Resource Conservation Specialist I/II/III

The County of San Mateo's Waste Reduction Program aims to promote resource conservation throughout San Mateo County through the 4R's (Reduce, Reuse, Recycling, Rot/Compost).

Our vision embodies a sustainable future where little to no waste is sent to landfills in a cradle to cradle closed loop system. To this end, the Waste Reduction team works on a variety of programs and initiatives that increase public education and awareness, provides technical assistance, integrates resource conservation with local school curriculum, and fosters regional collaboration with agencies and organizations throughout the county.

The Climate Change Program aims to address climate change through adaptation and mitigation efforts within government operations and through community actions. The Youth Exploring Sea Level Rise (YESS) Program and the Youth Climate Ambassadors (YCA) Program provides high school students in San Mateo County with an opportunity to learn about the local impacts of climate change and empowers students to act on climate change. These programs aim to increase youth understanding of climate science and increase youth engagement in local climate solutions.

Position Overview

The County's Office of Sustainability seeks well qualified applicants for the position of Resource Conservation Specialist I/II/III (Extra Help). We are seeking two part-time Resource Conservation Specialists I/II/III in the Waste Reduction Program and the Climate Change Program who can empower our employees and our community members to embrace sustainability more fully and use resources more efficiently. We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Waste Reduction Sustainability Program Manager, this position will be responsible for assisting staff with the Office of Sustainability Schools Program, YESS Program and YCA Program on an as-needed basis.

These duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Facilitating assembly presentations and classroom lessons on the 4R's and other resource conservation topics to all ages from preschoolers up to college students
• Leading hands-on classroom vermicomposting (worm composting) and school garden composting workshops
• Facilitating teacher-training and youth-training workshops on resource conservation topics
• Leading and facilitating field trips to transfer stations, landfills, and recycling facilities
• Supporting YESS Program field trips and classroom presentations
• Promoting and aiding schools and classrooms with the Green Star Schools certification program
• Assisting school staff, green teams and/or students to conduct school campus-wide and in-classroom waste assessments
• Assisting with the development and dissemination of the yearly school resource journal and other outreach materials
• Accurately recording and tracking education efforts
• Responding to inquiries via phone, email, and website
• Entering classroom, school, and district data into the Green Star Schools website (https://www.greenstarschools.org/)
• Working on recycling projects or other environmental issues with schools, libraries, youth organizations, local governmental agencies, etc.
• Supporting and assisting student-led waste reduction projects and other student-led YESS and YCA Projects as needed
• Staffing tables representing the Office of Sustainability at community events such the County Fair, Maker's Fair, etc.
• Support event coordination and logistics efforts for the YESS and YCA Program
• Support and co-facilitate YCA Program workshops

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position will have general knowledge of environmental issues, a teaching background and specific knowledge on academic content standards for California public schools such as the Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will have knowledge of one or more of the following areas:

• Current waste management laws and regulations, recycling programs, waste prevention
• Knowledge in climate science, climate change impacts, and mitigation and adaptation strategies
• Composting practices, food waste composting, sustainable gardening
• Marketing, public information outreach, event management, design and advertising, public and press relations
• Training, teaching, public speaking, facilitation of collaborative groups, team building, curriculum development

And possess the following skills and ability to:

• Present technical information to a wide variety of audiences, specifically teachers, parents, and students
• Write educational curriculum
• Analyze waste management problems, evaluate alternatives and implement efficient courses of action
• Research, analyze, and interpret information and data
• Identify problems and resolve them
• Effectively multi-task across different projects and initiatives
• Work effectively with a wide variety of people, companies, County departments, civic groups, and committees
• Prepare clear, concise and accurately written studies, proposals and reports
• Communicate clearly and effectively in presentations and written reports and supervise permanent, temporary, contract and/or volunteer staff on a project basis
• Use a computer for email, writing, basic analysis, database entry, and website editing

Notes:

• A typical way to qualify is one year of experience in the field of resource conservation which has included program analysis and coordination.
• If you are excited by this role, but do not meet 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

Compensation

• $35.67-$53.01/Hour 

To Apply

• To learn more about the position and to apply online, please click "Apply on Company Website" below.
• Applications are only accepted online.
• Final Filing Date: January 28, 2020

EOE