Who we are

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Job Summary

The Environmental Specialist, Lead performs the duties of an Environmental Specialist, Sr. and assists supervisor with the planning and scheduling of the Institute's standards for cleanliness in assigned areas, including residence halls, apartments, academic buildings, classrooms, athletic/recreational facilities, offices, and common areas. Serve as team leader for crew of assigned staff. Works in concert with other leads to support all campus wide events. Act on behalf of the Supervisor during his/her absence.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (or in progress)

• Valid U.S. driver’s license

• Three or more years of institutional or commercial cleaning experience, including operation of professional cleaning equipment

Applicants must meet the minimum education and experience requirements listed above.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and perform basic arithmetic

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions in English

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team

• Strong communication and customer service skills

• Ability to comply with operating manuals, material safety data sheets (MSDS), safety rules, and regulations regarding equipment and chemical usage

• Proficiency in operating job-specific equipment and sanitizing dispensing units

• Ability to provide guidance and make decisions for other team members

• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and job-specific software (e.g., CMMS)

• Demonstrated ability to train others and lead projects

• Flexibility to work varied hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays

Representative Job Duties

• Coordinate a campus-wide cleaning and maintenance program as directed by the Supervisor. Organize routine and non-routine duties of assigned environmental specialist staff. Distribute work assignments fairly based on staff qualifications. Adjust work priorities as needed to account for weather, special events, projects, and staffing changes.

• Schedule, coordinate, assist, and administer non-routine and project work as directed by the Supervisor, including performing duties of the senior environmental specialist. Collaborate with the Supervisor to coordinate solid waste, hazardous waste, and recycling pickups, and perform other assigned tasks.

• Stay informed of scheduled events in assigned areas. Identify event needs, such as staffing requirements, additional cleaning, and room setup.

• Work with Department leadership to administer an effective staff development, mentoring, and ongoing training program. Focus areas include safety policies, divisional standard operating procedures, equipment use and maintenance, and cleaning techniques and applications.

• Communicate unit activities to the Supervisor, including regular assessments of all areas. Keep the Supervisor informed of staff issues, cleaning schedules, project status, equipment malfunctions, damage to assigned areas, repair needs, and provide input for annual performance evaluations. Report vandalism or theft of Institute property immediately to the Supervisor or Public Safety.

• Coordinate campus emergencies, including the Snow and Ice Response Plan in assigned areas. Conduct regular assessments to ensure campus safety and accessibility. Perform snow removal duties such as shoveling, salting, chopping ice, and operating snow blowers. Be available for night and weekend call-ins for snow removal operations.

• Monitor staff adherence to established divisional SOPs, safety policies, and standard practices. Notify the Supervisor immediately of any infractions.

• Follow operating instructions, safety rules, and regulations for personal protection. Wear appropriate PPE for tasks. Safely clean bodily fluids or other hazardous materials according to proper safety procedures.

Shift

Environmental Services: Various Shifts

Travel

Driving

Driving a personal vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $19.00 -$23.00

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).