What are the responsibilities and job description for the Recycling Worker position at Administration & Operations?
Department: Facilities & Campus Operations
Classification: Trades Technician 1
Job Category: Part-Time / Hourly Wage
Job Type: Part-Time
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: On-Site Required
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes
About the Department:
George Mason University Facilities ensures a quality physical environment supporting the mission of the university. We will be the technical and business experts of choice with the total trust and confidence of our students, faculty, and staff.
About the Position:
Performs in the daily collection of waste and recycling (W/R) materials on all George Mason University campuses.
Responsibilities:
- Maintains and monitors the waste and recycling collection schedule on all GMU campuses;
- Actively handles debris and trash on the grounds, buildings, parking lots, pathways, tree lines, wooded areas, and other high-traffic areas visible to the campus community;
- Safely operates stake body trucks or other vehicles on assigned routes to address waste and recycling needs around the campus;
- Monitors and manages additional waste and recycling streams, including paper, corrugated cardboard, commingled recyclables, glass, compost, scrap metal, waste/recycling, and roll-off containers;
- Notifies supervisor of any overflow problems, container conditions, and the need for extra containers to accommodate adjustments;
- Enters and processes work orders in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) using a GMU-issued tablet, smartphone, or computer;
- Performs work as directed during special events. This includes setup and teardown of equipment to support special campus and/or departmental activities. Evening and weekend work may be required; and
- Performs other duties as assigned.
This position is required to work additional hours in the event of an emergency. This may require reporting to work early, staying late, and/or working weekends. Additionally, this position is designated as “Essential Personnel.” All essential personnel employees are required to report for snow removal and assist with clearing grounds, roads, pathways, sidewalks, or steps.
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent;
- Ability to/experience with working under supervision and following directions;
- Ability to interact with customers professionally;
- Ability to use tablets, smartphones, and computers; and
- Valid driver's license needed to drive GMU state vehicles; must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/.
The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected for employment, contingent upon a favorable review.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Basic knowledge/experience of waste/recycling and solid waste guidelines and procedures; and
- Ability to operate a forklift/drive a semi truck.
Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Recycling Worker at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information for review.
Posting Open Date: September 29, 2025
For Full Consideration, Apply by: October 13, 2025
Open Until Filled: Yes
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer