Position Title: Recycling Technician

Employee Classification: Recycling Tech

College/Division: Facilities and Services

Department: 500780-FS SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  16.83

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Non-Exempt

Summary:  Join our recycling team! We are seeking a Recycling Technician to collect and process materials, operate recycling equipment, and promote sustainable practices. Support safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship across our campus.

Classification Summary:
Under general supervision, collects recyclable materials from designated areas throughout the campus. Responds to customer inquiries regarding recycling procedures and related issues.

Classification Standard Duties:
Collects recyclable materials from designated areas throughout the institution according to established procedures and the New Mexico Solid Waste Act. Operates a variety of recycling equipment and vehicles such as baling machines, forklifts, and trucks. Ensures confidentiality of recycled materials from pick-up point through the end of recycling process. Answers questions and promotes the recycling program to employees; instructs employees on appropriate materials to place in containers. Watches flow of recycled materials and makes recommendations to number of bins provided, and frequency of pickups. Ensures care in the disposal of chemicals that are improperly placed in recycle bins. Processes all different types of paper, cardboard, plastics, and aluminum and other materials for recycling. Ensures care in the proper operation and use of equipment and supplies. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:None; Required Experience:No previous work experience required.; Equivalency:; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of recycling policies, procedures, and the New Mexico Solid Waste Act. Knowledge of light equipment operation and/or maintenance. Knowledge of disposal of hazardous materials.; SKILLS:Skilled in the performance of the duties outlined above.; ABILITIES:Ability to understand and follow safety procedures. Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information. Ability to communicate the recycling program effectively with University personnel. Ability to lift and manipulate heavy objects. Must be able to enter hours worked electronically.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
This position processes a variety of materials, including paper, cardboard, plastics, aluminum, and other recyclables, while ensuring proper disposal of chemicals and non-recyclable items that are improperly placed in bins. The role involves operating and maintaining recycling equipment and vehicles such as baling machines, forklifts, and trucks, with a strong emphasis on safe and proper use. The technician is accountable for maintaining confidentiality of recycled materials throughout the collection and processing cycle and for following all safety and environmental compliance standards. In addition, this position provides guidance and instruction to employees on recycling practices, answers questions, promotes awareness of the recycling program, and makes recommendations regarding the number of bins and frequency of pickups to improve program efficiency. The technician also supports the department by performing miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned to further institutional recycling goals.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Oscar Escarcega, 575-646-8077, oescarce@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.