Waste Zero Specialist Full Time

Role

Under close supervision, this role is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, and managing waste diversion programs through a broad approach that includes regular interaction with key commercial and residential customers, local jurisdictions, community education, public service initiatives, and waste auditing activities.

Essential Responsibilities of Waste Zero Specialist 1

• Conduct waste and diversion assessments for customers. Identify improvement areas, recommend diversion strategies, implement service changes, and provide follow-up support to ensure program success.
• Track and complete customer action items while maintaining detailed records of all customer interactions for reporting purposes.
• Prepare and deliver speeches, presentations, and educational sessions for customers and community audiences.
• Coordinate recycling and landfill diversion programs with local jurisdictions, and educate both current and new customers on program features and related services.
• Create and contribute content for communication channels such as social media, advertisements, city annual reports, presentations, and other promotional materials to support company services and sustainability efforts.
• Design and deliver public education initiatives in franchise cities that meet contract obligations and align with regional sustainability objectives.
• Act as a company representative when working with city staff, elected officials, regional organizations, associations, and Chambers of Commerce.
• Support the management, renewal, and acquisition of contracts with major commercial recycling customers in both franchised and open markets, in coordination with the sales team.
• Review service routes to confirm rates, service levels, frequencies, quantities, and operational efficiency.
• Analyze audit reports related to contamination and diversion challenges, and provide management with summaries and recommendations to improve diversion performance and maintain compliance with contracts and laws.
• Monitor and research public policy developments that may affect company operations and business practices.
• Participate in team-based projects as assigned.
• Maintain and update all records and documents required by law and company policy.
• May oversee, support, or help grow local buy-back centers.
• Maintain flexibility in work schedule based on business requirements.
• Travel regularly to attend off-site meetings.
• Carry out other assigned duties as needed.

Qualifications

Any mix of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered acceptable. A common qualification path includes:

• At least one year of related experience or training in resource recovery, such as waste disposal or recycling.
• Understanding of technical and professional principles, regulations, applications, and programs relevant to the role.
• Awareness of current trends and developments in marketing, communications, and public outreach.
• Familiarity with computer applications, including Microsoft Office.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Skills and/or Abilities

• Support the WASTE ZERO philosophy by maximizing resource use and identifying environmentally beneficial ways to repurpose waste materials.
• Develop strategies to address current and future challenges, while creating practical recommendations and action plans.
• Identify issues clearly and focus on workable, effective solutions, including innovative ways to improve systems and processes.
• Demonstrate comfort and capability in using computers and technology tools.
• Show strong knowledge in relevant subject areas, as well as an understanding of company operations and strategic and financial processes.
• Communicate effectively in both written and verbal form, listen actively to different perspectives, share information in a timely way, and maintain professionalism.
• Present ideas clearly to individuals or groups, adjusting communication style to suit the audience.
• Build trust, credibility, and productive working relationships with others.
• Encourage teamwork and support colleagues in achieving shared goals.
• Motivate and empower others to meet objectives and foster a sense of ownership in their work.
• Help attract, develop, and retain talent, while creating opportunities for personal and professional growth and sharing knowledge with others.
• Build strong customer relationships, improve customer satisfaction, and ensure commitments are consistently fulfilled.