Recycling Information Specialist
Salary
$21.58 Hourly
Location
Portland, OR
Job Type
Variable Hour (formerly "temporary")
Job Number
2023-2040-WPES
Department
Waste Prevention and Environmental Services
Opening Date
06/20/2023
Closing Date
7/11/2023 5:00 PM Pacific
Position summary
Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today and tomorrow. We offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits program. Learn more about the benefits Metro offers.
Are you interested in joining a supportive team that helps people learn to reduce waste and recycle? Are you excited about providing great customer service? Do you have a passion for waste reduction and recycling, a commitment to equitable service delivery, and a willingness to inform and educate? If so, you might be a great candidate to join Metro’s Recycling Information Center as a Recycling Information Specialist (variable hour).
The Recycling Information Center (RIC) provides information and assistance focused on garbage, recycling and reuse services for residents and businesses. As a Recycling Information Specialist, you will work closely with other team members who are passionate about assisting the public. The RIC handles more than 70,000 information referral phone calls each year. Much of your time will be spent speaking on the phone with callers from across the greater Portland region as you connect them with businesses and organizations that provide recycling and reuse services. You will also educate the public on ways to prevent waste and properly dispose of materials. In addition, you will provide customer service for Metro's recycled latex paint sales, MetroPaint, and for the Metro Central and Metro South transfer stations and hazardous waste facilities. Opportunities may also be available to assist with additional outreach activities.
Your work will be performed using an intelligent desktop call routing system, custom database, and MS Office suite software. Knowledge of and experience in recycling and waste reduction education is preferred. Supervision is provided by the Waste Prevention Outreach manager.
This position is a great opportunity for people who seek a flexible work schedule. Hours are variable during weekdays: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Recycling Information Specialists fill in as needed to cover vacations, meetings, and high call volume periods.
Your work will support Metro’s strategic plan to advance racial equity, diversity, and inclusion (Download PDF reader) as well as the 2030 Regional Waste Plan (Download PDF reader). Both are focused on advancing racial equity, reducing environmental and health impacts of products, and maintaining and improving our garbage and recycling system.
As a Variable Hour Recycling Information Specialist, you will:
Answer inquiries from the public, businesses, and other government agencies via telephone and email.
Make garbage and recycling business referrals to Metro programs, private sector companies and non-profit organizations.
Educate residents about recycling, reuse, waste prevention and safe waste disposal options.
Use a custom business referral database and enter information into database files.
Provide administrative support for the call center.
Participate in ongoing learning opportunities to stay up to date on local recycling and waste-reduction policies and practices.
Assist with public outreach activities as needed.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Attributes for success:
Application of good telephone etiquette using interpersonal principles and techniques.
Knowledge of and skill using business English, composition, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Maintaining a professional demeanor under sometimes difficult circumstances and during conversations with callers who may be emotional or upset.
Ability to use problem solving skills and decision-making in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to operate computer programs and database systems for information referral and reporting.
Ability to work effectively as a team member in a respectful and collaborative manner.
Flexibility and adaptation to changing conditions, policies, and practices within the organization or from private sector partners.
Diversity and inclusion: At Metro, we’re committed to hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, recognizing that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We invest in employees by supporting equitable and inclusive hiring practices, employee policies and training programs.
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 administrative and/or clerical experience AND
A high school diploma or GED, OR
Any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job.
Schedule: Work as needed, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. to cover vacations, leaves, meetings, high call volume periods. You may also be asked to fill in on short notice for illness coverage.
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 qualifications:
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.
Customer service experience
Experience involving extensive public contact over the phone
Experience with and/or knowledge of garbage, recycling, and waste reduction
The ability to speak a second language
COMPENSATION AND REPRESENTATION
The starting rate for this position is $21.58 per hour.
This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by AFSME 3580. It is classified as a Program Assistant I (Download PDF reader). 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 supplemental questions
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
Additional Information
Questions?
Recruiter: Carrie Gundermann
Email: carrie.gundermann@oregonmetro.gov
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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.
Agency
Metro
Address
600 NE Grand Ave
Portland, Oregon, 97232
Phone
503-797-1570
Website