Recycling Services Driver

About the Role

Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO) provides primary building maintenance, landscape, fire safety, custodial, recycling, and event support services to Harvard schools and departments on a fee-for-service basis. 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 role operates commercial vehicles, services compactors and dumpsters, and supports campus waste diversion and surplus property removal programs.

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.

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

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

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

The schedule may require overtime, holiday coverage, emergency response, and adjustments to work hours based on operational and departmental needs.

Pay

$34.58 per hour plus shift differential

Benefits

• 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

This is a full-time union position.