Recycling Technician

Description

 Position Summary

The Recycling Technician is responsible for the coordination, collection, and transportation of recyclables to various recycling facilities. Acts as an internal and external liaison for the recycling program, building and maintaining relationships with customers and the community. Acts as an internal and external liaison for the recycling program, providing timely and thorough responses to customer concerns escalated by the customer care team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Collects and transports recyclables to Metro Waste Authority facilities and other recycling facilities.
• Monitors recycling activities and collection, bales recyclables, and coordinates commodity collection with vendors. 
• Maintains recycling records for review and annual reporting and completes daily reports
• Loads and offloads commodities from trucks and trailers and prepares shipments for market.
• Identifies opportunities to use systems and creates processes to streamline routing logistics.
• Collaborates with staff, as well as customers, to modify collection means and frequency to meet the evolving needs of those we serve.
• Operates all assigned material handling and transport equipment.
• Educates stakeholders on proper waste handling procedures through effective written and verbal communication.
• Follows established procedures for the safe handling, identification, and segregation of materials throughout the receiving process.
• Maintains knowledge of the latest technological developments and provides subject matter expertise in these areas.

Environmental Stewardship – Demonstrates an understanding of Metro Waste Authority’s Environmental Management System (EMS). Guided by the EMS processes and procedures, we focus on six main areas aimed at increasing diversion and/or protecting the environment. These include:

• Recycling
• Household Hazardous Waste Collection
• Yard Waste Management
• Water Quality Improvement
• Greenhouse Gas Reduction
• Environmental Education

MWA Values - Demonstrates an understanding of Metro Waste Authority’s values and applies them to the position, and assigned responsibilities, as well as to all interactions with customers and co-workers.

• Leadership – Set the example because everyone is a leader!
• Integrity – Always do what is right!
• Positivity – Bring our best to every task, every day and bring out the best in your colleagues!
• Teamwork – Collaborate because we know that together we will address opportunities and challenges!
• Innovation – Forge a new path and evolve!

 Competencies

• Communicating Effectively - Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner; tailors’ message to fit the interests and needs of the audience; delivers information in a manner that is interesting and compelling to the listener
• Delivering High Quality Work - Critically reviews work processes to ensure quality; addresses problems that could impact quality; makes sure project deliverables and services meet all requirements and expectations; does not make the same mistakes twice.
• Displays Technical Expertise - Keeps his/her technical skills current; effectively applies specialized knowledge and skills to perform work tasks; understands and masters the technical skills, knowledge, and tasks associated with his/her job; shares technical expertise with others
• Demonstrating Initiative -Acts on his/her own without being prompted; handles problems independently; able to resolve issues without relying on extensive help from others; does more than is expected or asked
• Driving Continuous Improvement - Establishes methods to monitor and improve performance of systems and processes; utilizes specialized techniques for continuous improvement (e.g., Kaizen, Six Sigma, Total Quality Management)
• Serving Customers - Builds strong relationships with customers; stays aware of customer needs, concerns and satisfaction; responds promptly to customer questions and requests; effectively manages customer expectations
• Working Safely - Respects and follows safety policies and regulations; scans the environment for things that may pose a safety risk; encourages others to utilize safe and healthy work practices.

Travel

• This position requires frequent travel in and around the Des Moines metro area to support all Metro Waste Authority facilities.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Basic computer skills

Preferred Education & Experience

• 2-4 years’ experience driving truck and trailer, front load truck, or roll-off straight frame

Physical Demands

Maximum occasional floor to waist lift, 50 lbs.; Maximum occasional above shoulder lifting, 50 lbs.; Maximum occasional bilateral or preferred carry, 50 lbs.; Maximum occasional horizontal/lateral push/pull, 50 lbs. of force; Maximum occasional right/left grip, 85 lbs. of force; Maximum frequent right/left 2-point/3-point/lateral pinch, 10/15/25 lbs. of force; Constant forward/lateral reaching; Occasional above shoulder reaching; Constant sitting; Occasional standing; Occasional walking; Occasional stair climbing; Occasional ladder/equipment climbing to 18 in.; Occasional squatting; Occasional kneeling; Occasional crouching; Occasional bending; Occasional stooping; Occasional twisting.

Work Environment

Ongoing exposure to toxic agents such as pesticides and poisons, potentially explosive or other unknown risks from incoming materials, and odors from solvents and other chemical products. Exposure to excessive heat during summer and excessive cold in winter. Exposure to moving machinery such as baler, forklift, and related equipment.