Job Title:Program Assistant III - RID PatrolClosing Date/Time:Tue. 05/11/21 5:00 PM Pacific TimeSalary:$25.79 - $34.57 Hourly
Job Type:Full TimeLocation:600 NE Grand Ave, Portland, Oregon
Position summary Benefits Supplemental Questions
Are you interested in joining a supportive team which provides cleanup services on public land throughout the Metro region? Do you have excellent customer service skills, strong intercultural competence, attention to detail and a passion for public service? Does your experience include research and analysis, project management or public policy development? Do you enjoy working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment?
Bring your skills to the RID Patrol program, where you will support the program to help keep the region beautiful and livable for everyone who lives here and for generations to come.
The RID Patrol program provides cleanup services on public land throughout the Metro region by cleaning up dumped garbage; supporting local jurisdictions by removing and disposing of trash from people living unsheltered on public lands; investigating illegally dumped items to determine the responsible party; and implementing progressive enforcement options to achieve desired outcomes that support the goals and principles of the 2030 Regional Waste Plan. The RID Patrol program is working to build stronger relationships with impacted communities to more effectively address dumped and abandoned waste issues through an equitable lens.
The RID Patrol program has a small workforce-transition program that partners with community-based organizations to provide job skills and opportunities to people facing employment barriers. The RID Patrol program is currently working on an expansion of the workforce program to provide additional employment opportunities through internal and external partnerships as well as to increase the program’s ability to better serve the region in meeting the requests for services.
We are currently seeking an organized, detail-oriented, experienced person to provide support to all aspects of the RID Patrol program, from responding to complaints and requests for cleanup services to data entry and file management. This position will interact with the public daily to provide program services, information and service referrals.
The person filling this role will be expected to take a high degree of initiative and work with limited supervision. The successful candidate will have exceptional organizational skills, excellent attention to detail, strong communications skills, and solid writing and proofreading skills. In addition, our ideal candidate also has demonstrated skill in documenting standard operating procedures and other processes, a high degree of competence with technology and software, and experience tracking and monitoring contracts, proposals and projects.
The person in this position will serve as the first point of contact for the RID Patrol program and will interact daily with staff, contractors, community-based organizations, elected officials and others. The ability to be culturally responsive and to work successfully with diverse stakeholders, including communities of color and other marginalized groups, is essential. If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can perform the role, we’d love to learn more about you.
Recruitment Timeline:
The desired start date for this position is June 7, 2021, or sooner.
We anticipate holding the first round of interviews the week of May 17th, and the second round of interviews the week of May 24th. (This schedule is subject to change.)
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.
What you will do
Provide support to all aspects of the RID Patrol program, from responding to complaints and requests for cleanup services to data entry and management to coordinating program services with internal and external partners. This position will be responsible for providing support to program staff to coordinate, track, measure and improve program services; manage and evaluate program data and data collection tools; and interact with the public daily to provide program services, information and service referrals.
Provide excellent customer service while treating all program partners with respect; respond to phone and online complaints and requests for cleanup services; provide assistance and information to public, government agencies, and internal and external partners, explain RID Patrol's policies, services and procedures requiring thorough knowledge of program policies and procedures as well as applicable laws and regulations.
Provide service referrals, advice or interpretation to the public, government agencies, work crews and internal and external partners regarding program policies and services.
Implement agency, department and program goals to advance racial equity in providing program services, developing procedures and policies, and making recommendations for program improvements.
Follow procedures for data collection and to assure data integrity; use data control applications and procedures; make recommendations for procedure, application, and operational improvements.
Coordinate with Research Center on data management tools maintenance, issues and upgrades; identify data management system upgrades; coordinate with web team and communications on program webpage development and updates.
Provide a variety of administrative program support that may include event planning, presentation development, clerical duties, cleaning and maintaining office equipment, managing and securing office supplies, write correspondence, narratives, or reports related to program and department services.
Traits for success
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Knowledge of web/internet technology and computer programs used to map or analyze data
Ability to conduct independent studies, evaluate data, prepare and present reports
Ability to quickly learn relevant solid waste-related laws, regulations, policies, issues, disposal requirements and services as well as a working understanding of the regional solid waste system
Ability to use problem solving skills and decision-making in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service and information about program services, policies and procedures
Ability to be culturally aware and practice cultural humility; engage knowledgeably with people across cultures, continually gain cultural knowledge, develop cultural self-awareness and an ongoing process of self-reflection and self-critique, understand and address power imbalances and be accountable for providing inclusive and equitable services
Ability to work collaboratively to identify and respond to problems, seek conflict resolutions, take ownership of mistakes, remain flexible in adapting to situations and individuals; positive attitude
Ability to effectively apply organizational and time management systems, and problem-solving and analytical skills to the work
Ability to maintain a high level of organizational practices while effectively and efficiently tracking the status of a variety of projects and tasks
Knowledge and experience with contract administration policies and practices
Proficiency in the operation of a personal computer and standard business software including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access) and Adobe Acrobat, and the ability to use GIS based programs, software and other business applications used by the program
Desire to increase knowledge, improve and learn new skills, curiosity to ask questions and desire to thoroughly understand program services, procedures, and applicable regulations
Experience and education
High school diploma or G.E.D. AND
Three years of progressively responsible administrative or clerical experience, preferably performing complex program administrative functions; OR
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the knowledge, skills and ability required to perform the job.
This position requires a valid driver's license and driving record sufficient to be insured by Metro insurance carrier.
Preferred qualifications
At least two years of experience performing research, analysis, project management, report writing and/or public policy development
Strong attention to detail and organization skills
Ability to build, maintain and manage databases, and experience and knowledge of Access and Geographic Information Systems
Experience using the following software or comparable products: SmartSheet, WebEx, ArcGIS, ESRI Collector, Granicus Legistar, Adobe InDesign, and Zoom Grants (desired but not required)
Application requirements
1) Electronic application, 2) answers to supplemental questions, 3) resume and 4) cover letter describing your qualifications as they relate to the duties of this position.
Additional Information:
This position is represented by AFSCME Local 3580 and is classified as a Program Assistant III (click to read the full classification). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. The target wage for this recruitment would bring in candidates between steps 1 - 3 of the AFSCME pay range: $25.79 - $28.44/hour.
Find Metro:
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 at 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 wellbeing 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 and expression, 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