The Newton Department of Public Works Sustainable Materials Management Division is responsible for trash, recycling, yard waste, and household hazardous waste collection services. The SMM Division strives to promote waste reduction and waste diversion by residents, City staff, and the local business community. The Division manages weekly curbside pickup of single stream recycling and trash, yard waste collection for nine months each year, seasonal Christmas tree collection, collection of scrap metal/large appliances, household hazardous waste collection events twice per month, maintenance of the curbside cart fleet, sale of backyard compost bins, and the municipal drop-off recycling center. Staff works closely with a volunteer advisory committee.
The Coordinator’s duties are primarily performed in an office environment with fluorescent lighting, with the potential for frequent interruptions by others and a moderate noise level. Occasional job duties (less than 25% of the time) will need to be performed outdoors, potentially in the elements (rain/snow). There will also be occasional outreach and/or public speaking appointments at various community locations indoors and outdoors.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Waste Diversion Education (50%):
- Encourage and empower residents, City staff, and local businesses to participate in waste reduction and diversion programs
- Educate residents through the development of outreach materials, neighborhood info sessions, email, phone calls and in-person engagement
- Perform upkeep of educational information on Sustainable Materials Management webpages, the City’s Recycle Right Newton online tool, and social media accounts
- Conduct outreach on recycling and waste reduction practices to City staff and local businesses
- Continually evaluate and communicate best practices for households, multi-family buildings and neighborhoods to reduce waste generation
- Collect curbside and drop-off participation data to make program recommendations
- Arrange for educational speakers and workshops for the public, such as a Master Composter workshop
- Recycling & Trash Ordinance Enforcement (25%):
- Conduct curbside enforcement tasks before or during curbside collection
- Oversee letters and educational materials sent regarding non-compliance with City ordinances
- 25% Project Work & Administrative Tasks (25%):
- Meet with DPW and other City staff regularly to review program success and make recommendations for improvement
- Research other policies and strategies that may be effective in meeting the City’s waste reduction goals
- Assist with presentations to the Solid Waste Commission, community organizations, other City Departments, and other groups as needed
- Maintain databases and other records as needed
- Oversee part-time staff and interns as needed
- Perform other duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Public Administration, Political Science, Management or related field, or equivalent combination of education, experience and training. At least 2 years of professional work with relevant community environmental experience involving communications and planning, including supervising.
- Must be highly motivated, reliable and possess a positive, enthusiastic, professional attitude and outlook. Must have a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Driver’s License (for ordinary vehicles, not trucks or buses). Must have experience working in an office environment and have excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills. Strong written skills, quick learner, excellent organization skills, diligent follow-up, record-keeping, and attention to detail. Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
BENEFITS
- City Retirement (Mandatory)
- Deferred 457 Plans (Optional)
- Dental Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Health Insurance
- Metro Credit Union
- Tuition Reimbursement
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