Zero Waste Specialist

City of Gainesville•Gainesville, FL

5d•$44,907 - $72,555•Onsite

About The Position

This is technical and administrative work coordinating and implementing zero-waste programs, including curbside, commercial, and multifamily recycling, food-waste diversion, and yard-trash programs. The position assists with managing solid-waste and recycling collection contracts and educating the public about solid-waste ordinances. Work is performed under general supervision, with an emphasis on solid-waste and recycling programs and direct interaction with residents, businesses, and the public.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, with major coursework in public administration, planning, economics, environmental studies, sustainability, or a related subject.
Two years of experience in solid waste, recycling, zero waste, environmental education, or a related industry.
Thorough knowledge of zero-waste concepts and solid-waste collection, recycling, and yard-trash programs.
Some experience educating and promoting community programs.
Ability to interpret and implement ordinances and regulations fairly, tactfully, and impartially.
Considerable knowledge of office practices and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work effectively with department heads, representatives of other agencies, City employees, and the general public.
Valid driver’s license required upon hire; a valid Florida driver’s license is required within 30 days of hire.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and examine solid waste visually and physically.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Recycling Coordinator by the State of Florida is desired.

Responsibilities

Provide customer support and answer public questions by phone, email, or online about recycling, solid-waste services, and zero-waste information.
Promote recycling and zero-waste initiatives to residents, multifamily complexes, municipal facilities, and businesses.
Oversee the Adopt-a-Street program, including maintaining cleanup reports, monitoring group activities, and preparing cleanup supplies.
Research and write educational materials, including weekly Zero Waste News articles and Adopt-a-Street newsletters, and assist with promotional campaigns.
Create social-media posts and educational videos, and maintain website information about solid-waste and recycling activities and services.
Respond to and resolve issues involving internal municipal office paper-recycling and food-waste collection programs.
Record and monitor monthly commercial franchise data, analyze tonnage and participation reports, and assist with the City’s strategic plan and zero-waste efforts.
Conduct field assignments, including curbside recycling audits, food-waste set-out weight measurements, commercial waste assessments, and field checks related to the Mandatory Recycling Ordinance.
Support coordination of seasonal programs and recycling at special events.
Confer with haulers, businesses, residents, property owners, and occupants about solid-waste contracts, ordinance requirements, violations, and inspection findings.
Design and implement programs encouraging recycling and waste reduction in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan and applicable laws.
Interpret solid-waste contract provisions related to operations, complaints, disputes, and violations.
Hear and investigate solid-waste complaints and maintain records of findings.
Coordinate with the designated supervisor on organizational policy questions.
Attend work on a continuous and regular basis.
May attend meetings outside business hours and perform other related duties as assigned.