UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
Position Description
TITLE:
Coordinator, Solid Waste and Recycling
DIVISION:
REPORTS TO:
GRADE:
11
SUPERVISES:
Laborers, Student Assistants, Contractors, Volunteers
BASIC FUNCTION:
Develop, manage, plan, direct, and promote the University’s solid waste and materials recycling program
and related programs and processes promoting the efficient and conservative use of resources, and
environmental responsibility and/or staffed services and processes. Provide coordination of efforts of all
University departments, facilities, and campuses in maximizing recycling, minimizing solid waste,
controlling litter and conservative resource use. Research best practices for recycling and solid waste
management processes and develop operational plans for implementation by the appropriate University
personnel or for incorporation into service contract specifications. Develop and maintain records and
databases relating to recycling, solid waste, and resource utilization. Monitor the performance and
efficiency of the University in these areas and implement a program of continuous improvement.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Administer state contracts for solid waste and recycling services, as well as universal waste services for
alkaline batteries and fluorescent bulbs. Develop annual fiscal projections to include multiple departmental
university budgets. Verify work, approve invoices and distribute departmental charges.
Work closely on a day-to-day basis with contracted solid waste and recycling service providers. Determine
container types, quantities and locations, authorizing changes as necessary. Develop, improve as needed
and insure accuracy and frequency of collection schedules.
Coordinate services between university departments and contractors.
Work with Housing & Residential Life to simplify and expand recycling in all residential buildings
including hall dormitories, suite dormitories and apartments. Create programs for increased student interest
and participation. Coordinate Move-In and Move-Out programs and processes with other university
departments, individuals and groups.
Work with student organizations and academic departments to develop internships, independent study and
research projects and programs.
Seek out opportunities to increase number and types of materials for recycling. Prepare bid specifications
for possible implementation upon expiration of present contract.
Create and work to continually expand Adopt-A-Walkway program for litter prevention and control to
include participation by all students, faculty and staff.
Determine university-owned indoor and outdoor container needs and analyses. Maintain program to place
and replace as needed containers into all buildings and along all walkways. Work with product and service
vendors for recycled content product purchases and best pricing.
Analyze the University’s existing recycling, solid waste, and resource use of programs and profiles, and
develop operational objectives for these areas.
Examine best industry practices, and other model programs, and develop a comprehensive plan for
achieving the operational objectives for consideration by University management.
Develop customized recycling programs for various University operations, including each of the auxiliary
enterprises, and develop detailed specifications for the necessary tools, containers, job descriptions,
processes, and service contracts to support and achieve the University’s recycling objectives in a cost
effective manner.
Develop promotional and educational programs, printed materials and website to encourage all members of
the University community, particularly students, faculty, and staff, to support the University’s recycling and
conservative resource use objectives through their own daily participation and responsible practices.
Work with University managers and first line staff responsible for collecting, transporting, and disposing of
recyclables, solid waste, metals, and (specialized wastes such as tires, batteries, and hazardous materials), to offer assistance in
maintaining and improving processes and outcomes.
Work with the Purchasing Office to develop feasible programs which encourage the purchase of recyclables
and recycled materials and products.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop and maintain relationships with professional state and national organizations. Seek opportunities
for professional certifications. Work to continually improve education, knowledge and skills.
Seek out and pursue grant funding and other external and creative funding sources to support special or
demonstration projects as well as ongoing operations.
Serve as the “environmental advisor” to the University on a range of environmental matters including
vehicle traffic, parking and transit services, litter, composting, water conservation, etc., and develop
proactive programs to improve community performance in these areas.
LICENSES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:
Personal computers, printers and word processing, database management, spreadsheet and graphic arts
software, means of transportation.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
This position requires both inside and outside work in hot and cold temperatures, and lifting and moving
materials as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in education, college student personnel, environmental sciences or related field required,
as are the following; prior work experience in solid waste management, resource conservation, or recycling;
knowledge of recycling techinques and processes; excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to
communicate both orally and in writing with a diverse campus population including faculty, staff, and
students, on issues of sustainable solid waste management recycling; ability to organize, coordinate and
supervise support staff; ability to produce reports on the recycling program as needed, and to interpret
institutional policies, plans, objectives, rules and regulations, and to communicate the interpretation to
others.