Special Programs Assistant

Background:

The Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD) provides
leadership, education, and services for residents and businesses in reducing and
managing their solid waste in order to protect public health and the environment
to the greatest extent feasible. The District is made up of a Board of Supervisors
that represent all member towns, and an office and field staff who implement
organizational programming and events. See our website for more information.

Summary:

The Special Programs Assistant works with (and reports to) the Special
Programs Coordinator in planning and implementing the Central Vermont Solid
Waste Management District's ReUse, Recycling, and Illegal Dumping and
Burning programs. The Special Programs Assistant's primary responsibilities are
to coordinate the District's illegal dumping program, called the Adopt-A-Site
Program (AAS), during its hectic late spring/summer schedule of clean-up
activities, assist in the development of new District programs, and to assist in
organizing and running special events, including the biannual Clothing Drop N'
Swap. This position requires considerable contact with the public in a variety of
situations. The majority of events occur between April and October, and
significant weekend work is possible during those months.

Duties:

Other duties may be assigned in addition to or in lieu of those stated here.

The Adopt-A-Site Program is an established, ongoing undertaking of the
CVSWMD. The Special Programs Assistant is responsible for the
implementation of this program. The AAS Program duties include: working with
town officials, staff and community residents to identify potential sites for
adoption, to find community groups or members willing to adopt sites, and to
solicit local support for sites that have adopters; inspecting illegal dumping sites to
identify amounts and types of refuse and assessing these sites according to our
program criteria; ascertaining potential site hazards and providing for the safety
and well-being of volunteers; organizing clean- ups and work crews; providing
tools, equipment and convenient and proper disposal; and visiting existing sites
that have been adopted and maintaining contact with adopters. The Special
Programs Assistant will become familiar with the District's volunteer procedures
and protocols, as well as the contract arrangements with those vendors with
whom they work.

The CVSWMD holds several annual special events, and routinely develops new
programs. The Special Programs Assistant will assist the Coordinator in the
planning and implementation of special events, and in the development of pilot
programs. Event planning duties are numerous, and may include: corresponding
with volunteers, program partners, community members and town officials;
scheduling contract workers and volunteers; purchasing supplies and/or locating
businesses willing to donate materials; coordinating volunteer groups at an event;
developing marketing and education plans for programs and working closely with
the marketing and education staff to complete necessary tasks; and assisting in
developing program evaluation methods.

The CVSWMD employs a team approach to management of the District. In
addition to working closely with the Special Programs Coordinator, the Special
Programs Assistant may be requested to meet with both the Operations and the
Marketing Teams. The Special Programs Assistant will help in identifying
marketing needs for his/her programs and will work closely with the marketing
and education staff in developing effective solutions.

The Special Programs Assistant must remember that they are the embodiment of
the District when they are out in the field working with various members of the
community. It is their responsibility to represent the District well, respect those
with whom they are working, express the goals and principles of the District
organization when appropriate, and manage situations in which conflict arises with
tact and diplomacy.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed both in an office environment and in the field at various
locations and facilities. Local and regional travel is required on a regular basis.
Work may be done out of doors in all types of weather, although the majority of
outdoor work is done May through November and during this time availability on
Saturdays is regularly needed. The Special Programs Assistant will need to be in
a physical condition sufficient to be able to lift a 50-pound container on an
infrequent basis, to be sufficiently agile to climb rocky terrain comparable to a
trail rating or hiking rank of moderate to difficult. Materials found at illegal
dumpsites may be of unknown origin. Items may also be rusty, sharp, hazardous,
of medical origin or organic which can present challenging situations, even though
the Assistant is not required to handle these materials. The Assistant will also
need to deal with the public in sometimes-stressful situations. This position
requires response to emergency situations according to established plans.

Qualifications:

• A High school diploma or equivalent is required. A college degree or
  commiserate experience in a related field is desired.
• Two years experience working in a supervisory or teaching capacity is
  required. Experience with presentation and public speaking is required.
  Experience in event organizing is desired.
• Experience managing volunteers and contractors, of a variety of ages, is
  preferred. A demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with
  individuals of varying ages is also desired.
• Experience in environmental advocacy or demonstrated interest in
  environmental issues is desired.
• Travel is required. A Valid Vermont driver's license is necessary.
• Strong decision-making and organizational skills are needed to be effective
  in this position as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a
  team. The Assistant must be able to work as a part of a team, and be able
  to multitask.
• The Special Programs Assistant will be able to read, research,
  comprehend and follow complex written and verbal instructions and
  documents. They will also be able to write basic business documents such
  as correspondence, memos and short reports.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office and Internet use is required.
  Experience using an IBM-compatible system, Microsoft Word, and
  spreadsheets (particularly Excel) is a plus.
• The Special Programs Assistant must have sufficiently good physical health
  and strength to perform the job, being able to work out of doors for long
  periods of time and to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Compensation:

The Special Programs Assistant position is a salaried, full-time, non-exempt
position at Grade 3 of the District's Classification Plan. Starting salary range is
$21,600 - $25,500.

Application Instructions:

E-mail correspondence is preferred. Please send a rsum and references to:

Ela Abrams,
Special Programs Coordinator
CVSWMD
137 Barre St
Montpelier VT 05602-3618

NOTE: The above information is intended to describe the general nature of this
position and is not to be considered a complete statement of duties,
responsibilities and requirements.

Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District is an equal opportunity
employer.