Position summary
Are you passionate about working with others to address climate change and reduce food waste? Metro is looking for a motivated person to support implementation of the commercial food scrap separation policy adopted by the Metro Council in July 2018. As Associate Solid Waste Planner, you'll play a key role supporting "Food Waste Stops With Me" -- a public-private partnership that aims to advance business and industry efforts to prevent food waste, support the donation and rescue of edible food, and develop business food scrap collection programs. You will both lead and support projects, and collaborate with other public and private organizations to develop technical assistance resources for businesses.
In this role, you will spend about 60 percent of your time on food waste-related work, managing projects, leading and/or support working groups, conducting research and data analysis, supporting partnerships, and coordinating and preparing reports. You'll also support the maintenance of partnerships with businesses, other government agencies and community-based organizations to advance food waste reduction efforts. Your role will include work on other solid waste and waste reduction issues with a focus on projects and programs that support waste reduction in the commercial/business sector. For the first six to seven months in this position, you will spend up to 40% of your time working on Metro's Investment and Innovation grant program.
So, are you the right person for the job? We're looking for someone with strong project management and communication skills, a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others across sectors, and prior experience with commercial/business sector waste reduction or other sustainability programs.
As an Associate Solid Waste Planner, you will work as part of a team of solid waste planners and project managers. Your work will be directed by a manager in the Resource Conservation and Recycling division of Metro's Property and Environmental Services department. Your primary work site will be Metro Regional Center.
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.
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.
Provide project management support for business and industry food waste reduction partnerships. Develop and execute project plans, ensures timely completion of deliverables, and serve as liaison between Metro partners and contractors.
Coordinate the development of technical assistance resources, such as webinars, videos and case statements. Provide project management support and coordinate content and resource development.
Coordinate evaluation reporting activities for Metro's commercial food scraps separation policy, ensure local government reports are complete and submitted on time, support resolution of reporting issues, and coordinate distribution of reports.
Collect, review and evaluate outreach analytics and other analytics related to Metro's food waste reduction work.
Support local government coordination related to commercial technical assistance programs.
Support the development and monitoring of intergovernmental agreements.
Support local government work group meetings and activities in collaboration with other Metro staff. Develop agendas, prepare for meetings and support ongoing communication with local government staff.
Support implementation of the Investment and Innovation Grant program, including developing training sessions for applicants, materials for applicants and grant review committee members, and proposal scoring and evaluation tools.
Represent Metro at meetings, make presentations and provide technical expertise; this may include evening and weekend meetings.
Remain current on public policy and planning strategies related to materials management and solid waste issues.
Fulfill Metro's employee values of Public Service, Excellence, Teamwork, Respect, Innovation, and Sustainability. These duties include, but are not limited to, maintaining positive relationships, respecting diversity of ideas and perspectives of others, and demonstrating sustainable practices.
Metro organizes its positions into classifications. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. This position falls under the Associate Solid Waste Planner classification (click to read the full classification).
Minimum Requirements
A Bachelor's degree and two years of experience including research, analysis, project management and report writing or public policy development; or any combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job.
Preferred qualifications
Strong collaborative skills and a demonstrated ability to form and maintain partnerships, lead groups, and to work effectively with others on a common task.
Experience working with commercial/business sector waste reduction or other sustainability programs.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing Knowledge of solid waste issues and processes
Ability to work independently and as part of a team Ability to perform analysis and make recommendations
Ability to organize and conduct solid waste research projects independently Ability to present findings via reports and formal presentations
Knowledge of public policy development processes and practices Knowledge of and ability to use a computer
Additional Information
Working conditions: Duties are primarily performed in an office environment, while sitting at a desk or computer terminal. Will spend time visiting solid waste facilities, which may be loud, dirty and require strict adherence to the facilities' safety protocols. This position may require frequent periods of talking, sitting, bending, grasping, handling, feeling 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 walking, reaching and lifting and/or carrying up to 10 pounds. Incumbent is required to 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 well being 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, 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