Community Outreach Specialist, Recycling (Berkshire Region)

The Center for EcoTechnology provides energy analysis, diagnostic testing, and ENERGY STAR home certification for builders and remodelers.   

Position Overview: 

CET is looking for a full time qualified candidate to support CET's mission through waste reduction and recycling education, recycling services, program administration with towns, businesses and the public.

Responsibilities:

• Waste reduction programs. Provide waste reduction, reuse and recycling outreach, education and technical assistance to residents, businesses and towns through diverse and changing projects and programs. Requires task planning and coordination and reporting.
• Public education.  Respond to resource management questions via phone and email about disposal and recycling.  Research prevention and recycling options.  Staff booths at community events and engage the public, answer questions and provide literature.  Present waste reduction and recycling information at business club meetings, religious institutions, meetings with town/city officials.  Research, design, and update fact sheets on waste prevention, toxics use reduction, and environmental health topics. 
• Classroom education and recycling assistance.  Teach students in classroom settings about waste reduction, recycling and composting, focusing on hands-on activities.  Promote educational services to teachers and principals through letters, email, and press releases.  Establish recycling and composting programs in schools. 
• Southern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District.  Work with Departments of Public Works, Town officials and District Commissioners of each town to meet waste reduction goals.  Requires program administration including meeting logistics and reporting.  Assist with grant applications.  Help Towns meet regulatory and reporting requirements. 
• Environmental Health Initiatives. Provide project support; develop educational materials related to reducing exposure to toxic chemicals
• Annual or special CET events (e.g. Household Hazardous Waste and textile collections Junior Solar Sprint, renewable energy seminars, Green Buildings Open House, Wind Energy tours).  Coordinate with vendors and partners, coordinate staff team, recruit and manage volunteers.  Advertise, solicit donations, and work within a budget.  Staff and attend community events.  Register residents by telephone for Southern Berkshire HHW collections.  
• CET Recycling Services.  Field customer questions and concerns, schedule paper recycling pickups, coordinate with recycling services driver, help pick up recyclable paper.   Provide documentation to customers of secure destruction of paper, assist with invoicing customers as required.
• Other duties:  CET projects and workload vary and responsibilities will change when necessary.  Some weekend and evening work will be required.

Qualifications:

• College degree and/or 3 years of related experience
• Experience and strong interest in education, recycling, waste reduction, toxics use reduction and environmental health with a hands-on and creative approach
• Experience working with and supervising volunteers and interns
• Customer service and public education/speaking experience
• Valid driver's license with reliable transportation and ability to lift 50 lbs
• Excellent communication skills (written, phone, email, in-person) and computer skills (databases, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, word processing)
• Knowledge and experience researching information (online, print and telephone)
• Work-style - flexible, self-directed, professional, hard-work ethic, patient, works well independently, with others, or as team leader
• Attention to detail and good problem solving skills 
• Ability to accomplish tasks within timelines
• Interest in interacting with various populations: students, teachers, residents, businesses, vendors, volunteers, and media

Compensation: CET offers competitive pay rates and a comprehensive health plan which pays approximately 60% of the individual's health insurance costs.  New employees accrue 10 days of paid vacation leave per year, 9 sick days and CET offers 12 paid holidays.  This position will be a full-time, year-round hourly position with benefits based in our Pittsfield office.

To Apply: 

Please send cover letter and resume via email.

Penny Collins, HR/Payroll Specialist
Center for EcoTechnology
112 Elm Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201

CET is an equal opportunity employer.