Program Education Specialist (Waste Reduction)

Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County•Athens, GA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The purpose of this job is to administer waste reduction policies and support compliance while delivering education and outreach to students, residents, and businesses. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, implementing waste reduction policies and ordinances, coordinating compliance efforts, leading education and outreach initiatives, and performing additional tasks as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in the environmental field, public relations, education, journalism, or marketing with two years of related work experience required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Must have or have the ability to complete appropriate waste reduction training (SWANA, TRUE, or other) within the first six (6) months of employment.
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment, including a computer, printer, calculator, copy machine, two-way radio, telephone, and CHaRM equipment (baler, densifier, forklift, bulb crusher, and other processing equipment when needed).
Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
Requires the ability to hear, speak, and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from coworkers, assistants, or supervisors.
Requires the ability to read a variety of waste characterization reports, waste audits, graphical displays, scientific and technical reports, legislative and informational documentation, directions, instructions, methods, and procedures.
Requires the ability to prepare statements, schedules, and graphs, technical reports relating to the environment, letters, reports, forms, spreadsheets, brochures, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.
Requires the ability to speak to individuals and/or groups of people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.
Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions.
Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical, or professional languages, including waste reduction, recycling, composting, technical, and financial terminology.
Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; interpret graphs; compute discount, interest, profit/loss, ratio/proportion, etc.; perform calculations involving variables/formulas/ square roots/ polynomials.
Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually, with a variety of machinery and equipment, including a computer, printer, calculator, copy machine, two-way radio, and telephone.
Requires the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using office equipment.
Requires the ability to use the keyboard, lift, bend, push, and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates.
Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as automated office equipment, office supplies, and computer supplies.
Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motions while coordinating the other hand with different activities.
Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Must be able to communicate via telephone and two-way radio.

Nice To Haves

Responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.

Responsibilities

Administers and ensures compliance with the Commercial Recycling Ordinance Material Management Policy for all Governmental Buildings and Facilities and Public Spaces, and Glass Bottle Reduction Program.
Collaborates with the Planning Department during plan reviews to support Commercial Recycling Ordinance compliance.
Works with ACC Code Enforcement to complete recycling violation transmittals and support enforcement actions to ensure appropriate and timely processing within the court system.
Works closely with permitted downtown event organizers, food vendors, and contractors to ensure compliance with event waste reduction requirements and proper implementation of composting and recycling practices.
Provides education, technical assistance, and guidance on acceptable materials, contamination prevention, and sustainable event practices.
Coordinates collection bins for special event permit holders and maintains event bins, signage, compostable service ware guidance materials, and related supplies to support successful event waste diversion efforts.
Coordinates with the Collections Division to ensure timely delivery, placement, servicing, and removal of recycling, composting, and landfill collection containers for permitted special events.
Communicates operational needs and event logistics to support efficient collection and processing of materials generated during events.
Conducts post-event waste sorts and contamination audits to evaluate proper material separation, identify opportunities for improved education or operational processes, and implement improvements as needed.
Works with private haulers, attends permitted hauler meetings, and coordinates truck ride-alongs with Collections staff to assess compliance with the Commercial Recycling Ordinance.
Maintains documentation, records, and data related to education and outreach programs, including updates to relevant sections of the website, and prepares and submits monthly and quarterly reports to leadership and advisory groups.
Coordinates and provides technical assistance to Departmental Material Management Coordinators, including organizing quarterly meetings and sharing updates on waste-related issues.
Assists Waste Reduction Coordinator in developing advertising and outreach campaigns, including media releases, newsletters, social media, website updates, and other public relations efforts.
Assists with revising and updating policies and ordinances related to commercial recycling, material management, and waste reduction programs.
Coordinates and assists with special projects and events (e.g., UGA Ditch the Dumpster, Twilight, Move Out Day Collection, etc.)
Assists with public education and outreach efforts related to the Solid Waste Department's waste reduction programs (reduce, reuse, recycle, and composting in both the residential and commercial sectors) including tours, classroom lessons, workshops, and presentations.
Provides waste reduction infrastructure support to local schools.
Exercises functional supervision over recycling Waste Reduction Division interns, in the absence of the Waste Reduction Coordinator.
Assists with preparing budget proposals, grant applications, and award submissions related to the Waste Reduction Division’s educational programming, and supports research efforts such as surveys, polls, and focus groups.
Assists Waste Reduction Coordinator with tours of solid waste facilities (recycling, CHaRM, composting, and landfill facilities) for school groups, college classes, and the general public.
Assists Waste Reduction Coordinator with the ACC Green School program and school recycling programs.
Attends conferences, seminars, and classes to remain abreast of current developments in waste reduction/public relations.
Presents at professional conferences, seminars, and workshops to highlight and promote the work of the Solid Waste Department and Waste Reduction Division.
Assists with research (focus groups, polls, etc.).
Provides information and other customer services regarding waste reduction opportunities to students, citizens, and businesses via email, phone, and in-person.
Assists customers with unloading recycling materials.
Assists division employees with the processing of collected recyclables.
Work occasionally on weekends and after-hours (expect to work all large-scale weekend events that require composting and/or recycling).
Performs clerical duties related to the position.
Performs other related duties as required.