Solid Waste Community Outreach
Salary $72,176.00 - $96,761.60 Annually
Location Portland, OR
Job Type Full Time
Department Property and Environmental Services
Job Number 2017-0345-PES-SWICC
Closing 9/6/2017 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Summary
Do you have a passion for serving the public, collaborating with diverse communities to develop and promote inclusive and equitable policies and services? Do you enjoy working independently and in a team setting? If so, you might be the perfect fit for Metro's Solid Waste Information, Compliance and Cleanup division. We are looking for a new team member who will lead projects that engage community members and consider the social, economic and environmental impacts of illegal dumping, community cleanups and other solid waste disposal issues.
Trash, old appliances, torn mattresses, construction waste, used tires and broken furniture are a few of the things illegal dumpers leave on public lands, sidewalks, alleyways and waterways that create environmental, human health and livability issues. Since 1993, Metro has worked closely with other local government agencies and law enforcement to quickly and thoroughly investigate and clean up illegal dumps. As the region grows and changes, incidents of illegal dumping are increasing and Metro's Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) Patrol program is working to determine the reasons for the increase and initiate measures to minimize the impacts.
The RID Patrol program is working to build stronger relationships with impacted communities to more effectively address illegal dumping issues. This new position will be responsible for leading work with neighborhoods, community based organizations, and other partners to jointly identify specific illegal dumping causes, sources, and problems, and collaborate on how to best address and prevent dumping.
This position will also coordinate and administer the Solid Waste Community Enhancement Program that provides grants to improve economic opportunities, neighborhood livability, public safety and more in areas near the region's garbage transfer facilities. The grant program is managed by Metro directly or through the city or county government where the facility is located. Currently seven cities and eight facilities participate in the program. The program was established by Metro Council in 1986. Since then, Metro has invested millions of dollars in communities across the Portland metropolitan area. In fiscal year 2015-2016, the Solid Waste Community Enhancement Program funded 57 projects throughout the region for a total investment of $765,500.
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 employees can thrive.
Application requirements
1) Electronic application, 2) answers to supplemental questions, 3) resume and 4) cover letter describing your qualifications as they relate to the duties of this position.
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. This list is not intended to include all of the specific tasks which an employee in this position may be expected to perform.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Performs community engagement and outreach intentionally inclusive of historically underserved, marginalized, low-income communities and communities of color, eliminates barriers to participating in public process; collaborates with community leaders and members from culturally specific or multicultural groups to identify and develop innovative and cost-effective solutions to address challenges related to illegal dumping and other solid waste issues.
Draws on community-based values and customs to educate, engage and inform community members about illegal dumping impacts and the RID Patrol services; develops and distributes culturally appropriate materials.
Expands the program's cultural competency through knowledge, respect and response to the cultural and linguistic needs of the community; builds trust and credibility with community members; develops and maintains strong relationships with community based organizations, local governments, businesses and other internal and external program partners.
Conducts thorough research and analysis of illegal dumping and other solid waste disposal issues ensuring impacts do not disproportionately affect marginalized, low-income communities or communities of color; proposes and develops program services and policies creating positive, community benefits from the region's solid waste system; presents results to policy groups, community based organizations, and other internal and external program partners.
Evaluates and analyzes program operations to recommend improvements in services, equity of services, safety, and other program needs; plans, organizes and implements innovative procedures to provide equitable services throughout the region, minimize illegal dumping impacts and to meet other program goals; develops metrics to measure the success of program policies and services; develops new tools for reporting of dumping activities.
Community Enhancement Program Coordination
Oversees the existing solid waste community enhancement grant work; depending upon the committee, organizes committee meetings, develops application materials, administers the proposal review and selection process, assists in reviewing proposals, conducts community outreach, monitors projects, prepares reports and presents program updates to Metro Council; act as a resource to local committees.
Prepares annual Solid Waste Community Enhancement Program report (Download PDF reader) accounting for grant fund expenditures, program administration highlights and evaluation of program effectiveness and compliance with Metro Code; manages contracts, intergovernmental agreements, grants and funds for the program's solid waste projects and activities.
General Duties
Develops, organizes and coordinates projects, work programs and project plans; coordinates with staff and program partners to assure timely completion.
Provides superior customer service while treating all partners with respect; solicits and constructively incorporates feedback into work.
Remains current on public policy and planning strategies related to solid waste issues.
Represents Metro at meetings and events, including evenings and weekends.
Fulfills Metro's employee values of Public Service, Excellence, Teamwork, Respect, Innovation, and Sustainability by performing duties that include, but are not limited to, maintaining positive relationships, respecting diversity of ideas and perspectives of others, and demonstrating sustainable practices.
Implements and adheres to Metro Code, rules, policies, procedures, and other pertinent local, state and federal laws and regulations.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
This position is represented by AFSCME Local 3580 and is classified as a Senior Solid Waste Planner classification (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
Three years of experience in solid waste, project management, community engagement, or public policy and a Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, public administration or any related field OR any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities to be successful to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Preferred qualifications
Strong collaborative leadership skills and a demonstrated ability to form and maintain partnerships, lead groups, and to work effectively with others on a common task
Ability, understanding and capacity to incorporate racial equity, diversity and inclusion in everyday work tasks
Experience administering grant programs desired but not required
Ability to speak and write Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese or other languages is preferred but not required
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Experience working with the public, local governments and community based organizations
Strong interpersonal relationship-building skills including the ability to work effectively and respectfully with people of different cultures, backgrounds and perspectives
Excellent verbal and written communication skills including public speaking and development of culturally competent informational materials
Emotional intelligence and capacity to respond flexibly to a range of possible situations
Ability to build intellectual capacity for inquiry, curiosity to ask questions and desire to thoroughly understand issues to propose innovative and affirmative policies and services benefiting the community
Strong project management and organization skills including ability to develop and coordinate complex projects
Ability to perform analysis on research results, make recommendations, develop implementation methods and cost analysis on the recommendations
Experience communicating and coordinating multiple, complex tasks with internal and external partners; ability to communicate complex technical information and research results in an understandable way
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to identify and respond to problems, seek conflict resolutions, take ownership of mistakes, flexible in adapting to situations and individuals, positive attitude
Ability to represent Metro at meetings with a variety of groups, committees and elected officials
Ability to assist management in policy analysis and formulation
Ability to function as a lead over other professional staff
Ability to operate a personal computer and use common software programs, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
Additional Information
Working conditions: Duties are primarily performed in an office environment, while sitting at a desk or computer terminal. May spend time in the field doing community outreach, gathering data or overseeing projects. This position may require frequent periods of standing, walking, talking, sitting and repetitive motions of the hands and/or wrists and requires good general hearing (both in person and over the phone). May also require occasional bending, grasping and handling and lifting and/or carrying up to 10 pounds. This position requires the ability to perform on a standard work schedule of Monday through Friday generally working from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and attend offsite meetings during and after normal work hours.
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