Associate Solid Waste Planners - RID Patrol
Salary
$69,659.20 - $93,412.80 Annually
Location
Community Stewardship Deployment Center, OR
Job Type
Full Time
Department
Waste Prevention and Environmental Services
Job Number
2021-0344-WPES-RID
Closing
9/24/2021 5:00 PM Pacific
Position summary
Metro is committed to ensuring the health and safety for our employees and our community. As a part of this commitment, Metro has implemented a vaccine requirement policy for employees, paid and unpaid interns and volunteers. Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is considered a minimum qualification requirement for Metro job applicants and this proof will be requested during the hiring process. View: Metro COVID-19 Vaccination policy (Download PDF reader)
If you require an accommodation under this policy for a medical condition or disability, or sincerely held religious belief, please email benefits.help@oregonmetro.gov
Are you interested in joining a supportive team which provides cleanup services on public land throughout the greater Portland area? Do you have excellent customer service skills, strong intercultural awareness, attention to detail and a passion for public service? Does your experience include research and analysis, project management, program coordination and development, waste reduction and community engagement? Do you enjoy working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment?
Bring your skills to the RID (Regional Illegal Dumping) Patrol program, where you will support the program to help keep the region beautiful and livable for everyone who lives here and for generations to come. The RID Patrol program is housed within the Community Services and Education Division within the Waste Prevention and Environmental Services Department at Metro.
The RID Patrol program provides cleanup services on public land throughout the greater Portland area by cleaning up dumped garbage; supporting local jurisdictions by removing and disposing of trash from people living unsheltered on public lands; investigating illegally dumped items to determine the responsible party and root causes of dumping; and implementing enforcement options to achieve and support the goals and equity principles of the 2030 Regional Waste Plan. The RID Patrol program is working to build stronger relationships with impacted communities to more effectively address dumped and abandoned waste issues through an equity lens.
The RID Patrol program has a small workforce-transition program that partners with community-based organizations to provide job skills and opportunities to people facing employment barriers. The RID Patrol program is currently working on an expansion of the workforce program to provide additional employment opportunities through internal and external partnerships as well as to increase the RID Patrol program’s ability to better serve the region in meeting the requests for services.
We are currently seeking two organized, detail-oriented, experienced program planners to support all aspects of the RID Patrol program, from program planning to field work to data entry to coordinating program services with internal and external partners. These positions will be responsible for providing support to cleanup staff to provide services, support senior staff to identify specific dumping causes, sources and barriers; collaborate on how best to address and prevent dumping; and improve program services. These positions will interact with vulnerable populations on a regular basis.
These two positions are designed to support and backup each other’s roles and responsibilities as needed. One position, RID Patrol Services Coordinator, is the lead for cleanup services coordination and operational support. The RID Patrol Services Coordinator will spend majority of their time conducting field work and supporting cleanup crews and other operational staff. This position also leads the coordination and support services to internal and external stakeholders responding to people living in public spaces. This position will also conduct research and analysis on program services and operations, support in program development and expansion, manage and maintain contracts, participate in procurement processes, review and draft operating manuals and forms, and other work in support of the RID Patrol Services Planner and other program staff.
The other position, RID Patrol Services Planner, is the program lead for program service research, planning, development and contracting. The RID Patrol Services Planner will spend most of their time supporting operations through research and analysis of program operations and needs, data analysis, collaborating with other staff to develop and expand services, and manage program service contracts. This position will support the expansion and development of program operations including staff training, Metro bag program, sharps disposal services, and the workforce transition program. This position will also spend some time supporting the RID Patrol Services Coordinator with coordinating large cleanup efforts, data collection and other field work.
The successful candidates will have strong communications skills, exceptional organizational skills, excellent attention to detail, experience with contracts and procurement, project management skills, experience enforcing rules and policies, knowledge of trauma informed approaches and harm reduction principles, and experience working directly with vulnerable communities, such as the houseless community.
The persons in these positions will interact daily with staff, contractors, community-based organizations, elected officials and others. The ability to be culturally responsive and to work successfully with diverse stakeholders, including communities of color and other marginalized groups, is essential. If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can perform the role, we’d love to learn more about you.
Recruitment Timeline:
The desired start date for this position is November 15, 2021, or sooner.
We anticipate holding the first round of interviews the week of October 11th, and the second round of interviews the week of October 18th. (This schedule is subject to change.)
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
Provide support to all aspects of the RID Patrol program, from program planning and management to coordinating and leading field work to data management to securing cleanup and personal protective equipment supplies and services to community outreach. These positions will be responsible for providing support to program staff to coordinate, track, measure and improve program services; research and analysis of a variety of program and operational issues and needs; evaluate findings and propose process and operational improvements; and interact with the public daily to provide program services, information and service referrals.
Coordinates cleanups with internal and external partners, including scheduling site visits; managing logistics; conducting field work; drafting detailed documentation of cleanup activities; adhering to state laws and agency policies; and identifying and securing equipment, personal protective equipment and other necessary supplies to safely and efficiently cleanup sites.
Develops partnerships with outreach and social service agencies, community-based organizations and local governments to connect and support vulnerable populations.
Establishes relationships with Metro staff, local governments, state agencies, local law enforcement and other property owners to coordinate and schedule cleanups of dumped and abandoned trash; coordinates cleanups with RID Patrol cleanup crews; and partners under intergovernmental agreements and other agreements.
Coordinates cleanup response of unauthorized camps on Metro property with RID Patrol staff, crews, Parks and Nature staff, and other partners as needed; ensures cleanups are conducted in a respectful, humane and trauma-informed manner, and in accordance with state laws and Metro policies and procedures; employs a service-first approach; provides training and technical assistance to internal and external partners as appropriate.
Provides superior customer service while treating all program partners with respect; is aware of and implements harm reduction principles and trauma-informed practices while working with vulnerable populations, including but not limited to formerly or currently incarcerated individuals and people experiencing homelessness.
Provides project management support for RID-related partnerships; develops and executes project plans; ensures timely completion of deliverables; and serves as liaison between Metro partners and contractors.
Organizes and coordinates projects, work programs and project plans; coordinates with staff and program partners to assure timely completion; solicits and constructively incorporates feedback into work.
Collects, reviews and evaluates field analytics and other analytics related to RID Patrol work; conducts research on elements affecting RID Patrol program and solid waste projects; analyzes data to determine potential effects of various policies and procedures and develops recommendations.
Performs a variety of solid waste planning and analysis activities, including providing technical and administrative support for projects; developing and maintaining databases; performing research and analysis; evaluating proposals; preparing reports; preparing and managing procurement processes; and developing and monitoring contracts and intergovernmental agreements.
Acts as a liaison between administrative and technical staff, contractors, consultants and the public to provide and gather information; supports senior staff and management in development of programs, services, policies and procedures.
Coordinates data management needs with staff and supports work to initiate necessary data management improvements; provides training and technical assistance for cleanup crews on data management tools and procedures.
Supports local government coordination related to RID Patrol programs supports local government work group meetings and activities in collaboration with other Metro staff; develops agendas; prepares for meetings; and supports ongoing communication with local government staff; represents Metro at meetings, makes presentations and provides technical expertise; this may include evening and weekend meetings.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Knowledge of harm-reduction principles and trauma-informed practices
Ability to conduct independent studies, evaluate data, prepare and present reports
Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn relevant solid waste-related laws, regulations, policies, issues, disposal requirements and services as well as a working understanding of the regional solid waste system
Emotional intelligence and capacity to respond flexibly to a range of possible situations
Desire to increase knowledge, improve and learn new skills, curiosity to ask questions and desire to thoroughly understand program services, procedures, and applicable regulations to propose innovative and affirmative policies and services benefiting the community
Ability to organize and conduct solid waste research projects independently
Ability to perform analysis and make recommendations
Ability to present findings via reports and formal presentations
Knowledge of public policy development processes and practices
Ability to use problem solving skills and decision-making in a fast-paced environment
Ability to be culturally aware and practice cultural humility; engage knowledgeably with people across cultures, continually gain cultural knowledge, develop cultural self-awareness and an ongoing process of self-reflection and self-critique, understand and address power imbalances and be accountable for providing inclusive and equitable services
Ability to work collaboratively to identify and respond to problems, seek conflict resolutions, take ownership of mistakes, remain flexible in adapting to situations and individuals; positive attitude
Ability to effectively apply organizational and time management systems, and problem-solving and analytical skills to the work
Ability to maintain a high level of organizational practices while effectively and efficiently tracking the status of a variety of projects and tasks
Knowledge and experience with contract administration policies and practices
Proficiency in the operation of a personal computer and standard business software including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access) and Adobe Acrobat, and the ability to use GIS based programs, software and other business applications used by the program
Experience and education
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 education and experience that would provide the knowledge, skills and ability required to perform the job.
These positions require a valid driver's license and driving record sufficient to be insured by Metro insurance carrier.
Preferred qualifications
Strong collaborative skills and a demonstrated ability to form and maintain partnerships, lead groups and work effectively with others on a common task
Experience working with people experiencing homelessness and/or other vulnerable, underrepresented communities
Experience in community enforcement that centers vulnerable people
Ability to build, maintain and manage databases, and experience and knowledge of ESRI, ArcGIS, Access and PowerBI (desired, not required)
Application requirements
1) Electronic application, 2) answers to supplemental questions, and 3) cover letter describing your qualifications as they relate to the duties of the position(s)*.
*In you cover letter, identify which of the two positions you are interested in, RID Patrol Services Coordinator or RID Patrol Services Coordinator, or both positions. You may submit your application for consideration of both positions.
Minimum Requirements
Additional Information
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3580 (AFSCME 3580) is the union that represents this position. The job classification is an Associate Solid Waste 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 would bring in candidates at a salary between $69,659.20 - 80,704.00 per year.
Work Location: Initially, these positions will be working remotely and when open, the Community Stewardship Deployment Center located at 1630 SE 8th Ave., Portland, 97214. Depending on business needs these positions maybe eligible to work in a hybrid environment of working remotely, in the office and field work.
Working conditions: Duties are performed in a combination of office and field environments. Work in a standard office environment includes sitting at a desk or computer terminal with standard work pressures and disturbances of workflow. 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). Field work requires hiking through natural areas both on and off-trail while carrying up to 50 pounds. Hiking distances vary from 1,000 feet to over 1 mile. Terrain covered may be flat or steep. Work will be performed in all weather conditions, including snow, rain and excessive heat. Field work may be dirty and requires strict adherence to safety protocols. This position requires the ability to perform a standard work schedule of Monday through Friday, generally working from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and to attend meetings during and after normal work hours.
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.
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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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