Associate Planner
Salary
$69,659.20 - $93,412.80 Annually
Location
Portland, OR
Job Type
Full Time
Department
Waste Prevention and Environmental Services
Job Number
2021-0355-WPES
Closing
8/2/2021 5:00 PM Pacific
Position summary
Are you committed to supporting the application of a racial equity framework to policy and program development strategies? Are you passionate about reuse and repair and reducing the climate change impacts of consumption?
If this sound like you, please keep reading....
Metro is looking for a new Associate Planner who will support strategies that help achieve the 2030 Regional Waste Plan (RWP) goals. WPES is committed to leading with equity in everything we do. We are guided by the 2030 RWP, which is focused on advancing racial equity, reducing the environmental and health impacts of products, maintaining and improving our garbage and recycling system, and addressing inequities that impact communities of color and others in our region. As an Associate Planner you will support community engagement activities, program evaluation efforts and help to ensure clear and timely communication with our partners. This position also plays a key role in implementing strategies that improve garbage and recycling services for people living in condos and apartments and coordinating contractual agreements with other public agencies.
The Associate Planner will join a team of planners in Metro’s Waste Prevention and Environmental Services (WPES) department. The current priorities of the team include business food waste prevention and recovery, improving services for underserved communities, reuse and repair, workforce equity and environmental justice. Your work will be directed by a manager in the Policy and Program Development division of Metro’s Waste Prevention and Environmental Services department.
What you will do:
The Associate Planner will perform in-depth analysis and assist in policy formulation and evaluation. Specific duties will include:
Coordinate development of intergovernmental agreements and contracts with local government partners and community based organizations. Provide project management support for agreement development, review and administration process.
Develop and present reports and data summaries. Coordinate reporting activities for the division, including reports required by Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Compile data and information provided by other staff members and external partners and ensure reports are complete, accurate and submitted on time.
Conduct research, analyze data and provide technical support for policy and program development work.
Serve as liaison between Metro staff and contractors, consultants and the public to provide and gather information.
Process feedback and input from a variety of stakeholders and perspectives in order to build collaboration and advance shared goals.
Apply an equity framework to policy and program options and summarize the tradeoffs of each scenario. For example, assess impacts of a proposed decision on communities with attention to demographics and economic and environmental conditions.
Represent Metro at meetings, make presentations and provide technical expertise.
Remain current on public policy at the local, regional, state and federal level and planning strategies related to waste reduction, responsible recycling and managing waste.
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.
Traits for success:
Ability to organize and conduct research, perform analysis and make public policy recommendations based on that analysis.
Understanding of Metro’s Racial Equity Framework and ability to apply the principles to policy options, consistent with the goals of the RWP.
Knowledge of materials management, garbage, recycling, life cycle analysis, consumption-based emissions inventories and/or environmental protection issues and concepts.
Excellent written and oral communication skills with a demonstrated understanding of differing audience needs.
Knowledge and understanding of government policy development as well as how policy informs and directs programs and services (federal and state statute, Metro Code and rule, local government code and rule).
Excellent organizational skills, knowledge of project management practices and ability to coordinate and track multiple projects.
Ability to present findings in a manner that is accessible to a variety of audiences.
Strong collaboration and teamwork skills and the ability to work effectively with others on a common task.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to operate a personal computer and use common software programs, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel.
Experience and education
The successful candidate will have any combination of education and lived experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job. An example of education and experience that would provide these skills might include:
Two years’ of experience in public policy, community organizing, civic engagement research and analysis, or programs and services that advance racial equity; AND
A Bachelor's or other degree in a field such as economics, business, science, public policy, political science, communication, ethnic studies, sociology, planning, or related discipline. Or
Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities
Preferred qualifications
Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to conceptualize, apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information gathered or generated from a variety of sources
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to distill and effectively communicate complex concepts and projects.
Application requirements:
1) Electronic application 2) Resume 3) Cover letter of 400 words or less, summarize your relevant experience and interest in the position and 4) Complete responses to our supplemental questions.
This position is represented and is classified as an Associate Regional Planner (Download PDF reader) (click to read the full classification). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. The base salary target for this recruitment is between $69,659.20 - $80,704.00
Additional Information
Work location: In response to COVID-19, work will generally be performed off-site (remote/telework) until the Metro Regional Center reopens.
Additional Information Related to COVID-19: The health and safety of our employees and community is a top priority for Metro. Employees will be required to follow all Metro COVID-related policies and procedures, which may meet or exceed guidelines set forth by the CDC, Oregon Health Authority, and other federal, state and local jurisdictions. Learn more at oregonmetro.gov/COVID-19.
Working Conditions
You will primarily be a remote employee and will be provided with a computer, peripherals, desk chair and basic office supplies needed for a productive home office. Metro leadership supports working remotely as well as providing a wide-range of workspace options in the Metro Regional Center. Instead of having a personal work station or cubicle in the building, staff will share access to a variety of workspace options, office equipment, resources and amenities. If you prefer to work in the building, need a desk, a quiet office or a collaboration space – or just need access to a printer – you will be able to access what you need when you need it. At Metro we strive to 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.
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.
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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.
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