Program Assistant – Zero-waste Education

City of Fort Collins•Fort Collins, CO

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position provides community education and outreach support for recycling and other zero-waste initiatives conducted by the Environmental Services Department. The City of Fort Collins has a 2030 zero-waste goal as part of its Our Climate Future plan and strives to inspire people in our community to embrace the three pillars of sustainability (“Triple Bottom Line”). The Program Assistant will coordinate aspects of community engagement and behavior change initiatives, including planning, communication, outreach and evaluation. This position works in collaboration with City staff, partners, contractors, and community members to develop and implement programs that increase recycling participation and support zero-waste goals. The ideal candidate will be capable of coordinating multiple concurrent projects, fostering strong partnerships, and creating meaningful educational materials and programs that encourage sustainable behaviors.

Requirements

Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.
Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends.
A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations.
A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.
Experience and interest in environmental sustainability and sustainability education.
Experience with public speaking, community engagement, and/or community organizing.
Ability to write in English clearly and articulately.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to creatively make educational material and deliver presentations to groups on occasion.
Demonstrated proficiency in empathy and listening.
Desire to learn and willingness to try new things.
Understands and adheres to the concept of equity as a process and outcome.
Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to track processes and results in a consistent manner.
Proficiency in Microsoft applications, spreadsheets, and computer systems.
Adaptable and able to work in a rapidly changing work environment.
Self-directed, quick learner, responsible, dedicated, uses good judgment, positive attitude, and a good team-player.
Ability to verbally communicate with multiple audiences.
Ability to effectively present concepts and respond appropriately to questions.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical information.
Ability to write reports and correspondence in a concise, clear, and impactful manner.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions supplied in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to define and solve problems, collect data from internal and external customers, and apply this to achieve outstanding service.
High school graduate or general education degree (GED) with 2 years of work experience and knowledge of sustainability.
All remote or hybrid work must be performed in the state of Colorado.

Nice To Haves

Ability to read, write and speak Spanish is desirable.
College-level or technical school course work in education, environmental studies, sustainability, or related study area with minimum of one year of related job experience performing education, outreach or community engagement, preferably in a team environment.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate and implement recycling and other zero-waste education tactics, including events, presentations, facility tours, newsletters, mailers, bill inserts, and other printed materials.
Organize and coordinate targeted behavior change initiatives, including in various neighborhoods, multi-family complexes, and mobile home parks.
Collaborate with community members and organizations to gather feedback, design outreach, and implement chosen strategies.
Working with folks ideally in both English and Spanish.
Organize and coordinate recycling signage updates.
Collaborate with other City staff to plan, execute and track updates of recycling signage around the City.
Contribute to a thriving team environment by actively participating in team meetings, practicing open communication, and giving and receiving timely feedback.
Track, evaluate and report on impacts of initiatives.