Compost Operations Specialist - Facilities Services
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Full-time
Transportation
Posted on April 5, 2024
Compost Operations Specialist
MR05 – Salary dependent on candidates’ qualifications and experience
Summary:
Performs a variety of duties related to the daily operations of the UT Compost Facility. Leads special projects to improve equipment and infrastructure of the UT Compost Facility. Creates preventative maintenance schedules for equipment, performs diagnostics & complex repairs on broken vehicles and equipment, and makes recommendations on how to best complete a project or advanced repair. Operates heavy equipment & waste collection vehicles, and drives passenger buses. Serves as a lead team member, provides work direction to students, AmeriCorps members and other team members and volunteers, and assists in supervision of others when supervisor is absent.
Maintenance 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
· Maintains records and prepares reports on repairs/service/condition
· 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
· Assists with cost estimates
· Monitors and adjusts systems and equipment to ensure efficient operation
· Corrects complex unsafe/dangerous conditions
· Assists with enforcing safety regulations, including lockout/tagout procedures
· Mentors and trains team members on basic maintenance and preventative maintenance procedures
Compost Operations:
· 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
· Ensure all vehicles and equipment are clean, orderly, and operable
· Responsible for driving, operating, emptying and cleaning waste collection trucks for special events such as football games
· Drives and operates specialized trucks to pick up raw organic matter such as food waste/garden debris and bring them to the Compost Facility for processing
· Drives trucks with trailers to collect raw organic matter UT Compost Facility and to deliver finished compost materials to various destinations
· Drives passenger buses requiring CDL with passenger endorsement for departmental and campus events
Other Responsibilities:
· Be an example to student workers in proper equipment operation and composting practices
· Ensure proper safety measures are adhered to on site by students and volunteers
· Distribute PPE
· Ensure volunteers are working diligently in safely defined areas
· Assist student workers in various operational tasks
· Assists in giving tours to visitors, explaining facility operations and the basics of composting
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
· Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations & Lockout/Tagout procedures.
· Heavy Equipment operating skills.
· Maintenance skills for a variety of vehicles and heavy equipment such as refuse vehicles, excavators, skid steers and backhoes.
· Technology skills to use computers and smart phones to conduct research on parts and best practices, send email, and utilize Archibus for purchases and work requests
· Ability to mentor other staff and student workers.
· Ability to read, write, and follow detailed instructions, both written and verbal.
· Ability to follow road signs and drive safely.
· Ability to perform moderately strenuous work activities.
· Ability to work alone on special projects with minimal supervision.
Qualifications :
Qualifications and Experience:
· High School diploma or GED
· Class A Commercial Driver License (required within 1 year of hire); Passenger endorsement
· 2+ years’ experience in mechanical repair and preventive maintenance.
· 2+ years’ experience operating heavy equipment.
