Metro Senior Solid Waste Planner (Open, continuous)

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oregonmetro/jobs/4334115-0/senior-solid-waste-planner

Salary $86,860.80 - $116,417.60 Annually

Location Portland, OR

Job Type Full Time

Remote Employment Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number 2024-0345-WPES

Department Waste Prevention and Environmental Services

Opening Date 07/10/2023

Position summary

This recruitment is open continuous and those interested are encouraged to apply without delay. The first review date will be January 31st, 2024. Screening will be ongoing as applications are received. 

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. We offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits program. Learn more about the benefits Metro offers. 
  
Are you someone who is human-centered, committed to advancing racial equity, solutions oriented, with solid planning, communications, and project management credentials? Are you a strategic thinker with a high level of planning experience in a complex solid waste management, public utility, or related field? Can you manage long term projects coordinating across multiple divisions, project teams, stakeholders, and industry to deliver high quality outcomes? If this sounds like you, the Senior Solid Waste Planner position could be a great fit.
  
As the regional solid waste authority, Metro oversees solid waste management – commonly known as garbage and recycling – generated in the region. This includes a growing portfolio of eight different operational sites across the region including two garbage and recycling transfer stations and household hazardous waste facilities, St. John’s landfill, Metro Paint recycling facility and a deployment center that houses our community clean-up service teams. This position will support the operation of existing facilities through major contract procurement and management responsibilities, managing infrastructure improvement projects, as well as help plan future capital investments in the Metro region’s solid waste, recycling, reuse and repair infrastructure.  
  
Metro is seeking a Senior Solid Waste Planner to work collaboratively with other groups within Metro including:  Garbage and Recycling Operations, Analytics, and Policy and Compliance divisions as well as Finance and Regulatory Services and Metro attorneys. As a Senior Planner the position is also responsible for developing and recommending departmental policy and financial strategies to senior leadership and will be responsible for briefing and presenting project content and recommendations to Metro’s elected officials.
  
WPES is committed to leading with equity in everything we do. We are guided by the 2030 Regional Waste Plan, which focuses on advancing racial equity, reducing the environmental and health impacts of products, maintaining and improving our garbage and recycling system, and rectifying the historic and ongoing inequities of that system on communities of color and others in our region.
  
If you are committed to advancing racial equity and dismantling systems that oppress people of color and other disadvantaged communities, and to fostering increased livability, sustainability, and justice throughout the region, we invite you to join us in this critical work.
  
As the Senior Solid Waste Planner you will: 

  • Create Request for Proposals (RFP) and contracts.

  • Develop and organize the work program for a specific study; coordinate with staff to assure timely completion. 

  • Prepare reports covering complex technical analysis of various solid waste issues; present results to technical, policy, and resident groups.

  • Prepare policy recommendations based on technical analysis; develop cost/benefit analysis of alternatives.

  • Develop and monitor contracts for solid waste projects and activities.

  • Represent Metro at meetings and provide technical expertise on solid waste issues.

  • Define methodology to be used in research projects.

  • Coordinate bid processes; evaluate, make selections, and present to Metro Council.

  • Develop general policy for program area.

  • Liaise with Metro administrative and technical staff, contractors, consultants, and the public to provide and gather information.

Attributes for success:

  • Knowledge of solid waste management principles, methods and procedures at the city, county, regional and national levels.

  • Commitment to inclusive government delivery of services to address past harm to historically marginalized communities.

  • Knowledge of public policy development processes and practices .

  • Knowledge and skill in the use of computers for word processing, financial evaluation of alternatives, and graphical displays for presentations.

  • Ability to effectively communicate with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial public policy issues or regulations. 

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with public officials, planning staff, private interests, and the public.

  • Ability to function as a lead over other professional staff. 

  • Ability to develop, organize, and coordinate solid waste projects and studies.

  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

  • In-depth knowledge of solid waste issues and processes. 

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

  • Ability to perform analysis and make recommendations.

  • Ability to organize and conduct solid waste research studies and projects independently.

  • Possess culturally responsive communication or ability to communicate with individuals of various backgrounds. 

  • Ability to promote and support Metro and WPES values, mission and strategic plan.

  • Commitment to embracing Metro values especially those outlined in the Metro Strategic Plan to Advance Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (2016) (Download PDF reader)  

Diversity and inclusion: At Metro, we are committed to hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, recognizing that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We invest in employees by supporting equitable and inclusive hiring practices, employee policies and training programs.

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. If your experience looks different from what we have identified, please do not hesitate to apply, we’d love to learn more about you and your interest in this position.
 
Minimum requirements: 

  • Three years of experience in solid waste, project management, or public policy development; AND

  •  A Bachelor's degree in science, public administration or related field; OR

  • Any combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job

Preferred qualifications:

  • Strong collaborative leadership skills and a demonstrated ability to form and maintain partnerships, lead groups, and to work effectively with others on a common task

Work Environment:
This position is eligible for telework and requires occasional work at Metro’s garbage and recycling facilities, including Metro Central Transfer Station in northwest PortlandMetro South Transfer Station in Oregon CitySt. Johns Landfill in North PortlandMetroPaint in North Portlandand a cleanup deployment center in southeast Portland. This position may encounter hazardous situations, equipment, and conditions. A fleet vehicle or mileage reimbursement is available for work-related travel and personal protective equipment is provided.
  
If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:

If I was terminated for cause during any of my employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
  
 
COMPENSATION AND REPRESENTATION
Based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements, Metro’s internal equity review process, and the candidates’ qualifications, the appointment will typically be made between $86860.80 to $100,547.20. The full-salary range for this position is $86,860.80 to $116,417.60 annually.
  
This position is not eligible for overtime, and is represented by AFSCME. It is classified as Senior Solid Waste Planner (Download PDF reader). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.
 
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet: The application packet consists of the following 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 cover letter describing: 1) why you are interested in this job and 2) highlights your skills and experience that will help you be successful in this job

  • A resume

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 application materials to identify the most qualified candidates

  • Consideration of top candidates/interviews

  • Reference check 

  • Driving records check for finalist candidate

Additional Information

Questions?
Recruiter: Carrie Gundermann
Email:
carrie.gundermann@oregonmetro.gov

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.
 
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.
 
Pay equity at Metro: 
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.
 
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): 
Unless otherwise stated in a collective bargaining agreement, Metro pays both the employee and employer portion of PERS contributions for eligible employees.  
 
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.