Metro Solid Waste Facilities Inspector (Close 8/11)

Job Title:Solid Waste Facility InspectorClosing Date/Time:Wed. 08/11/21 5:00 PM Pacific TimeSalary:$69,659.20 - $93,412.80 Annually
Job Type:Full TimeLocation:600 NE Grand Ave, Portland, Oregon

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Position summary Benefits Supplemental Questions

As the regional solid waste authority, Metro has the responsibility to ensure that all solid waste generated in the region is managed in a manner that protects public health and safety and safeguards the environment.

Metro fulfills this responsibility, in part, through its regulatory oversight of the region’s solid waste system. Our solid waste system includes a range of facilities that are necessary for managing garbage and recyclables for the public. These facilities are often located in communities that have been historically excluded from decisions about where the facilities go and have the fewest resources and least ability to advocate for improvement or change. Metro seeks to invest in and regulate these facilities to help them become community assets rather than burdens. This involves minimizing the health and safety impacts through modernization, sustainability practices and maintenance of consistent operating standards.

What will you do:
As a Solid Waste Facility Inspector, you will play a primary role in making sure the facilities that receive the region’s garbage and recyclables properly manage the material in accordance with Metro’s requirements to reduce their nuisance, safety, and environmental impacts on workers and the public. In this role, you will frequently work outside of an office environment and perform duties in and around industrial facilities that require attentiveness to safety.

You will visit facilities that receive and process different types of garbage and recyclables. During facility visits, you may experience odors, dust, noise, and other conditions resulting from waste-related activities and may occasionally encounter individuals that challenge or disagree with regulatory requirements. This position is part of a larger regulatory team that will provide training, assistance, and support to help address and respond to challenges and unusual situations. The regular schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend or evening work.

In this role, you will primarily perform routine inspections, complaint investigations, and other field activities to monitor solid waste facilities and disposal sites for compliance with Metro Code, administrative rules, licenses, franchises, and other regulatory requirements. You will also prepare written reports and other documents describing pertinent observations and findings from inspections and investigations. You will act as Metro’s liaison with the solid waste industry, other regulatory agencies, and the public to explain Metro’s regulatory requirements, provide technical assistance, and respond to complaints related to solid waste facilities. You will help develop and implement general inspection procedures and compliance monitoring strategies with lead direction from and in close coordination with a senior planner under the supervision of the Standards and Compliance Manager.

Specific duties include:

  • Performs routine inspections of Metro-regulated solid waste facilities and disposal sites to monitor compliance with Metro Code, administrative rules, authorization instruments, and other regulatory requirements.

  • Performs other types of inspections and field work related to solid waste such as record audits, complaint investigations, technical assistance visits, and general information gathering for emerging solid waste issues.

  • Prepares detailed, written reports and other documents describing inspection and investigation findings for internal and external audiences.

  • Assists with developing and implementing inspection procedures, schedules, and strategies to effectively monitor and achieve regulatory compliance at solid waste facilities.

  • Acts as Metro’s liaison with solid waste facility personnel to explain regulatory requirements and provide technical assistance.

  • Acts as a liaison between Metro and the public for general inquires and complaints related to solid waste facilities.

  • Represents Metro at meetings and provides technical expertise on solid waste issues.

  • Assists with and provides technical expertise to support solid waste projects.

  • Coordinates with enforcement coordinator and management on compliance issues.

  • Works in a safe manner and follows all applicable safety policies, practices and procedures.

  • Ensures records are maintained in accordance with Metro policies and procedures, and regulatory standards and guidelines.

  • Develops and maintains effective working relationships with other regulatory agencies and coordinates on compliance matters.


Traits for success:

  • Strong understanding of safety procedures and personal protective equipment.

  • Ability to defuse conflict and effectively work and communicate in a trauma-informed manner with people who may challenge or disagree with Metro requirements.

  • Ability to effectively communicate in verbal and written form.

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

  • Ability to interpret and effectively explain regulatory requirements to a broad audience.

  • Strong understanding of regulatory practices and processes.

  • Skill in evaluating conditions in relation to a set of requirements.

  • Skill in problem-solving and investigative techniques.

Education and Experience:
We will consider any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.
An example of relevant experience and education would be: other demonstrated relevant professional, volunteer work and lived experience in lieu of educational experience.

  • Two years of experience with solid waste, code regulation and enforcement, or any inspection-related field practices; AND

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Science, Public Health, Environmental Management, Industrial Hygiene or a public sector or sustainability related field.

Additional requirements:

  • A valid driver’s license with at least two years of driving history.


***Application requirements***
We want your application to count, so be sure it's complete and that you provide all the required materials.(1) complete the electronic application AND/OR submit a resume showing your dates of employment; (2) upload a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position; and (3) answer the supplemental questions.

This position is represented by AFSCME and is classified as an Associate Solid Waste Planner (click to read the full classification). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.

The base salary target for this recruitment would bring in candidates at a salary between $69,659.20 and $93,412.80 per year.


Additional Information:Primary Work location: Due to the nature of the work, the primary job duties must be performed on-site at privately owned solid waste facilities. Full-time telework is not available for this position.

Working conditions: Duties are primarily performed at solid waste facilities in all weather conditions, sometimes after regularly scheduled hours. Physical demands may include extensive walking, recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or similar activities; recurring lifting of light or moderately heavy items while performing activities in the field. Metro will provide basic home office equipment. Metro will provide personal protective equipment (PPE) that is required for all site visits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, staff and visitors are required to observe strict PPE and distancing rules.

Hello, we're Metro
Across greater Portland in 24 cities and three counties, there's one local government that brings us all together. Led by an elected council, Metro helps Oregonians shape the future and provides services that make life better today. Metro's work spans parks and nature, land and transportation, garbage and recycling, and arts and events. We help make greater Portland a great place to call home.