What are the responsibilities and job description for the Compost Operations Specialist - Facilities Services - UTK position at The University of Tennessee?
Job Description
The Compost Operations Specialist Performs a variety of duties related to the daily operations of the UT Compost Facility including leading special projects to improve equipment and infrastructure, creating preventative maintenance schedules for equipment, performing diagnostics & complex repairs on broken vehicles and equipment, and makes recommendations on how to best complete projects. This individual will operate heavy equipment, waste collection vehicles, and drives passenger buses. This position serves as a lead team member who provides work direction to students, AmeriCorps members, and other team members and volunteers, and assists in the supervision of others when supervisor is absent.
Responsibilities
- Develops and implements preventive maintenance schedules for composting equipment.
- Performs advanced preventive maintenance and complex repairs on all UT Compost Facility equipment and related systems.
- Makes recommendations on how to best complete a project or advanced repair.
- Orders or pulls supplies needed for job and responsible for delivery of materials to work site.
- Monitors and adjusts systems and equipment to ensure efficient operation.
- Corrects complex unsafe / dangerous conditions and assists with enforcing safety regulations, including lockout / tagout procedures.
- Mentors and trains team members on basic maintenance and preventative maintenance procedures.
- Operates equipment including but not limited to : an excavator, skid steer, backhoe, industrial screener, food waste collection truck, dump truck & trailers in compliance with OSHA guidelines.
- Responsible for driving, operating, emptying and cleaning waste collection trucks for special events such as football games.
- Drives and operates specialized trucks and trailers to pick up and deliver raw organic matter such as food waste / garden debris and bring them to the Compost Facility for processing.
- Drives passenger buses requiring CDL with passenger endorsement for departmental and campus events.
- Distribute PPE and ensure proper safety measures are adhered to on site by students and volunteers
- Assists in giving tours to visitors, explaining facility operations and the basics of composting.
Qualifications
High school diploma or GED
Two or more years' experience in mechanical repair and preventive maintenance.
Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations and Lockout / Tagout procedures.
Preferred Qualifications
Vocational or technical training in mechanical systems, operating, or waste collection or an Associates or Bachelor's Degree in waste collection, sustainability, agriculture, construction, or other related field
Experience mentoring junior tradesmen on operation and safety procedures.
Problem solving skills to complete difficult, technical and complex assignments.
Work Location
Compensation and Benefits
About the Department
UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville's largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute. The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.
About Us
With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100 largest employers in Tennessee, there is endless potential to discover at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This advanced academic center comprises 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, 900 programs of study, 547 graduate programs, and is home to over 7,500 employees statewide who support the continued growth of the state's flagship land-grant university. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Anthropological Research Facility, Space Institute, and the UT Institute of Public Service are acclaimed entities of the UT system and with nearby affiliate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Top is a university on the rise. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset and with values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovative leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs. Apply today and join the Vol Family for life!
Ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates", "One of America's Best Large Employers", "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.
