Zero Waste Manager

Location

Washington DC | United States

Job description

The Zero Waste Manager, a key member of Planning and Facilities Management, is responsible for the design, implementation, and overall management and ongoing optimization of Georgetown University’s Zero Waste initiatives. These initiatives include reuse, recovery, redeployment, and donation efforts related to food products, furniture, clothing, educational and/or recreational equipment, and other materials that are salvageable or could otherwise be reused or recycled. Working with campus partners and the Georgetown University community at large, their goal is to identify opportunities and establish initiatives to reduce, minimize, or eliminate material waste campus-wide.

Working in conjunction with the Office of Sustainability, the Zero Waste Manager leads efforts and teams to improve waste management services, including the collection and proper disposal of mixed recycling, food waste, yard waste, cardboard, metals, batteries, furniture, construction debris, mattresses, and other solid waste.

As well they assist in leading efforts to achieve Georgetown’s ambitious long-term vision of achieving Zero Waste (defined by industry standards as at least 90% diversion rate for solid waste).

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Coordinates sales and optimizes revenue for recyclable materials
Hires, trains and supervises permanent, temporary and student employees
Tracks, evaluates and continually optimizes program performance
Coordinates operations with other internal and external parties as necessary to achieve goals and objectives
Prepares and submits budget for operational and maintenance needs of the program and equipment
Develops and implements communication programs to educate and engage the University community on recycling and waste reduction requirements, procedures, objectives and goals
Serve as the University’s technical resource regarding minimization, recycling/composting, and waste disposal matters
Ensure the provision of high quality waste management services to the University community; optimize the waste management program’s overall financial and operational efficiencies
Administers contracted services required by the program: hires, trains and supervises permanent, temporary and student employees; stablishes and maintains services and programs that reduce waste and increase diversion; and tracks, evaluates and continually optimizes program performance
Coordinates operations with other internal and external parties as necessary to achieve goals and objectives; and ensures timely registration and accurate reporting of solid waste diversion data to the Office of Waste Diversion in the Department of Public Works in accordance with DC Official Code § 8-1031.05 and DC Official Code § 8-1031.06.
Serves as a dynamic ambassador for the Department and the University, actively participating in sustainability-oriented lectures and events
Passionately advocates for and showcases our waste management endeavors, while also collaborating with student organizations to empower and advance student-led sustainability initiatives.

Work Interactions and Work Mode Designation

Working in the Planning and Facilities Management Department, the Zero Waste Manager reports directly to the Assistant Director of Environmental Services. In turn, they supervise the Supervisor of Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling and a team of Recycling Laborers and Heavy Vehicle Operators. During the course of the workday, the Zero Waste Manager interacts directly with faculty, staff, administrators, employees, students, senior leadership, neighbors, external partners, vendors, government agencies and the general public.

As well, they collaborate with colleagues and partners as needed to accomplish the department’s goals – for example, Aramark (Hoya Hospitality), the Office of Sustainability, Office of Neighborhood Life, GUSA, Residential Living, Residential Education, EH&S, SSC, GEMS, as well as other shops and divisions internal to PFM, and others.

This position has been designated as On-Campus. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff and AAP positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website: https://hr.georgetown.edu/mode-of-work-designation.

Requirements and Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree
5 to 7 years of professional or managerial experience with three years of experience directly related to Zero Waste, recycling, solid waste management, and waste diversion – preference for Master’s degree in Sustainability
Computer literacy
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated experience interacting successfully with diverse stakeholders, and a client-responsive approach
Vendor management, budget planning and team management experience
High motivation, ability to work independently under minimal supervision, and concern regarding recycling and environmental issues

Preferred Requirements and Qualifications

Leadership and organizational skills
Experience working in a higher education context
A LEED Green Associate, Certified Facilities Manager (CFM), Sustainable Facility Manager, or other relevant sustainability credential

Tagged as: Renewable Energy/Sustainability

Job tags

Salary