Thurston County Public Works, Solid Waste Division, located in Olympia, Washington, is seeking an experienced Recycling and Waste Reduction Specialist who is outgoing, flexible, and organized with a proven track record of effectively communicating with the public and building working relationships. This position is primarily responsible for program efforts that promote and positively impact recycling and solid waste reduction and diversion in the business and multi-family sectors. This employee is one of a six-person team that provides community-wide technical assistance and executes plans to achieve waste reduction and recycling goals under the supervision of the Recycling and Waste Reduction Supervisor (Education and Outreach Specialist III).

This position requires a self-disciplined person who is a great listener and has excellent written and verbal communication skills. The successful candidate must also display a professional appearance and demeanor, have a high degree of confidence and adaptability, demonstrate an ability to educate and motivate others, and be capable of exercising sound and ethical judgement consistent with organizational values and direction.

This position is assigned an office at the Public Works campus in Olympia, Washington, but entails extensive interaction with the public throughout Thurston County, and therefore requires driving a County vehicle and working both inside and outside during all weather conditions. The ability to walk long distances, stand for long periods of time, and lift up to 40 pounds is required. Occasional evening and weekend work is also required.

Some specific duties of the position include:

• Researches, develops, implements, and monitors comprehensive recycling and waste prevention and diversion program efforts for the business and multi-family sectors;
• Utilizes assessment tools and systems to track metrics and analyze data to measure program effectiveness, and develops recommendations to improve service delivery and effectiveness;
• Conducts site visits and provides oral and written feedback, technical assistance, and education to building owners, manager, tenants, business owners, employees, and others on best practices in recycling and solid waste;
• Represents the Solid Waste Division at meetings and community events, delivers presentations, and provides event support;
• Assists in development of print materials, exhibits, and other media for delivery to County staff, outside agencies, and the public to promote program efforts;
• Works collaboratively to lead and/or support team efforts to provide community-wide technical assistance and outreach focused on the adoption of waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable practices.

Why you’ll love Thurston County, Washington.
You’ll enjoy a high quality of life here in Thurston County. Housing in the county, which includes the City of Olympia, is more affordable than in Seattle or Portland, and our innovative schools are highly rated. Our county is home to a unique blend of industries including state government, health care, retail, military, education, construction, farming, fishing, and logging. Residents enjoy a wide array of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, kayaking, biking, and fishing. We are only an hour or two away from major metropolitan areas and some of the most breathtaking scenery the Pacific Northwest has to offer including sandy ocean beaches, powder-filled ski resorts, old growth forests, and alpine meadows. We also offer great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family, paid vacation and sick leave, as well as union representation.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, education, environmental or public health, or other field related to the position.
• At least four years of experience working in environmental issues, public health, or other related field promoting education, outreach, media campaign, public relations or other comparable experiences to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• At least one year of experience with budget or project management, grant writing and administration, and leading or supervising teams.
• Ability to utilize a personal computer with related software to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Current Washington State Driver’s License, or valid license in another state and ability to obtain a Washington State Driver’s License within 30 days of employment, or otherwise meet the travel requirements of the position.
• May be required to possess a professional certification applicable to area of assignment.

• Master’s degree in environmental planning/policy or related field, or extensive knowledge of and/or training in environmental planning or policy;
• Technical knowledge of solid waste management and recycling and diversion principles and practices;
• Consulting or public-sector experience delivering or managing complex projects to include performance evaluation, data analysis, and/or process improvement;
• Experience providing education and outreach services to the business and/or multi-family sectors;
• Advanced level expertise with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint;
• Advanced level experience with graphics design using Adobe Creative Suite;
• Ability to effectively work and collaborate with teams and diverse audiences using tact, patience, and courtesy;
• Demonstrated proficiency in communicating technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences, both verbally and in writing, including developing and delivering presentations to large groups.

Questions about this Position?
The contact person for this recruitment is Monica Gorman, Solid Waste Manager (360) 867-2278

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

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