Job Title: Education and Outreach Specialist I
Closing Date/Time: Sun. 11/30/14 5:00 PM Pacific Time
Salary: $4,102.00 – $5,457.00 Monthly
Job Type: Regular Full-Time Employee
Location: Thurston County, Washington
Department: Public Works

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Qualifications: Desired Skills: Other Position Related Information:

Summary of Duties  Benefits  Supplemental Questions

 
The solid waste reduction team assists the community with managing materials and resources. The emphasis is on source reduction and reuse, with an increasing focus on preventing wasted food and increasing the donations of edible food. This position, under the supervision of an Education and Outreach Specialist II or III:

  • Publicizes waste reduction programs, recycling opportunities, and services provided by Thurston Solid Waste and other entities through presentations, workshops, special events, press releases, print materials, website, and social media.
  • Promotes the importance of utilizing the most environmentally sound strategies of the waste management hierarchy and how to incorporate these into daily activities.
  • Develops specific strategies, using social marketing and behavior change theory, to identify and reach target groups with a goal of increasing awareness and participation.
  • Provides technical assistance to schools and businesses on waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and green purchasing. Activities include research, training sessions, instructional materials, waste sorts, site assist visits, technical assistance, waste reduction plans, and reports for individual businesses.
  • Maintains statistical data and evaluates program and outreach effectiveness through a variety of methods.
  • Establishes and fosters working relationships with a variety of associations, government agencies, and non-profits.

Work is conducted in both an office environment and various field locations throughout the county. Depending on assigned program, may be required to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and various types of terrain. Certain tasks may require long periods of standing or sitting, lifting and carrying of materials, equipment or other items weighing up to 40 lbs. May be required to work occasional evenings and weekends for presentations or events.
Bachelor’s Degree in education, public health, environmental health, environmental science, or other closely related field.  Additional experience can be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Must have three years’ experience working in public health, environmental issues, or other related field promoting education, outreach, media campaign, public relations or other comparable experiences to successfully perform duties and responsibilities of classification.

Must have the ability to utilize a personal computer with related software to perform the essential functions of the position.

Must have a current Washington State driver’s license or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.
A high degree of organization and self-motivation is needed. Must have a strong understanding of, and the ability to use, social marketing, and behavior change theory. Knowledge of the materials management hierarchy, food waste prevention strategies and green purchasing is required. Strong presentation and writing skills, the ability to work with diverse audiences, and proficiency in Microsoft Office are necessary. Experience working with the business community is highly desirable.

A professional certification applicable to area of assignment is highly desired (examples: Pesticide Applicator, Public Health Educator Certification, Hazardous Waste Health and Safety training, etc.).
Contact Person:  Terri Thomas (360) 867-2279

This position is:
– Represented by a Union
– Eligible for benefits
– Classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Items required for consideration:
– Application
– Letter of Interest
– Resume
– Supplemental Questions