Zero Waste Tech (8213C), Facilities Services - #82774

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

Facilities Services works to continuously improve the campus in partnership with all members of the University community to ensure that classrooms, laboratories, and offices support teaching, learning and research. Through the efforts of over 400 dedicated staff members and serving over 10M building square feet and 1100 acres, Facilities Services includes the asset management program, custodial services, maintenance operations, engineering and technical services, environmental services, grounds operations, the Cal Zero Waste program.

Position Summary

The primary purpose of these positions are to help maintain equipment, collect materials, and provide support services for the integrated solid waste management programs offered by the Zero Waste department.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 12/18/2025.

Responsibilities

Operational Assistance

• Delivering containers and applying signage/ stickers for clients, providing appropriate verbal and written instructions.
• Make recommendations to increase diversion and operational efficiency such as service changes and signage.
• Relocate recycling, compost, and refuse receptacles as necessary.
• Respond to emergency recycling, compost, or refuse needs; Perform special tasks as assigned by Operations Supervisor and zero waste staff.
• Coordinate and physically remove and properly sort materials from loading for recycling, composting, and reuse (i.e. discarded metals, equipment, broken furniture, etc.).
• Loading, unloading, and sorting of materials into bins, packer trucks, flatbed trucks, vehicles, compactors, and balers.
• Push and move dumpsters, wheeled carts, bales, and various containers into position to be loaded by packer truck, flatbed, or other vehicles.
• Use of hand trucks and pallet jacks as required.
• Operate compacting, baling, dumping, and various controls on cart lifters, compactors, balers, packer trucks, flatbed trucks, and vehicles.
• Clean and wash trash, recycling and compost receptacles and loading docks.
• Wash, clean, label dumpsters, wheeled carts, and various types of bins/receptacles.
• Remove stickers, flyers, posters, decals, and graffiti from bins, sight furnishings, and exterior of buildings, trees, hardscapes, and equipment.
• Removal of chalk graffiti from hardscapes and buildings.

Maintenance

• Assure all dumpsters, carts, bins, equipment, and enclosures have proper signage and labels, decals, and stickers.
• Assembly, maintenance, and repairs of dumpsters, wheeled carts, bins, and equipment.
• Performs maintenance/repairs/preventative maintenance recycling, compost, and refuse to bins, equipment, balers, and compactors.
• Conduct Repairs and repair to Solar Bellies as needed.

Material Processing and Evaluation

• Coordinate with campus clients, Environmental Health & Safety and Overstock and Surplus on the removal of materials.
• Monitor campus wide garbage, compost, and recycling sites to keep Zero Waste Specialists aware of problems and flow patterns, and recommend service changes to bring about better service, lower costs, or both.
• Maintain a log of the amount of material that can be kept out of the garbage and recovered as recyclable, compostable, or for reuse.
• Coordinate tasks between and work alongside the Packer Truck Drivers, Operations Supervisor, and Zero Waste Specialists on a daily/weekly basis.

Documentation

• Tallying information related to material sorting and using Excel to enter data on a daily basis.
• Using Excel spreadsheets to also input information regarding special projects and marketing campaigns.
• Take digital photos of garbage, recycling and compost as well as special materials and upload to computer as necessary.
• Use work order system to track costumers request.

Additional Duties

• Adhere to all university and departmental safety guidelines.
• Attend job related and safety training as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 12 months of working experience in grounds, recycling, and compost bin route collection operations; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Ability to properly operate and provide daily/weekly basic maintenance of dumpsters, bins, equipment, compactors, balers, and vehicles.
• Demonstrated ability to read, write and follow oral/written instructions provided in English.
• Ability to interact in a positive manner with campus community, including students, building managers, asset managers, academic personnel, and craft personnel.
• Ability to work within a multi-cultural environment.
• Working knowledge of management of recyclables and compostable materials accepted on campus and items that are considered contamination.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in grounds, recycling, and composting work and related safe work practices.
• On a regular basis ability to, lift up to 75 pounds; walk distances of up to mile; bend and stoop to remove materials; lift materials overhead; and to work indoors/outdoors in fluctuating and/or extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to work different shifts beginning as early as 4:00 a.m. and ending as late as 8:00 p.m.
• Ability to work weekdays, weekends, some holidays, and some overtime.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $25.29 (Step 3) - $33.38 (Step 17).

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Driving Required

• Required to hold valid driver's license that meets the University DMV Pull Guidelines and the ability to drive carts, vehicles with trailers, and trucks. Have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

Other Information

This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Service Unit (SX) between the University of California and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/sx/index.html

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This recruitment has 3 openings.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Physical Exam

• Employment is contingent upon passing a physical exam.

Mandated Reporter

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.