Two variable hour positions are available. Variable-hour employees may not work more than 1040 hours per year. Employees in this position work approximately 500 to 1040 hours in a 12 month period and may work consecutive years. This work is performed remotely using Metro assigned equipment. There may be occasion to attend in-person meetings at Metro Regional Center, located at 600 NE Grand Avenue, Portland, Oregon, (when the building reopens from closure due to COVID pandemic).
Are you interested in joining a supportive team which helps people learn how to reduce waste and recycle? Are you a people person who is excited about providing great customer service? Do you have a passion for waste reduction and recycling, a commitment to equitable service delivery, coupled with a willingness to inform and educate? If so, you might be a great candidate to join Metro’s Recycling Information Center as a Recycling Specialist (variable hour).
The Recycling Information Center (RIC) provides information and assistance focused on garbage, recycling and reuse services for residents and businesses. As a Recycling Specialist, you will work closely with other team members who are passionate about assisting the public. The RIC team handles more than 70,000 information referral phone calls each year. The majority of your time will be spent speaking on the phone with callers from across the greater Portland region as you connect them with businesses and organizations that provide recycling and reuse services. You will also teach people about ways they can prevent waste as well as the proper disposal of materials. In addition, you will provide customer service for Metro's recycled latex paint sales, MetroPaint, and for Metro Central and Metro South transfer stations and hazardous waste facilities. Opportunities may become available to assist with outreach activities.
Your work will be performed using an intelligent desktop call routing system, custom database and MS Office suite software. Knowledge of and experience in recycling and waste reduction education is preferred. Supervision is received from the RIC program supervisor.
This position is a great opportunity for people who currently work or seek a fairly flexible work schedule. Hours are variable, but are typically weekdays, and occasionally Saturdays. Recycling Specialists fill in as needed to cover vacations, leaves, meetings and high call volume periods.
As a Metro employee, your work will support the advancement of the goals of Metro’s strategic plan to advance racial equity, diversity and inclusion and the 2030 Regional Waste Plan, both focused on advancing racial equity, reducing environmental and health impacts of products and maintaining and improving our garbage and recycling system.
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.
What you will do
Answer inquiries from the public, businesses and other government agencies via telephone and email.
Make garbage and recycling business referrals to Metro programs, private sector companies and non-profit organizations.
Educate residents about recycling, reuse, waste prevention and safe waste disposal options.
Use a proprietary business referral database and enters information into database files.
Provide administrative support for the call center.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Experience and education
One year of customer service, administrative and/or clerical experience involving extensive public contact over the phone, and
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.
Preferred qualifications: Experience and knowledge of garbage, recycling and waste reduction and the ability to speak a second language.
Schedule: fill in as needed Monday through Friday and perhaps occasionally on Saturdays (between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm) to cover vacations, leaves, meetings, high call volume periods and short-notice fill-in for illness coverage.
Traits for success
Application of good telephone etiquette using interpersonal principles and techniques.
Knowledge of and skill using business English, composition, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Ability to maintain professional demeanor under sometimes difficult circumstances and during conversations with callers who may be emotional or upset.
Ability to use problem solving skills and decision-making in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to operate computer programs and database systems 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 be flexible and adapt to changing conditions, policies and practices within the organization or from private sector partners.
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