Salary $26.76 Hourly
Location Metro Transfer Stations, OR
Job Type Variable Hour (formerly "temporary")
Department Waste Prevention and Environmental Services
Job Number 2022-2331-WPES
Closing This is an ongoing recruitment. As of August 20, 2022, we have up to seven jobs to fill. Those interested are encouraged to apply without delay. Application review will be ongoing as applications are received.
Metro participates in the State of Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and provides paid sick leave.
Position Summary
Hello, we’re Metro! We strive to be an employer of choice by being human-centered, authentic and support a welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive. We offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits program and the opportunity to help keep our air, water, and land free of hazardous materials while working in a busy and fun team environment.
Are you an environmental superhero? Help protect our region’s air, water, and land by joining our Hazardous Waste team and helping people in our region safely dispose of cleaners, chemicals, and other toxic materials.
Metro is responsible for the proper management of all solid waste – also known as garbage and recycling – generated in the region. Metro’s Waste Prevention and Environmental Services department (WPES) meets this responsibility in part by processing some of the region’s garbage and recycling, including hazardous materials from homes and small businesses. WPES is guided by the 2030 Regional Waste Plan and is committed to leading with equity in everything we do.
As a variable-hour Hazardous Waste Technician, you will serve the community by collecting hazardous materials from residents and small businesses and making sure they’re processed properly to protect people and the environment. Metro will train you in all essential duties of the job. You’ll work at Metro’s Hazardous Waste facilities and collection events collecting things like old gasoline, used batteries, light bulbs, pesticides, oil-based paint, cleaners and solvents, and other products. You’ll also sort materials, prepare them for safe and legal disposal, and provide information to customers and about proper solid waste disposal. This job is ideal for someone who has a flexible schedule, likes to learn, enjoys interacting with the public, and wants to give Metro’s customers a positive and safe experience while protecting human and environmental health. This job also offers the opportunity to learn about careers in waste management.
People selected for this job may work at one or both of Metro’s Hazardous Waste facilities and community collection events. Hazardous waste is collected from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Metro Central Transfer Station, 6161 NW 61st Avenue in Portland, from Monday through Saturday, and at Metro South Transfer Station, 2001 Washington Street in Oregon City, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Community collection events are scheduled during spring and fall weekends at locations throughout the region; four to six collection events are being planned for the fall. Metro Central Transfer Station is 1.5 miles from the NW Yeon & 44th Trimet bus stop (ID 13637). A Trimet bus stop is located just outside the entrance to Metro South at stop 2000 Block Washington (ID 14047). Variable hour employees' work schedules are determined by business needs. They may work up to 1,040 hours in a year; schedules may vary widely with no guaranteed minimum number of work hours.
To learn about Hazardous Waste collection, watch this video that shows how we process hazardous waste at both sites and this video of a community collection event. You can learn more about other activities at each facility in this virtual tour of Metro Central or this live video feed of trash being processed at Metro South.
As a variable hour Hazardous Waste Technician (Haz Cats) you will:
Prioritize safety at all times
Correctly use personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, and keep PPE clean and in good working condition (Metro provides employees with all necessary PPE.)
Unload, inspect, and sort incoming hazardous waste and prepare waste for disposal
Test unknown hazardous waste in the lab to classify it for safe disposal
Sort waste by chemical composition into hazard classes
Package waste according to all state and federal regulations
Safely use hand and power tools, as well as equipment like forklifts and pallet jacks
Provide information and answer customers’ hazardous waste questions in person or by phone or email
Participate in neighborhood collection events and outreach activities
Help with cleanup of hazardous waste spills (Metro South and Central) and investigate potential illegal disposal of hazardous waste in other parts of the transfer station (Metro South only)
Respond to emergencies and chemical releases in the facility or transfer station, including occasionally responding to emergencies outside of normal work hours (Metro South only)
Keep routine records such as incident reports, daily operational forms, etc.
Prepare inventory counts, reports, and labpack documents
Inspect and maintain the facility and equipment
Attributes for success:
Prefers work that exercises the mind and body
Likes variety and helping people
Interested in learning to process hazardous materials
Able to communicate clearly and work respectfully with a diverse group of customers, contractors, and co-workers
Prioritizes working safely and following safety policies, practices and procedures
Accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to remember complex information or processes
Committed to Metro’s core values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation and sustainability
Diversity and Inclusion: 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.
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum Qualifications:
One year of specialized training or experience in a field related to hazardous waste management AND
High school diploma or G.E.D.; OR
Any combination of education and experience which would provide the candidate with the desired knowledge, skill and ability required to perform the job.
Special Requirements:
A valid drivers license.
Must be available to work a variety of shifts, including weekends and holidays.
Driving Record Check: The candidate selected for the position will need to pass a Driving Record check prior to being hired. Speeding tickets do not necessarily preclude employment and will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:
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) (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.
If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:
If I was terminated for cause during any of my employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
Like to have:
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position.
Some college coursework in chemistry, environmental science, or other natural science.
Some experience with chemical analysis, lab work or working with radiation.
Some experience with pallet jacks, forklifts, drum dollies, or other moving equipment.
Some experience working in a regulated industry such as trucking, healthcare, remediation, pesticide application or manufacturing or in a compliance role.
First aid, emergency response training or firefighting experience.
Mechanical ability and/or experience maintaining vehicles, equipment or instruments.
Language skills in addition to English, such as Spanish, Vietnamese or Russian.
Working Conditions:
Technicians work indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. They serve drive-up customers and unload materials from all kinds of cars and trucks. Hazardous Waste facilities can be loud and can smell of vehicle exhaust and chemicals. This is a highly physical position and technicians often must work while wearing protective equipment or clothing such as safety shoes, safety glasses, Tyvek suits, nitrile gloves, and respirators that can limit normal movements. Metro provides variable hour Hazardous Waste Technicians with all necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for the job. Variable hour technicians also receive and work uniforms, including three t-shirts, one sweatshirt, and prescription safety glasses as required. Variable hour technicians who work 520 hours receive allowance of up to $150 for the purchase of safety shoes for use on the job.
The job may require frequent or continuous standing, stooping, bending, twisting, walking, talking, sitting, feeling, grasping, handling and good general hearing. Activities also require occasional reaching, feeling, repetitive motions of the hands/wrists, kneeling, climbing, and the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds, and push and/or pull up to 1,000 pounds using material handling equipment.
This variable hour position is eligible for overtime, represented by AFSCME 3580 and is classified as a Hazardous Waste Technician (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.
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The Application Packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.
A completed online application
Responses to the supplemental questions (See the “Questions” tab in the job announcement)
The Selection Process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.
Initial review of minimum qualifications
In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
Consideration of top candidates/interviews
Reference Check
Driving records check for finalist candidate(s)
Questions?
Recruiter: Carrie Gundermann
Email: carrie.gundermann@oregonmetro.gov
Application Questions
01 How many years of customer service experience do you have?
2 or more years
1 - 2 years
Less than 1 year
No experience
02 Have you completed any college-level coursework in chemistry, environmental science, or other natural science subjects?
Yes
No
03 Have you worked in a lab, analyzed chemicals, or worked with radiation?
Yes
No
04 Have you had training in the following? (Check all that apply.)
First aid
Emergency response
Incident command sysem
05 Where do you want to work if you are hired for this job?
Metro South Hazardous Waste only (2001 Washington Street in Oregon City)
Metro Central Hazardous Waste only (6161 NW 61st Avenue in Portland)
Metro Central and Metro South Hazardous waste facilities (both sites)
Community collection events only (typically weekends, up to seven hours per event)
Any location (Metro South, Metro Central, and/or community collection events)
06 What days of the week are you available to work if hired for this job? (Check all that apply.)
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
07 If we select you for an interview, we may email you through our online application system. We also may need to text or call you. Please let us know the best way to contact you, other than email and confirm the phone number for call and text options.
08 Have you provided at least 2 personal or professional references under "References" in your application? This is not required but can speed up the hiring process.
You may also provide your references details in the space below.
Required Question
COVID-19 safety: 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.
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.
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 503-797-1570.
Pay equity at Metro: Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): Unless otherwise stated in a collective bargaining agreement, Metro pays both the employee and employer portion of PERS contributions for eligible employees.
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.