Waste Recovery Services Lead

Waste Recovery Services Lead

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

This position includes a combination of redeploying usable goods to university departments, re-sale markets through the physical ReUse warehouse and online sales including but not limited to auctions. Identify markets, advertise, promote and develop all aspects of the ReUse program and its future capabilities of supporting the University of Minnesota. Provide additional support when assigned such as but not limited to, departmental moves, building clean-outs, education and ancillary work that relates to the larger goals of facilities management: Waste Recovery Services.

Location and Work environment: The ReUse warehouse serves as the primary location for most operations. However, duties are also carried out across various Twin Cities campus environments, including offices, labs, and other University facilities. This role requires working in diverse conditions, ranging from indoor settings to outdoor exposure in rain, snow, heat, and cold.

This is a 9 month position.

Primary Responsibilities:
75% - Operations management

• Manage and implement robust monitoring and inventory control systems.
• Establish standardized receiving protocols and pricing benchmarks while managing the tracking and documentation of material weights, categories, and valuations via the Access inventory database.
• Guarantee precise recording and categorization of all incoming inventory.
• Maintain an organized warehouse environment and ensure materials are prepared for sale to the public or University departments.
• Define inventory lifecycle parameters and manage financial deposits in strict accordance with University regulations.

10% - Supervision

• Train and assign duties to full time and student employees.
• Provide training for new student staff in the technical aspects of waste reduction and ReUse operations.
• Guide students in the implementation of new or expanded programs.

5% Program Development

• Develops programs and partnerships to serve University departments and the community at large.
• Tests and evaluates new programs and initiatives.
• Develops policies and procedures.
• Administers the program's RSIMS software as well as any new point-of-sale software that the program implements.
• Develops and maintains Standard Operating Procedures.
• Pack & Give back, summer student storage and e-waste destruction and resale are all managed through this position.

5% - Build Internal Networks and Relationships at the University

• Build relationships with academic and non-academic units, internal service organizations (ISO) and student groups to promote and implement ReUse strategies.
• Participate and enhance activities and programs that mutually enhance recycling and waste prevention outcomes.

5% - Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS plus at least two years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years.
• Two years of experience in surplus/retail program development and/or environmental education within an institutional setting such as a corporate, college, university, city or campus.
• A valid drivers license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of state, regional, and local waste disposal and recycling ordinances and regulations preferred.
• Experience working in a union setting
• Excellent people skills
• Attention to detail in the context of broader department goals and objectives.
• Ability to plan, initiate and implement ReUse activities and programs in an institutional setting.
• Ability to adjust priorities daily to accommodate urgent requests or shifting timelines
• Ability to speak effectively to the University community in groups of varying sizes and represent the University to outside organizations.
• Skills in navigating computer software programs such as MS office suite, Google suite.

The University of Minnesota ReUse Program diverts usable materials from the campus waste stream by collecting surplus items from over 250 buildings. These materials are evaluated at the ReUse Warehouse and either repurposed by university departments or made available for public purchase, helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability across the Twin Cities Campus.

Pay Range: $23.84 - $39.33 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% 9 month appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.