Compost & Recycling Associate

Position Description 

Are you passionate about waste reduction and want to help others understand how to recycle right and compost correctly? Join Alameda County’s Office of Sustainability to transition County operations into the exciting new phase of waste prevention and upstream solutions.

The Compost and Recycling Associate will manage projects that expand and increase the effectiveness of waste diversion programs at County facilities, as well as develop new initiatives to improve waste reduction and reuse opportunities in County operations.

Note: this position requires a California Driver’s license to be obtained by October 4, 2024 so you can use County fleet vehicles to reach sites that may not be convenient to reach by transit. (If this is a challenge for your circumstances, please communicate this in your first interview.)

Roles & Responsibilities
Waste and recycling operations: 
1) You will implement and update our composting and recycling programs at a number of owned and leased County facilities. Updating this enhanced recycling program, or launching it at new sites, involves completing waste assessments; developing site specific roll-out plans; and coordinating with janitors, waste haulers, and other stakeholders to implement the plans. You will also do targeted outreach to employees to ensure the program is used correctly.

2) You will design and lead engaging educational workshops and outreach campaigns to improve recycling and composting rates and waste sorting practices at existing facilities. You will also have opportunities to update and implement new outreach materials such as online training videos, website content, and print materials.

3) To ensure overall success, you will also conduct waste audits, assist in the delivery of services (i.e., placing bins and signs at sites, coordinating service delivery, researching and purchasing waste/recycling systems), and work with internal and external partners using verbal and written communication to troubleshoot day-to-day operational waste issues.

Waste reduction and sustainability strategy: 
4) You will play a key role in implementation of the County’s Climate Action Plan for Government Services and Operations, including expanding the County’s current reuse program, assessing opportunities for waste reduction and waste diversion in County facilities, and developing outreach strategies to assist County employees transition to these new and updated programs.

5) You will help design new waste reduction efforts such as researching circular economy and waste prevention initiatives and software tools to implement at the County.

This position will provide significant opportunities to develop professionally, including:

• Project management experience, including project scoping, developing work plans and timelines, and project implementation;
• Experience implementing projects that rely on the cooperation of diverse stakeholder groups and knowledge of how to overcome challenges that may arise in the implementation process;
• Opportunities to guide projects through (often complex) government structures;
• Advanced interpersonal and critical thinking skills from solving complex problems involving communication with a variety of stakeholders;
• Facilitation skills to design successful and productive meetings with a diverse set of stakeholders;
• Public speaking skills by designing and giving presentations to a wide variety of stakeholders and audiences;
• Firsthand experience working in the waste and recycling field;
• Access to regional, state, and national sustainability networks;
• Practice creating and delivering behavior change best practices to encourage sustainable choices in the workplace;
• Experience gathering and analyzing quantitative data and field data and using it to assess project effectiveness and to inform program decisions; and
• Experience working independently towards goals and outcomes that are developed as a team.
• All fellows at Alameda County are able to work with other fellows placed at Alameda County and participate in our award-winning series of fellow trainings and workshops.

Desired Qualifications

• Interest in waste management and waste reduction;
• Strong project management skills and organizational skills to track deliverables on multiple projects;
• Experience with scoping projects, developing work plans, meeting timelines, solving problems, and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve project goals;
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with individuals from a variety of positions and backgrounds;
• Skills in producing outreach materials and delivering presentations;
• Flexibility to adjust work efforts to take advantage of unexpected opportunities;
• Initiative to explore new ideas and strategies;
• Comfort with in-person work, such as site visits to County facilities or live presentations to County employees;
• Self-motivation while working remotely; and
• Comfort collaborating with remote team members.
• We are operating as a primarily remote team. For this role, occasional in-person site visits and trainings at County facilities are an essential part of the role. Over the past year, we estimate in- person site visits and trainings happened up to 4 times per month. You will generally be informed at least 3 to 5 days in advance before in-person work is required. If you prefer to work in the office on a hybrid or regular basis, a desk will be available.This position is based in downtown Oakland, on Lake Merritt, and is accessible from two BART stations and multiple bus lines.

We encourage anyone who is interested in this position and who meets some of the qualifications to apply, even if they do not meet all of them. We recognize that a unique perspective and background can enhance a role when many, if not all, of the listed qualifications are met.

**If you would need to relocate for this position, please note that you need to be in the state you are relocating to no less than 10 business days before the start of the fellowship.**

Benefits

• End-of-program financial award​.
• This position offers up to $500 of training and travel reimbursement. (Site supervisor & SEI approval required for reimbursement.)
• Healthcare coverage with 100% of healthcare insurance premiums covered by the employer.
• Access to a national Member Assistance Program, which includes financial and legal assistance, medical advocacy, and counseling services. 
• Professional and Personal Development Training
• ​Career-readiness training in interview preparation, salary negotiation, and developing a professional resume and cover letter.
• Attending panels, workshops, and presentations by climate resilience industry professionals. 
• Professional networking opportunities.