Solid Waste Specialist
Category: Classified
Pay Grade: C22
Job Code: 16954
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
JOB SUMMARY
Performs specialized work in the operation of the Solid Waste department’s integrated Solid Waste Management System, for the Recycling and Outreach Program Section, Household Hazardous Waste Section, or Contract Operations Management Section, including: oversees and coordinates programs and projects related to waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and disposal; monitors program contracts and agreements; performs program data management; prepares program reports; and presents program information to management, governmental agencies and the public. Working conditions may include outdoor work in a variety of inclement weather conditions including rain, heat and cold. May be assigned lead worker responsibilities.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (examples, not all inclusive)
- Monitors vendor performance of contracts and agreements for various programs and services, including reviews vendor’s work and invoices;
- Compiles program and project related data, prepares reports and recommendations, tracks progress and reports on successes;
- Seeks opportunities for continuous program improvement;
- Serves as a resource to the public and county departments for waste handling, waste minimization, reuse, and recycling processes and opportunities and responds to internal and external inquiries;
- Understands and follows established policies and procedures related to the position and contributes to development of new policies and procedures;
- Plans for, provides, and measures success of public education;
- Develops or coordinates internal and external communication on behalf of the section and/or department;
- Collaborates with municipalities on solid waste reporting, including collection and recycling efforts and grant administration;
- Develops a network of outreach opportunities;
- Engages in and implements Household Hazardous Waste diversion programs;
- Operates heavy equipment and trucks in association with the mulch delivery program, mixed recycling drop-off collection program, and the transportation of wastes;
- Coordinates efforts, conducts research and analysis, and contributes to the success of the Pinellas Partners in Recycling committee;
- Performs other related job duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Five (5) years of experience in recycling or solid waste operations; or an Associate’s degree with coursework in environmental science, physical science, natural science, education, public administration, sustainability or related field, and three (3) years of experience described above; or a Bachelor’s degree or higher with major coursework in environmental science, physical science, natural science, education, public administration, sustainability or related field and one (1) year of work experience in recycling or solid waste operations; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
Special Qualifications (May be required depending on area of assignment):
- Florida Driver’s License or Florida Commercial Driver’s License and endorsement, if any.
- Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
- Possession of OSHA 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operator and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification, 29 CFR 1910.120 within six (6) months of hire.
- Other knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials required for a specific position.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of principles of integrated solid waste management;
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to solid and hazardous wastes, and recycling;
- Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of internal and external communication and advertising;
- Skill in public speaking;
- Skill in the use of Microsoft Office suite;
- Ability to learn and use new software programs and applications to perform tasks;
- Ability to perform research and document sources;
- Ability to maintain databases and create tabular and graphic displays;
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing to audiences of various ages;
- Ability to engage an audience to reach program goals using a variety of media;
- Ability to coordinate the efforts of multiple groups and individuals to complete document reviews and assigned tasks;
- Ability to formulate and present ideas and findings clearly and concisely in verbal, written, graphic, or visual form;
- Ability to effectively engage with the public, media, County officials, and specialized interest groups in an effective and courteous manner;
- Ability to use small and medium equipment and machinery.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS
The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:
- Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
- Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
- Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.
- Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
- Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
- Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
- Visual ability: Sufficient to effectively operate office equipment including copier, computer, etc.; and to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, etc.
- Hearing ability: Sufficient to hold a conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone; and to hear recording on transcription device.
- Speaking ability: Sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and over a telephone.
- Mental acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes,
- Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
- Repetitive motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
- Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
- Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.