People Strategy, Equity, and Culture

Recycling Program Coordinator

  • Title: Recycling Program Coordinator
  • Class: Academic Professional
  • Exempt Status: Exempt
  • Grade: 3

Job Summary

Under the direction of management, develops and implements specialized recycling and waste reduction programming in support of the College’s sustainability and climate action goals. Leads education and outreach efforts for recycling and waste reduction initiatives, including developing curriculum and delivering presentations and training. Monitors waste and recycling data, and analyzes and assesses program success. Represents PCC in related external task forces and committees as assigned.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Develops new recycling and waste reduction programming, assesses current programs and implements changes when appropriate.
  2. Coordinates collection of specialized recycling materials with appropriate campus staff and service providers. Coordinates delivery and maintenance of recycling boxes, bins, containers and stations for deposits of materials where appropriate. Troubleshoots and resolves issues.
  3. Recruits, interviews, trains and schedules interns, casual and student employees for operations and special events/projects. Leads administrative processes to hire and onboard casual and student staff. Acknowledges timesheets.
  4. Monitors waste and recycling vendor contracts, works with vendor to maximize waste reduction and recovery options, ensures containers are appropriately sized and adequately serviced.
  5. Leads recycling and waste reduction training, coordinates behavior change efforts, and develops and implements curriculum to support program needs and goals.
  6. Communicates recycling information to staff and students in departments, offices, classrooms, laboratories and teaching sites.
  7. Organizes and facilitates outreach to retailers throughout the Portland-metro area for optimal disposal of specialized recycling.
  8. Monitors and interprets recycling and waste-related ordinance to ensure the college’s regulatory compliance. Stays current with relevant regulations and industry trends.
  9. Maintains recycling records for annual reporting based on established guidelines. Works with Facilities and hauler to research, track, analyze and evaluate the College’s waste stream and waste diversion practices.
  10. Researches related funding opportunities and applies for grants, in collaboration with PCC Grants Office as appropriate. Implements awards including administrative deliverables.
  11. Serves as a member of the PCC Sustainability Leadership Council (SLC) and chairs assigned sub-committee in support of the PCC Climate Action Plan and other College sustainability commitments and initiatives.
  12. Serves as PCC’s liaison with the community at large, participates in relevant external groups and committees, represent the college’s efforts at conferences and workshops.
  13. Collaborates with internal departments, including Facilities Management Services departments, such as Custodial, Environmental Health & Safety and Central Distribution Services to ensure efficacy of recycling and waste reduction programs.
  14. Coordinates waste audits and volunteer opportunities, including special events.
  15. Creates and updates handouts, signage and website to promote recycling and waste reduction.
  16. Fills in for absent employees and works with recycling service providers as needed to accomplish the work.
  17. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is performed both in an office environment and in the field with frequent interruptions and irregularities in the work schedule. Regular travel between College facilities and other locations is required. Position involves occasional bending, standing, kneeling, climbing ladders, reaching below and above shoulders, and lifting objects weighing up to 60 lbs. while performing job duties. Walking, climbing stairs and entering cramped and difficult locations may be part of routine activities depending on work locations. Working hours may vary and occasional evening or weekend work is required. Regular lifting, guiding and/or carrying of materials is required. May be exposed to potentially hazardous conditions, noise and temperature extremes.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability, Environmental, Physical, or Social Sciences or related field. Experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year for year basis.

One year of professional level experience in an area of sustainability, environmental studies, waste management, or related field to include program coordination or development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • Sustainable practices;
  • Related federal, state, municipal and other laws and ordinances;
  • Industry trends and practices;
  • Curriculum development;
  • College policies and procedures;
  • Student development and/or leadership development.
Skills in:
  • Designing, writing, and editing promotional materials;
  • Developing and facilitating effective training workshops;
  • Project management.
Ability to:
  • Operate a computer and various supporting software packages;
  • Work effectively with ethnically and culturally diverse staff and student populations;
  • Speak in public;
  • Effectively communicate in oral and written form;
  • Develop and implement both short term operational and long term strategic plans;
  • Work independently;
  • Work collaboratively with others to accomplish goals.

Replaces: 9/2019 Recycling Technician, 7/2011, 07/1995