Zero Waste Engagement Specialist - Facilities Services - UTK

University Of Tennessee College
University Of Tennessee College

Operations

Knoxville, TN, USA

Posted on Aug 27, 2026
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This position will be responsible for educating students, faculty, and staff about recycling efforts on campus through content creation as well as assisting in designing this program and implementing new procedures and initiatives. This position will cultivate and maintain positive relationships with campus contacts and deliver informational presentations to classes, student organizations, and departments. Additionally, this position will maintain a schedule of events aimed at engaging the campus population in recycling and sustainability initiatives. Enhancing Recycling's online presence through website updates, blog posts, social media, and newsletters will also be a key aspect of the position.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation 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 to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
This position will be responsible for educating students, faculty, and staff about recycling efforts on campus through content creation as well as assisting in designing this program and implementing new procedures and initiatives. This position will cultivate and maintain positive relationships with campus contacts and deliver informational presentations to classes, student organizations, and departments. Additionally, this position will maintain a schedule of events aimed at engaging the campus population in recycling and sustainability initiatives. Enhancing Recycling's online presence through website updates, blog posts, social media, and newsletters will also be a key aspect of the position.
  • Required Education:
    • Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Communications, Marketing, or an Environmental field of study
  • Required Experience:
    • 2 years of experience working in recycling or a related field

  • Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

    • Knowledge of recycling, compost, sustainability, Universal Waste and related federal, state, and local laws.

    • Comfortable speaking in front of large groups and delivering presentations on recycling and sustainability topics.

    • Ability to conduct effective outreach to raise awareness of Zero Waste practices.

    • Experience in organizing and managing events, particularly those related to recycling, sustainability and environmental education.

    • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

    • Effective oral and written communication, time management, and problem-solving skills.

    • Ability to work with diverse audiences.

    • Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with community members, businesses, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

    • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and other relevant software tools.

    • Familiarity with social media platforms and digital marketing tools.

    • Experience in recruiting, training, and managing volunteers for sustainability projects and events.

    • Ability to learn how to effectively write grants/proposals.

    • Ability to work independently for up to 8 hours.

    • Ability to drive a motor vehicle.

  • Other Conditions: Valid Driver’s license

Work Location

  • University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN Campus
  • This is an on-site position

Compensation and Benefits

  • UT market range: MR07
  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

About The College/Department/Division

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.

  • Develop, maintain, and lead communications strategy for an identifiable brand or campaign for UT Recycling to increase engagement with the campus population.
  • Promote engagement with the brand through classroom visits, tabling events, and social media campaigns.
  • Seek out and establish ties with the student body by serving as an ambassador to all programs interested in recycling and sustainability.
  • Collaborate with local grade schools to promote environmental education and awareness.
  • Serve as a liaison between UT Recycling and The Office of Sustainability to collaborate and develop cohesive sustainability initiatives.
  • Utilize campus partnerships to achieve common goals and further drive an eco-conscious culture at UT.
  • Organize and execute new and existing sustainability-related events such as Earth Month, America Recycles Day, and student competitions like the POWER Challenge and The Race to Zero Waste.
  • Work alongside necessary units and groups around campus to coordinate the execution of events. Maintain and provide direction on sustainable projects that are developed through the sustainability internship program.
  • Lead recycling efforts in Facilities, Athletic Venues, and the University Community.
  • Supervise AmeriCorps members working in outreach roles, providing work direction and mentorship.
  • Oversee student workers and interns, ensuring continuity and effectiveness of sustainability programs.
  • Maintain and enhance UT Recycling's online presence through developing original content for website updates, blog posts, social media, and newsletters.
  • Serve as a zone leader for "Zero Waste Gameday," primarily in planning, education, and capturing relevant digital media in and around Neyland Stadium.
  • Handle miscellaneous tasks as required to support the mission of promoting recycling and sustainability at the University of Tennessee.
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