Recycling Associate

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

Under the direction of an assigned Custodial Supervisor and Recycling Lead, provides recycling support to the campus, student housing, and faculty housing and campus events. Recycling employees work together as a team to collect approximately (70) 3 cubic yard bins on set schedules. Responsible for sorting and processing recyclables collected from designated routes. Responsible for cleaning and maintaining the Campus Recycling Yard and preparing recyclables for pickup by various contractors. Represents and communicates with the campus community regarding Recycling programs.

Essential Job Duties

In coordination with another recycling crew member, collect and sort recyclable materials collected from various campus locations.

Job duties include:

• Operating heavy equipment and performing custodial cleaning tasks during the recycling down-time (Two hours, 5:00am-7:00am, Monday - Friday) or during inclement weather conditions.
• Collects, sorts, and process recyclables contents from recycling bins throughout campus, student housing, and faculty housing.
• Moves 3 cubic yard bins and 50-gallon containers from collection sites by hand or using equipment when necessary.
• Operate equipment such as forklifts, hydraulic lift-gate truck, scout/fork-truck, baler, and pallet jack/hand trucks to move recycling materials from various locations to a centralized campus recycling yard.
• Sorts CRV beverages/containers, collects mixed paper/recyclables stream, breaks-down cardboard boxes, bales cardboard, sorts wooden pallets, and prepares bins containing recyclables for pick-up by various recycling contractors.
• Cleans recycling yard by sweeping, raking, picking up broken glass or loose paper debris, and moving 3-cubic yard bins.
• Records logs of recycled materials, reports performance of various recycling sites, and monitors program performance.
• Maintains effective communication with Custodial Supervisors, recycling team, and campus students and staff participating in the recycling program.
• Inspects recycling collection equipment and submits repair requests to Custodial Supervisor or recycling contractors.
• Handles special recycling projects such as lab decommissioning, by collecting and recycling co-mingled metals, when needed.
• Assists with routine custodial operations, such as floor sweeping and mopping, vacuuming carpets, restroom cleaning, and trash disposal during recycling operations down-time (5:00am-7:00am), or as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• At least one year of related work experience in reclamation, waste management, recycling operations, or warehouse operations.
• Ability to effectively communicate and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Must possess a valid California Driver's license and maintain it throughout the course of employment. Must be eligible to drive Institute vehicles under the Institutes' Motor Vehicle Use policy and adhere to the policy.
• Possess a forklift operator's certificate or be able to obtain one before employment begins and maintain it throughout the course of employment.
• Adhere to safety protocols, including the proper use of equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE),
• Ability to work outdoors, in all-weather conditions, and assigned work schedule (5:00am-1:30pm, Monday-Friday).

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift, push, and pull 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
• Ability to perform physical activities such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials

Required Documents

• Resume

Hiring Range

$23.00 - $27.25 per hour

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.


As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at View email address on click.appcast.io.