Recycling Information Specialist
Salary $20.18 - $27.05 Hourly
Location Portland, OR
Job Type Full Time
Department Property and Environmental Services
Job Number 2018-0042-PES
Closing 7/23/2018 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Summary
The Recycling Information Center operates Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and some holidays during the spring and summer months. This position will have an established work schedule during these business hours (with a flexible schedule during peak periods or as needed for coverage). This position's proposed work schedule will include regular Saturday hours.
Are you interested in joining a supportive team that helps people learn how to reduce waste and recycle? Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Are you a people person who is excited about providing great customer service?" Do you have a passion for waste reduction and recycling, coupled with a willingness to inform and educate? If so, you might be a great candidate for Metro's Recycling Information Center team. We're looking for new team members who will help people in the Portland region find the information they need to recycle, prevent waste and have a healthy home, yard and garden.
As a Recycling Specialist for the Recycling Information Center you will work closely with other team members who are passionate about assisting the public and handle more than 90,000 information referral phone calls each year. The majority of your time will be spent speaking on the phone with residents from across the greater Portland region as you connect them with businesses and organizations that provide recycling services and support reuse of products and materials. You will also teach people about ways they can prevent waste in their homes and businesses. You will also provide customer service support by taking phone calls for Metro's recycled latex paint product, MetroPaint, as well as for customers of Metro's Central and South transfer stations and hazardous waste facilities. Your work will be performed using a database and MS Office suite software. Knowledge of and experience in recycling and waste reduction education is preferred. Supervision is received from the Recycling Information Center program supervisor.
Duties include:
- answer phone calls and take inquiries from the public, businesses and other government agencies
- make referrals to Metro programs, private sector companies and non-profit organizations
- respond to e-mail requests from the public
- educate people about recycling, reuse, waste prevention and safe waste disposal options
- update computer database files
- provide administrative support for the call center
At Metro, we hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.
Application requirements
1) Electronic application, 2) resume and 3) cover letter describing your previous work experience providing customer service (especially telephone contact) or public information responsibilities. Be specific regarding your duties; the services provided by the agency, firm, or organization for which you worked; and the type and volume of your customer contact. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Essential Job Duties
An employee in this position must be able to perform all the essential job duties listed below with or without reasonable accommodation; however, this list is not intended to include all of the specific tasks which an employee in this position may be expected to perform.
- Answers phone calls from a diverse range of people and makes appropriate referrals to solid waste and recycling services using a web-based geographic referral database tool.
- Updates computer database of solid waste and recycling facilities and services; gathers updates from private sector, non-profit and local government partners; writes clear, concise and accurate database files.
- Educates callers about waste prevention, reuse and recycling options.
- Receives and processes publication orders from the public, local governments, and partners.
- Assists in training new staff members to answer phones and use the phone and computer systems.
- Participates in and supports team projects.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
This position is represented by AFSCME Local 3580 and is classified as a Program Assistant II (click to read the full classification). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.
Minimum Requirements
High school diploma or GED, and two years of customer service, education, administrative and/or clerical experience involving extensive public contact over the phone; or any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job.
- Preference will be given to candidates who are fluent in Spanish.
- Previous experience in the garbage and recycling system is beneficial.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of customer service principles and techniques, and ability to apply them when communicating by phone, email or in person.
- Ability to communicate with people under difficult circumstances in a kind, helpful and professional manner.
- Ability to articulate complex information to a diverse population of customers.
- Ability to process and communicate a wide variety of information using good problem solving and decision-making judgment in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively by written, spoken and electronic means.
- Knowledge of and skill using business English, composition, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Intermediate level experience in MS Office Suite software.
- Ability to operate computer programs for information referral and reporting.
- Ability to maintain records, perform basic coding and filing tasks.
- Ability to work effectively as a team member in a respectful and collaborative manner.
- Ability to effectively organize work, manage one's time and follow both written and verbal instructions.
- Ability to work independently on weekends.
- Ability to work at a sit or stand desk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift 30 lbs.
- Ability to fulfill Metro's employee values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation and sustainability.
Additional Information
Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.
Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-797-1570.
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): New employees will pay the employee portion of the PERS contribution.
Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Criminal background check: In order to protect the well being of its employees, the public and agency assets, Metro may conduct criminal background checks on candidates selected for Metro positions. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be considered on a case by case basis. A background check will only be conducted if you are selected as a finalist for a position. If selected as a finalist, you will be contacted by Human Resources prior to the initiation of a background check.
Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer