Recycling Services Driver in Cambridge, Massachusetts at Harvard University

003396SR
School/Unit Harvard University Central Administration
Job Function Facilities
Location Cambridge
Job Type Full-time
Salary Grade 000
FLSA Status Non-exempt
Union 42 - Int Un Oper Engineers Loc 877
Term Appointment No

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO), offers primary building maintenance, landscape, fire safety, custodial, recycling, and event support services to Harvard schools and departments on a fee-for-service basis. All services are provided in strict accordance with regulatory requirements and customer-determined standards.

Position Description:

• The Recycling and Waste Pickup Driver is responsible for the safe and efficient collection, transportation, and handling of recycling, compost, solid waste, universal waste, and surplus furniture from designated campus locations.
• This position operates commercial vehicles, including recycling and waste collection trucks and box trucks, services compactors and dumpsters, and supports campus waste diversion and surplus property removal programs.
• The role ensures materials are collected in accordance with established routes, schedules, environmental requirements, and safety procedures while delivering reliable service to campus customers and departments.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Operate commercial vehicles in a safe and efficient manner, including rear-load trucks, roll-off trucks, box trucks, and other assigned vehicles.
• Collect and transport recycling, compost, solid waste, and other designated material streams from campus buildings, loading docks, outdoor collection areas, and other service locations.
• Perform campus pickups of universal waste, including lamps, batteries, and electronic waste, and transport materials to designated storage or disposal locations in accordance with departmental procedures and environmental regulations.
• Perform pickups and transportation of surplus furniture and other reusable or surplus materials from campus departments and buildings using a box truck or other assigned vehicle.
• Service dumpsters, compactors, toters, and other waste and recycling containers according to established routes and schedules.
• Load, unload, move, and secure furniture, equipment, containers, pallets, and other materials safely by hand or with material handling equipment.
• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections of assigned vehicles and complete all required inspection reports and documentation.
• Monitor vehicle and equipment performance and promptly report mechanical issues, damage, safety concerns, or needed repairs.
• Ensure all loads are properly secured and transported in compliance with local, state, federal, and University requirements.
• Maintain cleanliness of collection areas by picking up loose debris and ensuring containers are returned to their proper locations after service.
• Identify contamination issues in recycling and compost streams and report recurring problems to supervisors.
• Handle universal waste materials in accordance with departmental procedures, environmental health and safety requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Communicate professionally with building occupants, campus departments, dispatch, and supervisors regarding service requests, access issues, scheduling, and special pickups.
• Assist with route adjustments, special pickups, move-out support, event waste collection, and weather-related operational changes as needed.
• Follow all Department of Transportation, OSHA, environmental, University, and departmental safety rules, policies, and procedures.
• Operate hydraulic systems, liftgates, compactors, cart tippers, pallet jacks, hand trucks, and other related equipment safely and properly.
• Maintain accurate records of daily work performed, pickups completed, inspections, and service-related issues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• This position works both outdoors and indoors in service areas, loading docks, campus buildings, storage areas, and campus roadways.
• The employee is regularly exposed to traffic, noise, dust, odors, changing weather conditions, and waste/recycling materials.
• The position requires operating commercial vehicles and material handling equipment and working around waste, universal waste, and surplus materials while following strict safety procedures.
• Critical Operations Personnel: This position is designated as Critical Operations Personnel and is required to provide on-site support during emergency situations as determined by management.

Physical Requirements:

Requires the ability to:

• sit, stand, walk, bend, lift, push, pull, and climb throughout the workday.
• lift and move materials, furniture, containers, and other items weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, and heavier items with assistance or material handling equipment.
• climb in and out of trucks repeatedly during the shift.
• load and unload furniture, equipment, and containers safely.
• work around moving equipment, traffic, loading docks, and waste/recycling materials.
• work in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
  

Basic Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Valid CDL Class A or Class B license required.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record that meets University driving standards.
• Must maintain a current and valid DOT medical card in accordance with applicable commercial driving requirements.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience operating commercial vehicles such as waste collection trucks, box trucks, delivery trucks, or similar equipment.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience handling recycling, waste, universal waste, surplus materials, or furniture/equipment moves preferred.
• Ability to work independently, follow established routes, and adapt to changing operational needs.
• Strong attention to safety, reliability, and customer service.
• Ability to complete written reports, vehicle inspections, pickup logs, and route documentation.
• Knowledge of safe vehicle operation, backing procedures, and load securement practices.
• Ability to safely operate collection trucks, box trucks, hydraulic lifting equipment, and liftgates.
• Ability to understand and follow procedures for handling universal waste and other regulated materials.
• Ability to identify and report safety hazards, contamination issues, and equipment problems.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with coworkers, supervisors, campus departments, and customers.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Valid CDL Class A or Class B license required.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record that meets University driving standards.
• Must maintain a current and valid DOT medical card in accordance with applicable commercial driving requirements.

Standard Hours/Schedule:

• 40 hours per week
• Sunday: 6:00 am - 2:30 pm
• Monday: 10:00 am - 6:30 pm
• Tuesday: OFF
• Wednesday: OFF
• Thursday: 10:00 am - 6:30 pm
• Friday: 10:00 am - 6:30 pm
• Saturday: 6:00 am - 2:30 pm

Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):

• $34.58 per hour plus shift differential

Visa Sponsorship Information:

• Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening:

• Identity, Education, Criminal, Certification/License, Motor Vehicle Record, Drug Test, DOT Physical, References

Additional Information:

• This is a full-time union position. The regular work schedule is Sunday, 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Monday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, off; Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• The schedule may require overtime, holiday coverage, emergency response, and adjustments to work hours based on operational and departmental needs.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.