually remove all rear-load dumpsters from campus; resulting in a significant cost and carbon reduction.

The Zero Waste Program Technician supports the expansion of waste collection services on campus 7 days per week, as well as delivers compost to Kitchen Harvest at least 2 times each week. Flexibility is essential in this position to strengthen overall zero-waste efforts as a campus community. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Essential Responsibilities

Waste Management (75%)

Safely operate various waste-hauling vehicles and waste collection equipment throughout the campus and to off-campus College sites to collect various waste streams. Safely operate both the trash truck (ParKan) and the utility trash cart (The Beast).

Provide daily pick-ups from multiple locations of all 3-waste streams; compost, recycling and trash.

Move all waste material to the appropriate, designated location for further processing.

Attention to detail is required to ensure waste streams are not commingled, which would result in processing facility rejection.

Accurately record waste volumes and weights. Weigh certain waste streams to obtain the data for record-keeping.

Alert EVS management when Zero Waste compactors are full and hauling service is required to empty them.

General Environmental Services (25%)

Clean areas as assigned by supervisors, including filling in for coworkers in the event of absence.

Ensure all areas of the campus are kept clean and orderly.

Pull and move internal waste to outdoor designated locations.

Inspect and communicate when waste containers need to be replaced due to damage.

Clean and disinfect all touchable surfaces, fixtures, walls, partitions, doors, elevators, and glass.

Clean and disinfect dorm rooms, hallways, common spaces, and offices.

Clean and disinfect restrooms including, but not limited to, removing scale, scum, rust, and mold.

Replenish all paper and soap supplies in restrooms, labs, classrooms, and common areas.

Perform sweeping, dust mopping, wet mopping, scrubbing, stripping, and refinishing hard floor surfaces.

Perform carpet cleaning, moving furniture and operating a vacuum cleaner on rugs and carpets.

Keep janitor closets, cleaning carts, tools, and equipment clean and organized.

Expected to report any and all malfunctioning or damaged equipment to the supervisor.

Additional Responsibilities

To ensure consistent and reliable operation of specialized hauling vehicles and equipment the technician must:

Provide daily maintenance and safety checks of trucks and equipment; looking for obvious damage or leaks, checking fluid levels and tire pressures.

Repair or report any deficiencies to EVS management and coordinate repairs with the Facilities Mechanic.

Maintain proper vehicle fuel levels.

Report vehicle accidents promptly to Public Safety.

Safely operate vehicles within the busy campus community at designated speed limits and defer to pedestrians on campus paths.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned

What you bring:

Required Qualifications

Valid driver's license

Some experience in waste removal, custodial or general maintenance work.

Knowledge of minor equipment repair.

Knowledge of proper sanitization methods

Knowledge of custodial and waste removal safety procedures.

Ability to read, write, comprehend, and follow verbal and written instructions to interact with students, faculty, and staff.

Ability to communicate with co-workers and management with professionalism and respect.

Must have basic computer skills for email, timesheets, and training.

Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction.

Ability to adapt to and work in a fast-paced, evolving work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum of 3 years housekeeping experience

Educated in all 3 waste streams. (Municipal, Recycling, Compost)

Working Conditions

Must be able to work weekends, holidays, evening hours, and overtime as needed

Must be physically capable to withstand hot and cold temperatures, as this is primarily an outdoor position, with the work expected to be completed even during unforeseen weather conditions

Exposure to dirt/dust, chemicals/solvents, and noise in a mostly outdoor environment.

Frequently exposed to harsh chemicals and odors.

Physical Demands

Ability to move, position, transport and place objects up to and including 35 pounds is required.

Frequently involves standing for extensive periods of time, walking, reaching & grabbing, bending, occasional climbing, seeing and hearing.

Physical ability required to operate a vehicle. Ability to identify a driving hazard, process it, and make a sound decision and react appropriately to each situation.

What You Will Get:

You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Join a team of passionate, creative people who work hard and have fun supporting the College students, faculty, and staff.

We want to hear from you if you are excited about this role! For full consideration, submit applications with an uploaded resume by September 29, 2025. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job has been filled.

The pay for this position is $23.00 per hour, which represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting.

PA Criminal Clearance Required

Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.

MVR Clearance Required by Position

Due to operating a College owned motor vehicle while performing essential job responsibilities for this position, a motor vehicle report (MVR) clearance is required prior to the start of employment.

Preview our Benefits Flyer. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost! Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.

Swarthmore College is committed to creating a culture of respect and inclusion so that every member of our community feels a sense of belonging. We actively seek and welcome candidates with diverse perspectives and experiences, exceptional qualifications, and a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College Policy.