Assistant Community Stewardship Planner bei Oregon Metro

About the Department

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow. 

The Waste Prevention and Environmental Services department is looking for an Assistant Community Stewardship Planner to support the RID program, which addresses the impact of dumped and abandoned trash in public spaces by providing cleanup services. As an Assistant Community Stewardship Planner, you will support all aspects of the program operations including data collection, management and analysis, conduct research and document findings, coordinate and manage program personal protective equipment and operating supplies, provide customer and technical services to internal and external stakeholders, collect samples of dumped suspect asbestos materials, and manage program fleet. You will also support the expansion and development of program operations including the workforce transition program, support management team with building maintenance, participate in cleanup services as needed, and document standard operating procedures and other program processes.

In this role, you will frequently work inside an office environment to coordinate and manage program supplies, equipment, and fleet, and to collaborate with and support program staff and crews. In this role you will also work in the field collecting samples and supporting cleanup services as needed. Field work happens in all weather conditions in environments where you may experience odors, dust, noise, bio-waste, pest infestations, uneven terrain, mud, water, and overgrown vegetation. You will engage and interact with staff, government partners, community-based organizations, contractors, and people from communities who have been historically excluded to provide program services and identify dumping causes and sources. You will develop, maintain, and improve tracking systems for supplies, equipment, and fleet, and prepare written reports, operating manuals and guides, contracts and other documents describing observations and findings from research, and data analysis. You will help improve and implement program procedures for providing cleanup services, data collection and management, safety, and strategies for preventing dumping as part of a team and under the supervision of the Community Stewardship Manager.

Metro’s Waste Prevention and Environmental Services department plans and oversees the region's garbage and recycling system – working with local communities, government and industry partners to protect the environment, conserve resources, and ensure that our garbage and recycling system works for everyone. The RID Patrol program is working to build stronger relationships with impacted communities to more effectively address dumped and abandoned waste issues to support the goals and equity principles of the department’s 2030 Regional Waste Plan.

This position is ideal for someone who is highly organized, detail oriented, and excels at time management. You thrive in a fast paced, dynamic environment where priorities shift quickly, value building strong relationships as much as achieving results, and approach people, programs and data with curiosity and care.

As the Assistant Community Stewardship Planner, you will

• Conduct research and analysis to support program operational development and improvement including: 
  • on other effective and successful illegal dumping programs, 
  • best practices for community enforcement, 
  • people centered approaches and work best practices, and 
  • workforce programs. 
• Perform a variety of solid waste planning and analysis activities including: 
  • providing planning and administrative support for projects, 
  • conducting research and analysis, 
  • preparing procurement solicitations, and
  • developing and monitoring contracts and intergovernmental agreements.
• Present findings and recommendations in written reports and in presentations. 
• Support program planning staff on the development and expansion of new and existing program services including the workforce transition program and with internal and external stakeholder meetings.
• Support data collection and management, analysis of program data and indicators, and assist with the development of data reports and summaries. 
• Follow procedures for data collection and to assure data integrity; use data control applications and procedures; make recommendations for procedure, application, and operational improvements.
• Provide support and technical assistance to operations staff and crews with data collection and management tools, and coordinate with staff to resolve issues.
• Support program operations with developing, maintaining, improving, and implementing a tracking and management system for operational supplies, tools, and equipment, for fuel usage and costs, and for equipment check-out and maintenance.
• Coordinate fleet maintenance with staff, department maintenance team, and with contracted service providers to ensure fleet and equipment remain in good working order, well maintained, and in compliance with applicable regulations and agency policies. 
• Provide superior customer service while treating everyone with respect; provide assistance and information to the public, government agencies, and internal and external partners, and explain program policies, services and procedures requiring thorough knowledge of program policies and procedures as well as applicable laws and regulations. 

• Collect samples of suspect asbestos containing materials found at cleanup sites in accordance with local, state, and federal rules and program procedures while wearing a respirator and appropriate personal protective equipment; obtain and maintain asbestos inspector certification. 
• Develop, manage, and monitor program contracts and intergovernmental agreements to ensure timely and effective services; prepare and manage procurement processes and evaluate proposals, in accordance with procurement requirements and procedures.
• Advance the implementation of the Regional Waste Plan and WPES DEI Work Plan goals and objectives, implement goals into daily operations and projects, and apply service equity focused metrics to evaluate and ensure equitable service delivery across the greater Portland area.
• Demonstrate Metro’s core competencies of public service, cultural humility, openness to change, teamwork, and effective communication. 
• Work in a safe manner and follow safety policies, practices, and procedures.

Attributes for success

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Keen attention to detail, demonstrates curiosity and strong observation skills.
• Knowledge of or 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 collect data and information, perform analysis and make recommendations.
• Ability to compile information into reports and presentations.
• Knowledge of or the ability to quickly learn about vehicle and equipment operation requirements, maintenance needs, and applicable rules and regulations. 
• Ability to work collaboratively to respond to issues, seek conflict resolutions and take ownership of mistakes, positive attitude, flexible in adapting to situations and people.

• Ability to defuse conflict and effectively work and communicate in a trauma-informed manner.

• Emotional intelligence and capacity to respond flexibly to a range of situations.
• Ability to work independently with self-direction, as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships and contribute to a positive team atmosphere; engage others in ways that foster respect and trust. 
• Ability to encourage and appreciate diversity in people and ideas – seek to understand the perspectives of others.
• Ability to manage and maintain a high level of organizational practices while effectively and efficiently tracking the status of a variety of tasks.
• Strong time management skills and practices. 
• Knowledge of or the ability to quickly learn agency procurement and contract administration policies and practices. 
• Skilled 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 and surveys, software and other business applications used by the program.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community. 

Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant. 

Minimum qualifications

• One year of relevant experience including research, analysis, report writing, AND
• A bachelor’s degree in science, public administration, or a related field; OR
• Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Required

• A valid driver’s license 

Working Conditions   

Duties are performed in a combination of office and outdoor environments. In office work takes place in a standard office environment and includes using a computer and other standard office equipment. This position may require frequent periods of communication, remaining stationary, bending, grasping, handling, and repetitive motions of the hands and/or wrists. It also requires visual perception and the ability to perceive sounds both in person and over the phone. 

This position requires frequent travel by car across the greater Portland area. Metro provides the vehicle and personal protective equipment required for field work. Field work requires hiking through natural areas both on and off-trail while carrying up to 50 pounds. Hiking distances vary from 1,000 feet to over one mile. Terrain covered may be flat, steep, wet, muddy, overgrown or have other unknown hazards. Work will be performed in all weather conditions, including snow, rain, and excessive heat. Field work may be dirty and requires strict adherence to safety protocols including the use of a full-face respirator and personal protective equipment. 

This position requires the ability to perform a standard work schedule of Monday through Friday, generally working from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., with some days starting or ending earlier or later as needed by field assignments or meetings. 

Work under the direct supervision of the Community Stewardship Manager and routinely work independently and in close consultation with internal teams, external organizations, government agencies, and the Office of Metro Attorney.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Hybrid Telework 

At this time, this position is designated as “hybrid telework.” This position will consistently work onsite with some options for working remotely. The manager will work with you to identify a schedule that balances the operational needs of the department and your needs. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington to work at Metro.

Like to have qualifications

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Ability to build, maintain and manage databases and tracking systems. 
• Experience and knowledge of ESRI, ArcGIS, Access, PowerBI, SmartSheet, and Microsoft Forms.
• Collaborative skills and ability to form and maintain partnerships and work effectively with others on a common task.
• Experience working with vulnerable and underrepresented communities.
• Ability and experience driving a truck with a 14-foot trailer, operating a skid steer, or driving a utility task vehicle.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed online application; and
• A cover letter that describes your:
  1. Experience working with and managing data and databases, and
  2. Experience effectively managing tasks and projects to meet deadlines. 

For the relevant experience included in your cover letter, please include the names of organizations, duration of time, description of the work performed, and how these experiences enhanced your interest, qualifications, and readiness for this role. 

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of completed online application and cover letter to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check 
• Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable)

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The full-salary range for this position is step 1. $71,583.17 to step 7. $95,992.34. However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1. $71,583.17 to the equity range step 4. $82,858.80. 

This position is not eligible for overtime and is represented by AFSCME 3580. It is classified as an Assistant Solid Waste Planner classification.

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Recruiter: Carrie Gundermann

Email: [email protected]

Other Qualifications

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.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

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.

Hybrid Telework

Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
 

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. 

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page. 

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Metro 

Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area’s garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home.