Zero Waste Specialist

City of Gainesville•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

This is technical and administrative work coordinating implementing Zero waste programs including curbside, commercial, and multifamily recycling, food waste diversion, and yard trash programs. This position assists in the management solid waste and recycling collection contracts and education about ordinances relating to solid waste. The positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from higher classes by its emphasis on Solid Waste/Recycling Programs and from lower classes by its responsibility of direct interaction with the neighbors, businesses, and the public in general.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in public administration, planning, economics, environmental studies, sustainability or related subject
Two (2) years’ experience in solid waste, recycling, zero waste, environmental education, or related industry.
Valid Driver's License required upon hire.
Valid State of Florida Driver's License required within 30 days of hire.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices relating to zero waste concepts, solid waste collection, recycling and yard trash programs.
Some experience with the education and promotion of community programs.
Ability to interpret and implement ordinances and other regulations with fairness, tact, and impartiality.
Considerable knowledge of office practices and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work effectively with, department heads, representatives of other agencies, other city employees, and the general public.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide customer support and respond to questions from the public by phone, email, or online about recycling, solid waste services, and general zero waste information.
Promote recycling and zero waste initiatives to individual residents, multifamily complexes, municipal facilities, and businesses.
Oversee the Adopt-a-Street program by recording and filing cleanup reports, monitoring group activities, preparing cleanup supplies.
Research and write content education materials, including weekly Zero Waste News articles, Adopt-A-Street newsletters, and assist in developing various promotional campaigns.
Produce social media posts, educational videos, and maintain website information for solid waste and recycling activities and services.
Respond and resolve issues related to the City’s internal municipal office paper recycling and food waste collection programs.
Assist with the recording and monitoring of monthly commercial franchise data, analyze tonnage reports and participation data, and assist with developing the City’s strategic plan and zero waste efforts.
Conduct field assignments, including residential curbside recycling auditing, measuring food waste set out weights, conducting commercial waste assessments, and carrying out field checks related to the City’s Mandatory Recycling Ordinance.
Support the coordination of seasonal programs and special events recycling programs
Confers with solid waste haulers, businesses, citizens, owners, or occupants relative to the solid waste contract, solid waste ordinance requirements, violations to be corrected, or inspection findings.
Designs and implements programs to encourage recycling and waste reduction in conformance with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan and local, state and federal laws.
Interprets the provisions of the solid waste contract as applies to solid waste operations, complaints, disputes and violations.
Hears and investigates solid waste complaints and maintains records of findings.
Confers and coordinates with designated supervisor on organizational policy questions.
Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.