Recycling Specialist

Waukesha County's Land Resources Division is seeking an innovative, charismatic, and driven individual to fill its Recycling Specialist position. The successful candidate will partner with local municipalities and community partners to promote solid waste management programs including recycling, composting, household hazardous waste, and waste reduction.
The ideal candidatewill enjoy public speaking, partnering on public relations and outreach, and managing projects to meet the needs of Waukesha County communities and residents.

The 2023 starting hourly rate is $23.97 to $27.84 depending on qualifications (full range extends to $31.70) coupled with a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, generous paid time off, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, amongst many other benefits, employees are recognized and valued through a pay for performance system.
Employee well-being is promoted through a balanced work-life culture and through an exceptional employee wellness program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote an employee's wellness and health, including an on-site health & wellness clinic.

A cover letter and resume are required in addition to completing the application in full.
Prior to hiring, the final candidate is required to pass work/education/certification reference(s) and a criminal background and driver's license check. Under supervision, to perform and assist in the coordination and promotion of solid waste management programs in one or more of the following areas: waste reduction, residential or business recycling, composting, or household hazardous waste; and to perform other duties as required.

1. Provides information and technical assistance to participating local units of government, businesses, schools and institutions on waste reduction and recycling compliance issues and solid waste management methods under the state recycling law.
2. Conducts compliance inspections and waste assessments for businesses and institutions, investigates complaints and develops recommendations to improve operations which result in waste reduction and cost savings.
3. Analyzes tonnage and participation data and assists with development of County strategic and solid waste planning efforts.
4. Coordinates the recycling and waste reduction programs for County facilities and employees.
5. Develops, coordinates, and presents public education programs in waste reduction, recycling, composting, and household hazardous waste practices for the local municipalities, businesses, teachers, schools, community groups, and institutions under the recycling law.
6. Coordinates and monitors contracts for recycling collection at municipal drop off sites, County buildings and parks; handles service requests; resolves problems.
7. Coordinates publicity efforts for County and local community recycling programs; assists with preparation and evaluation of requests for proposals, vendor selection, and monitoring contracts for compliance.
8. Prepares advertisements, press releases, brochures, and event notices; maintains website information for solid waste and recycling activities and services.
9. Schedules, arranges, and conducts presentations and seminars; and assists in organizing conferences on recycling and solid waste issues.
10. Recruits, assigns, trains, and supervises volunteers, and maintains appropriate records.
11. Coordinates and directs the publication of the annual County newsletter and the quarterly departmental newsletter, including writing and editing articles and preparing the layout.
12. Obtains and compiles data; prepares records, reports, spreadsheets, and surveys related to recycling and solid waste programs.
13. Provides input into the solid waste budget and planning processes.
14. Develops and maintains partnerships with regional and state agencies and organizations to provide a wide range of assistance to the community.
15. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with municipalities, community groups, department staff, schools, private employers, volunteers, and the public.
16. Performs other duties as required.

1. Considerable knowledge of publicity and communication methods and educational presentation techniques, including the preparation of pamphlets, brochures, displays, and newsletters.
2. Working knowledge of modern principles and practices of waste reduction, solid waste management, and recycling, including terms, systems, and procedures.
3. Working knowledge of present and pending legislation concerning solid waste and recycling.
4. Working knowledge of modern office procedures and equipment including computerized applications and software for Internet browsing, database entry, spreadsheet and presentation development, desktop publishing and word processing.
5. Working knowledge of standard office equipment, including telephones, fax machines, keyboards, copiers, printers, scanners, shredders, and department/division specific equipment.
6. Some knowledge of general school curriculum areas and developmental/age appropriate activities.
7. Ability to provide training and make presentations to community organizations, teachers, schools, private employers, and the public.
8. Ability to utilize word processing, database, desktop publishing and spreadsheet programs and the internet.
9. Ability to organize and coordinate projects.
10. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with municipalities, community groups, department staff, schools, private employers, and volunteers.
11. Ability to effectively interact with sensitivity with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages and lifestyles.
12. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate reports and records.
13. Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
14. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

You must meet these minimum Training and Experience requirements:

1. Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in environmental education, solid waste management, or closely related field.
   OR
   
2. Graduation from a recognized technical school with an associate degree in environmental education, solid waste management, or closely related field, plus two (2) years of professional work experience in:
   solid waste management or recycling programs
   program promotion, coordination, or marketing
   education, communications, public relations, or public administration, or closely related field.

About Us

Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading the Way", we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the wellbeing of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice continuous improvement and LEAN principles as we regularly ask ourselves "Is there a better way?"

Waukesha County is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and adheres to all Federal, State and County Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, plans, rules, regulations and ordinances. The County recognizes and accepts its important leadership role in providing for equal employment/service opportunities for minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. It is the express policy of Waukesha County to promote equal employment opportunity among all who are employed by Waukesha County and who seek employment with Waukesha County.
Employment Type: Full-time