Waste Reduction and Diversion Specialist; Facilities, Real Estate, and Planning

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Job Description Summary

The Waste Reduction and Diversion Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing waste reduction and diversion initiatives across Facilities Real Estate and Planning as well as the University in support of the Universitys materials management goals and emerging circular economy efforts. Employing evolving best practices this role focuses on optimizing materials management to increase waste reduction reuse and diversion efforts. The specialist collaborates extensively with diverse campus stakeholders and external partners contributing to the vision of Wake Forest University as an institutional model of place-based sustainability.

Job Description

Essential Functions:

Programmatic Design Development (25 - 30%):

• Implement evolving waste reduction and diversion best practices as part of the emerging circular economy covering primary material categories such as consumer waste streams organics laboratory products textiles construction & demolition and electronics.
• Develop through recommendations and the implementation of infrastructure standard operating procedures (SOPs) policies training and campaigns to enhance the effectiveness of all waste diversion work.
• Research and recommend emerging waste diversion technologies grant opportunities and process improvements.
• Lead the planning and execution of zero-waste events and pilot programs for new diversion technologies.
• Support efforts to reduce food preparation waste and further develop organics collection and composting programs.
• Ensure that proper waste diversion equipment is in place both permanently and for special events and develop and manage campus-wide design standards for collection bins and equipment. Support the procurement of recycling bins signage and operational equipment needed for program success.
• Improve strategies to address the reduction and diversion of periodic waste streams during events such as move-in/out seasonal athletic events and campus construction projects.

Coordination Collaboration Education and Outreach (30 - 40%):

• Partner with the Office of Sustainability a wide variety of staff faculty students and other university departments to implement and promote waste reduction and diversion initiatives.
• Coordinate with colleagues to integrate best practices and a culture of continuous improvement in support of the Universitys waste reduction and diversion goals including the integration and monitoring of proper materials handling procedures in custodial Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and contractor requirements. Collaborate with custodial services dining housing athletics and event organizers to ensure efficient and compliant waste collection systems.
• Serve as the Universitys liaison to external recycling vendors composting services and municipal partners.
• Provide direct support to departments campus groups and food service contractors for zero-landfill events.
• Collaborate with Procurement to develop and implement policies that reduce packaging and shipping waste and explore other vendor-related waste reduction opportunities.
• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for LEED certification processes by providing guidance on possible credits and applying for waste reduction and recycling credits.

Compliance and Reporting (20 - 25%):

• Manage assess and track data for each waste and recycling stream including cost avoidance opportunities as well as related Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Develop and present waste reduction and diversion initiatives trends and recommendations for improvement to key campus stakeholders including but not limited to recycling composting source reduction and reuse programs.
• Collect and manage data prepare reports on key waste metrics and contribute to institutional sustainability reporting frameworks (e.g. AASHE STARS greenhouse gas inventories) as needed.
• Conduct campus-wide waste audits analyze diversion rates and generate actionable recommendations for improvement.
• Stay up to date on local state and federal waste management regulations and ensure compliance.

Other Functions:

• This position may be designated as essential personnel to support business continuity during campus emergencies disasters or other special needs as directed by management. Essential personnel are subject to recall both inside and outside their regular schedule. Additional details can be found in the Wake Forest University Policy on Weather and Other Unusual Conditions.
• Reports all matters of safety to the appropriate Supervisor and the Director of Environmental Health & Safety if necessary.
• Follows all University and departmental policies and procedures

Required Education Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelors degree from a recognized institution in Sustainability Environmental Studies Engineering Business Education or a related field.
• Demonstrated domain knowledge of waste reduction and recycling best practices. Must be passionate about promoting sustainability and eager to build a sustainable community.
• Proven ability to collaborate across functional areas to develop goals and implement practices and metrics.
• Experience in developing and implementing engaging strategies to reach the intended campus audience.
• Excellent time management organizational skills and ability to work independently.
• Ability to work beyond the standard workday including nights and weekends for deadlines outreach programs and special events.
• Must be able to meet the requirements of the universitys automobile insurance.
• Basic understanding and knowledge of techniques tools equipment and all required safety precautions.
• Familiarity with Microsoft and Google suite platforms. Ability to leverage spreadsheet/database software(s) for analysis and design of infographic reporting.
• Leadership and collaboration skills; enjoys interacting with others in a customer-centric environment

Preferred Education Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Prefer two years of work experience in sustainability solid waste management resource conservation or recycling.
• Familiarity with the complexities of higher education and/or facilities management environments.
• Prior experience or knowledge in a university facilities operating environment is a plus.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with diverse campus populations.

Accountabilities:

• May be responsible for supervising temporary help including contractors and student employees.
• Responsible for writing management reports and analysis.

Physical Requirements:

• Subject to indoor/outdoor conditions
• Regular lifting carrying and bending. Stooping kneeling crouching reaching standing pulling lifting grasping feeling hearing repetitive motions.
• May occasionally need to move heavy bins and waste containers.

Environmental Conditions:

• Subject to outside environmental conditions: extreme heat cold and atmospheric conditions.

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement

Full time

Note to Applicant:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race color religion national origin sex age sexual orientation gender identity and expression genetic information disability and military or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please contact or .