As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.
Facility Services' Building Services Department has an outstanding opportunity open for a Temporary Zero Waste Program Coordinator.
UW Facilities manages the University's buildings, infrastructure and land, with more than 1,100 employees in a variety of fields. The three primary units within UW Facilities include Finance & Administration, Asset Management, and Operations. The Finance & Administration unit manages a wide range of essential functions, including financial operations, procurement, human resources, labor relations, payroll, organizational development, communications, and overall capital budgeting for UWF. Asset Management focuses on overseeing the University's physical resources, handling tasks such as Capital & Space Management, Real Estate, Engineering Services, Sustainability initiatives, Project Development, and planning. The Operations unit is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the campus, covering areas like Project Delivery, Maintenance & Construction, Campus Energy, Utilities & Operations, Building Services, Transportation Services, and Safety measures. Please visit UW Facilities web page for more information: UW Facilities.
As part of the Operations unit, the Building Services Department (Custodial Services & UW Recycling) delivers custodial services to the UW campus that provides exceptionally clean and sanitary environments for students, faculty, staff, and visitors and manages the comprehensive recycling and solid waste management program.
Under the direction of the UW Recycling Manager in the Building Services Department, the Zero Waste Program Coordinator will perform work using knowledge and experience specific to customer service and sustainable waste management. The position's focus will be on implementing waste reduction initiatives as well as assisting in the development and the dissemination of information relevant to programs we promote. Learn more about UW Recycling at www.uwrecycling.com.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
General job responsibilities include:
• Primary contact for the UW Recycling program.
• Assist the UW Recycling team in preparing for and participating in several student-focused, outreach events, including Campus Race to Zero Waste, Earth Day, America Recycles Day, etc.
• Promote & support current campus waste reduction programs and research/implement new opportunities for waste reduction.
• Serve as UW Recycling liaison with student environmental groups on campus to ensure waste diversion education is part of their programming and events.
• Independently answer inquiries from and provide information to campus community, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations and general public regarding the UW Recycling Program. Independently advise students, staff, program participants and/or the public regarding program content, policies, procedures and activities. Select/recommend alternative courses of action.
• Research, write and design content promoting waste diversion and reduction initiatives for a variety of mediums (blogs, social media, videos, websites, etc).
• Independently prioritize the needs of clients.
• Develop and distribute promotional and educational material.
• Develop and maintain relationships with University and community partners to coordinate and support program-wide student engagement initiatives and peer-led programming. Act as a liaison with other University departments.
• Use word processing, graphics, statistical, spreadsheet and database software to prepare reports including activity, monthly client billing, inventory, diversion volumes, disposal reports, and other special reports as needed.
Under general direction:
• Act as a project coordinator to lead the ideation, development, promotion, delivery and reporting of zero waste content, programming and events aimed at community engagement experiences.
• Develop, recommend and lead the promotion and implementation of campus-wide sustainability initiatives with a focus on waste reduction.
• Develop, research, lead or work with staff and students regarding implementation of existing or new programs and campaigns, which could include:
oWaste reduction targets for the updates to the UW Sustainability Action Plan
o2025 Trash-In
oUW Zero Waste Week
oPop-up repair fairs and mending events
oCampus clothing swaps and no-buy gift markets
oIncrease campus reuse/reuse programs for specialty items
oTrash-fashion event
oStudent-led "surplus" store
oZero Waste Task Force
oSCRAM (Student Cleanup Recycle and Moveout)
oFood Waste Prevention Week
• Participate in department Lean initiatives and process improvement strategies including maintaining the daily huddle board and ensuring its ongoing development and relevance; coordinating recognition activities; measuring and reporting on ideas generated and implemented; and updating and reporting monthly operational performance metrics.
• Have extensive involvement with students, staff, the public and/or agencies in carrying out program activities.
• Perform complex scheduling, coordination and monitoring of program activities to determine consistency with program goals.
• Monitor budget status in line with program activities, plans or priorities; maintain program budgets and initiate corrective action; sign vouchers; receive, process and deposit funds; assist in the preparation of grants and grant proposals;
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
Core Competencies
• Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness.
• Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively.
• Anticipate, recognize and resolve problems.
• Be responsible and accountable.
• Use organizational skills and provide attention to details.
• Maintain a positive, optimistic, and success-oriented attitude.
• Exercise professionalism, which includes being tactful and courteous.
• Exhibit a professional work ethic.
• Continuously promote a safe work environment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• High school graduation or equivalent AND two years of experience working on waste diversion, zero waste and/or sustainability.
Additional Requirements
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Experience with word processing, spreadsheets and databases or willingness to learn / use computers and related applications.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except where there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience with email management.
• Experience with public speaking or education.
• Experience with event planning and coordination.
• History of working in governmental, higher education, or large corporation recycling or zero waste programs.
Conditions of Employment
• Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter, and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
