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UO
University of Pittsburgh
Temporary Surplus & Recycling Technician
Career Insights for Waste / Recycling Worker
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What they do
A Waste or Recycling Worker collects, recycles, processes or treats waste in a city or community. Works in a recycling plant, wastewater treatment facility, or landfill. Collects refuse from commercial and/or residential locations. Does not drive the vehicle used to collect/transport refuse.
$37,965 / year median in Pennsylvania
+14% projected growth
Job Description
Temporary Surplus & Recycling Technician This Office of Business, Hospitality and Auxiliary Services is seeking a Temporary Surplus & Recycling Technician with our Surplus Property department This role supports recycling operations, including the dismantling of electronics, recording material weights and the secure handling of materials containing precious metals and data storage devices. Assists Surplus and Logistics teams with processing the University of Pittburgh's Oakland and regional campus' electronic waste. Assists internal and external stakeholders such as the Life's Work team with inquiries and resolves issues. Loads, unloads, and locates storage for incoming surplus materials and prepares materials for pick up or delivery. Assesses and sorts incoming surplus items to be sold, repaired, recycled, or processed in a secure manner. Job Duties Assists faculty, staff, visitors, and vendors with questions, resolves issues and notifies appropriate staff when needed, schedules incoming and outgoing deliveries. Loads, unloads, moves, and locates items for surplus including large office furniture; prepares items for pick up or delivery from a dock open to the outside; optimizes space utilization. Regularly lifts and moves items weighing up to 50 pounds. Scans hard drives for compliance and destroys them using an industrial shredder. Assesses incoming surplus items for value; repairs, cleans, refurbishes, dismantles, and sorts items; disposes of scrap and waste in accordance with environmental and safety regulations. Disassembles computers, electronics, and related accessories using a variety of hand and power tools to prepare materials for recycling and resale. Collects, sorts, and processes recyclable materials including used textiles, batteries, toner cartridges, and electronic components while wearing appropriate safety equipment such as a full-face respirator. Identifies and securely handles items containing precious metals or other high-value materials in accordance with established security and inventory control procedures. Maintains accurate tracking and documentation of surplus and recyclable materials, ensuring compliance with organizational security standards. Maintains a clean, safe, and organized work environment; follows all safety guidelines and established procedures. Ability to safely work in a team-oriented environment. Experience using a variety of warehouse conveyances, hand and power tools safely and effectively. Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. Ability to work with used materials, including textiles, electronics, batteries, and toner cartridges. Strong attention to detail, particularly when handling high-value or controlled materials such as precious metals. Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to follow safety and security procedures. The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.