Solid Waste Program Technician Job at City of Lompoc in Lompoc

Overview

Under general supervision, to provide technical assistance to the Solid Waste Superintendent on a variety of solid waste issues; to collect, compile, and analyze data and prepare reports; to provide public education and promotional activities; and to perform related work as required. Positions in this class perform technical level work involving collection, research, review, and analysis of data, and preparation of recommendations.

Examination and Selection Process

EXAMINATION PROCESS: Based upon screening of the City application, résumé, and responses to supplemental questions, applicants whose qualifications best meet the requirements of the position will be invited to the examination process. This process may include, but is not limited to: written examination, panel interview and/or performance examination, which consists of an evaluation of some of the essential knowledge, skills, abilities, and job related experience listed below. Those candidates who pass the examination process are placed on an eligibility list from which the final selection will be made.

SELECTION PROCESS: As authorized by City policy, applicants being considered for hire in this position are subject to fingerprinting for purposes of investigating criminal history background, as part of the employment screening process. Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination (based upon job-related physical standards) by a City-designated physician.

Note: Failure in any one part of the examination or selection processes will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Solid Waste Division in conforming to federal and state mandated programs by conducting in-depth studies, analyzing data and providing recommendations for new or improved programs.
• Collects information and data from existing programs from various agencies and analyzes such data for the cost effectiveness of those programs.
• Completes related reports, including statistical data and narrative portions; compiles data from the Lompoc Landfill, recycling operators and collection activities, and summarizes information in reports.
• Prepares and implements community education and promotional activities including recycling presentations, newsletters, brochures, advertisements, press releases, and web content.
• Implements projects to increase landfill diversion rates of various materials (single-stream recyclables, organics, etc.).
• Engages with stakeholders to develop solutions to diversion challenges.
• Conducts customer waste audits to ensure compliance with applicable ordinances and recycling mandates.
• Oversees and updates collection route lists, container database, and communicates with Sanitation Division.
• Provides excellent customer service to residents and businesses.
• Provides phone/radio backup to Office Staff Assistant; provides budget tracking/preparation, contract oversight, invoice processing, and assists with Requests for Proposals in assigned program areas.
• Prepares and implements grant and payment programs (Used Oil, Beverage Container Recycling, etc.).

Qualifications

Education/Experience: Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position. The typical qualifying entrance background is one year experience conducting Solid Waste studies and completion of substantial college level course work in environmental studies or a related field. Relevant work experience can be substituted for educational experience.

License Required: Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver's License.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and trends of solid waste programs and planning
• Methods of research, analysis and evaluation
• Analysis of statistical information
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Business math and statistics
• Modern office methods and practices

Ability to:

• Perform research with accuracy and develop objective recommendations.
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written and oral reports.
• Perform statistical and administrative analysis.
• Read, understand, interpret and apply pertinent local, state and federal requirements, procedures and policies.
• Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual: Spanish (read, write, speak)
• Familiarity with various diversion activities and CalRecycle mandates (AB 939, AB 341, AB 1826, SB 1383)
• Experience in public education and promotion (presentations, web content, flyers, advertisements, etc.)

Physical and Mental/Psychological Demands

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS: The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Strength: Light Work - Lifting, carrying and/or pushing 25 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. May involve significant standing, walking, pushing and/or pulling. Frequent typing. Occasional to frequent standing; occasional walking, sitting, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, handling, gripping, grasping, twisting at the waist, reaching at, above and below shoulder level, extending neck upward, downward and side to side, climbing stairs. On rare occasion, climbing ladders, crouching, kneeling.

Vision: visual acuity which could be corrected sufficiently to perform the essential functions of the position; average depth perception needed.

Hearing: ability to effectively hear/comprehend oral instructions and communication.

Mental/Psychological: Understand, remember and carry out detailed job instructions; utilize complex reading, writing and math skills; work cooperatively and interact appropriately with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public; respond appropriately to criticism from a supervisor; respond quickly to changing priorities; communicate effectively orally; perform effective multi-tasking; work under pressure; work within deadlines.

Environmental Conditions: Consistently works indoors. Occasionally outdoor work is required. Frequent use of a computer. Occasionally drives motorized equipment/vehicles. Works both alone and with others.