Clackamas Co AmeriCorps Waste Reduction Specialist

CONFLUENCE AMERICORPS PROGRAM The Confluence AmeriCorps Program advances environmental equity through innovative partnerships with local organizations in the Portland metropolitan area. We offer life changing service opportunities that engage Members at the intersection of environmentalism and social justice while promoting individual leadership and development. This position is a dynamic combination of serving with a Project Partner on a dedicated project (80%) and engaging in professional and leadership development opportunities, alongside a 20 Member cohort (20%). www.confluencecenter.org EQUITY & INCLUSION Confluence does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender identity, ability, sexual orientation, expression, pregnancy, parents/guardians with children, or veteran status. Confluence is committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our Members and staff with ongoing equity trainings and career development opportunities. Confluence, like many environmental programs, is a predominantly white space, and in an effort to decolonize dominant structures of oppression, we encourage people of color to apply. Confluence provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Applicants with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation and/or alternative formats at any point in the employment process. DATES OF SERVICE September 8, 2021 – July 29, 2022 (11 months – 1700 hours) POSITION TITLE Waste Reduction Specialist PROJECT PARTNER Clackamas County- Sustainability & Solid Waste https://www.clackamas.us/recycling POSITION SUMMARY This position is in partnership between the Confluence Environmental Center, AmeriCorps Program, and Clackamas County’s Sustainability & Solid Waste program. The Waste Reduction Specialist will help to identify, coordinate, and increase food donation opportunities to local food pantries to increase food donation and access to food, reduce wasted food, and reduce the environmental impacts of that wasted food (50%). The Member will also help us bring greater consistency and value to recycling and waste reduction in apartment and condo communities, targeting low-income, racially diverse, and underserved residents (per Oregon’s Affordable Housing Inventory). This position will build on the success of previous AmeriCorps Members and pilot new programming to pair service-level and infrastructure analyses with outreach and education for a more holistic, effective, and inclusive approach to community assistance (30%). The Member will participate in Confluence led leadership development activities which include: Leadership Development Training Series, completing a Change Agent Project (CAP), team meetings, National Service events and other self-directed 2 development opportunities (20%). ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (to include, but not limited to): • Identify and assess infrastructure and services currently provided to apartment communities. • Collaborate within a team to update materials, resources, and outreach approaches. • Coordinate with community groups to develop waste reduction strategies and conduct outreach (presentations, events, etc.) to help move individuals from knowledge to action. • Coordinate with volunteers to conduct educational outreach to targeted groups. • Research, develop, and document best practices and lessons learned. • Support wasted food prevention and donation efforts. • Participate in general program activities (staff meetings, communication planning, trainings, etc.). • Complete and submit all necessary paperwork and reports in a timely manner; abide by program policies; attend and complete all training and service requirements; wear Confluence uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events. POSITION REQUIREMENTS • Possession of a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record throughout service term. • Availability to conduct outreach and attend events during occasional evenings/weekends. • Prepare and deliver oral presentations to public and private groups (virtually and in-person, as appropriate). • Effectively use word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, Zoom for distance communication, and database software. • Communicate and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups. • Willingness/openness to learn about and discuss racial equity and social justice issues. • Ability to serve as part of a diverse team. • Regular and reliable attendance and dependability. • AmeriCorps Members must be: 18 years of age or older at beginning of service term; U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident; in possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving award able to commit to the full term of service; able to successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check and satisfactory report from the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) prior to the start of the position. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Spanish language ability and cultural competence • Motivated and proactive; works well in teams and independently • Interest or experience in working with youth, low-income communities, and/or communities of color • Interest in food waste reduction and food donation • Demonstrated interest in sustainability issues, education, and behavior change • Research, planning, and project management skills • Experience facilitating meetings and creating a welcoming environment for attendees • Familiarity with the communities and diversity of Clackamas County MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE • $15,100 living allowance paid over the 11-month term of service (approx. $1,372 monthly, before taxes). • $6,345 education award (qualified student loans and/or education expenses) • Loan Forbearance • Health Care Insurance • Child Care Reimbursement • $125 Training Fund • Professional Leadership Certificate, Trainings and Networking opportunities. • May be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). • Opportunities to attend trainings, conferences, and events (may be virtual). 3 PROJECT LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION • 150 Beavercreek Rd., Oregon City 97045 (if/when in person); at-home work (remote/telework). • Field work throughout Clackamas County (community, schools, apartment communities). • County vehicle is available for service activities and insurance coverage is provided. • Project site is accessible by public transportation (depending on where you live). • Personal vehicle is recommended to get to service site (depending on where you live). HOW TO APPLY STEP 1: Apply to Confluence: • Complete AmeriCorps Application STEP 2: Apply to Project Supervisor: (Conducts first round interviews and recommends top candidates to Confluence) Email the following items to Eben Polk at epolk@clackamas.us or call 503-742-4470: • Résumé • Cover letter (1 page) • Contact information for three references (name, title, relationship, email & phone) QUESTIONS ABOUT CONFLUENCE OR AMERICORPS? Ashlie Tainer | Operations Coordinator | 503-349-0935 | atainer@confluencecenter.org