What are the responsibilities and job description for the Waste and Recycling Equipment Operator position at Virginia Tech?
Work type: Staff
Senior management: VP Facilities
Department: Facilities Operations
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Facilities / Skilled Trades
Job Description
Supports the Recycling and Solid Waste Division by working as needed on either a recycling crew (office paper, cardboard, bottles and cans) or on the trash collection crew. This includes operating large and small packer trucks and various other motorized equipment for collection purposes. Assists with routine daily maintenance checks, truck washing, etc. This position is designated as Emergency Personnel and requires employees to report to work as needed during campus emergencies, holidays, closings, and in accordance with the supervisor’s instructions.
Required Qualifications
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class B with air brake endorsement.
- Must be able to communicate effectively, work as an effective team member, and receive and execute instructions from the immediate supervisor and/or lead worker.
- Ability to perform heavy manual labor, including safely moving and handling greater than 50 pounds.
- Work consists of long periods of time sitting, standing, walking, reaching, bending, pushing/pulling; and working in all types of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures.
- Ability to climb in and out of trucks, and load refuse or recyclables into trucks.
- Previous work experience operating trucks and related highway equipment such as snow plow.
- Must be available twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week to provide support during planned events or emergencies (such as inclement weather), to include being physically on site if deemed necessary.
- Ability to safely direct traffic and guide driver operating vehicle for backing safely in and out of dock areas.
- Must have a valid Driver's License and be able to operate a motorized vehicle daily.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with the operation of a garbage packer unit
- Experience with recycling guidelines, sorting and collection
Pay Band
2
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
$39,000-$43,000
Hours per week
40
Review Date
December 9, 2025
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Facilities HR at opsHR-g@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: November 25, 2025
Applications close:
Salary : $39,000 - $43,000