Recycling Specialist - Temporary
Salary $18.39 Hourly
Location Portland, OR
Job Type Temporary
Department Property and Environmental Services
Job Number 2017-2040-PES-RIC
Closing 6/23/2017 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Summary
Temporary Recycling Specialists fill in as needed to cover vacations, leaves, meetings and high volumes of calls due to promotional campaigns and seasonal variation. Multiple part-time temporary positions are available. Temporary employees may not work more than 1040 hours in a 12 month period. Actual hours available to each temporary employee are approximately 400-500 hours in a 12 month period.
Are you a people person who enjoys problem solving and knows how to provide exceptional customer service? If so, you might be the perfect fit for Metro's Recycling Information Center team. We're looking for new team members who will help people in the Portland region find the information they need to recycle, prevent waste and have a healthy home, yard and garden.
As a Recycling Specialist for the Recycling Information Center you will work with a team that is passionate about assisting the public and handles more than 90,000 information referral phone calls each year. You will link people with the businesses and organizations in our region that provide recycling services and support reuse of products and materials. You'll also provide customer service support for Metro's recycled latex paint product, MetroPaint, as well as for customers of our Metro Central and Metro South transfer stations and hazardous waste facilities. Your work will be performed using a database and MS Office suite software. Knowledge of and experience in recycling and waste reduction education is preferred. Supervision is received from the Recycling Information Center program supervisor.
At Metro, we hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.
Essential Job Duties
An employee in this position must be able to perform all the essential job duties listed below with or without reasonable accommodation; however, this list is not intended to include all of the specific tasks which an employee in this position may be expected to perform. A temporary employee will generally not perform the full scope of duties as listed in the job classification.
Answers phone calls and takes inquiries from the public, businesses and other government agencies.
Makes referrals to Metro programs, private sector companies and non-profit organizations.
Responds to emails from the public.
Educates people about recycling, reuse, waste prevention and safe waste disposal options.
Updates computer database files.
Processes publication orders.
Provides administrative support for the call center.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
This position is not represented and is classified as a Program Assistant I (click to read the full classification). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.
Minimum Requirements
One year of customer service, administrative and/or clerical experience involving extensive public contact over the phone, a High school diploma or GED, or any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job.
Schedule: fill in as needed Monday through Saturday (between 8:30 am - 5:00 pm) to cover vacations, leaves, meetings, high volumes of calls due to promotional campaigns and seasonal variation and short-notice fill-in for illness coverage.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of interpersonal and public relations principles and techniques; telephone etiquette.
Knowledge of and skill using business English, composition, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Skill in instructing a diverse population about recycling procedures, agency policies and programs.
Ability to process and communicate a wide variety of information using good problem solving and decision-making judgment in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to communicate effectively by written spoken and electronic means.
Ability to work independently on weekends.
Ability to articulate complex information to a diverse population of customers.
Ability to operate computer programs for information referral and reporting.
Ability to work effectively as a team member in a respectful and collaborative manner.
Ability to effectively organize work, and follow both written and verbal instructions.
Ability to maintain records, perform basic coding and filing tasks.
Ability to communicate with people under difficult circumstances in a kind, helpful and professional manner
Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing rules, policies, practices within the organization or from private sector partners.
Ability to fulfill Metro's employee values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation and sustainability.
Additional Information
Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.
Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources at 503-797-1570.
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): New employees will pay the employee portion of the PERS contribution.
Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Criminal background check: In order to protect the wellbeing of its employees, the public and agency assets, Metro may conduct criminal background checks on candidates selected for Metro positions. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be considered on a case by case basis. A background check will only be conducted if you are selected as a finalist for a position. If selected as a finalist, you will be contacted by Human Resources prior to the initiation of a background check.
Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer