EHS Technologist I - Waste Reduction Coordinator

Thompson-Nicola Regional District; Kamloops; On-site; CAD 2,000 - 4,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Waste Reduction Coordinator to spearhead initiatives aimed at promoting recycling and waste reduction. This role involves engaging with the community through educational programs, organizing events, and managing compliance with solid waste management practices. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a background in environmental education, and a passion for sustainability. Join a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the region while making a tangible impact on waste management practices. If you are proactive and enjoy working collaboratively, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of related experience, preferably with local government.
• Public speaking experience and ability to make formal presentations.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate waste reduction programs and initiatives.
• Develop and implement public information campaigns.
• Manage budget for waste reduction programs.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Proficiency in social media platforms

Technical proficiency with computers/devices

Project management skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving skills

Critical thinking skills

Graphic design skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in science, education, or communication

Certification by the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)

Job description

Thompson-Nicola Regional District
EHS Technologist I - Waste Reduction Coordinator

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District is located in south-central British Columbia, with dozens of rural and urban communities spread across 44,300 square kilometres. The TNRD provides more than 120 local government services to approximately 144,000 people in 10 Electoral Areas, 11 member municipalities, and 25 First Nations.

The TNRD is headquartered in the City of Kamloops, the largest community within the regional district. The Thompson-Nicola region has a vast range of climates that experience true four-season weather, with plenty of year-round sunshine, little rain, and warm summers. Residents generally have short commutes, easy access to recreation and the outdoors, and a high quality of life. The TNRD acknowledges that we are located within the unceded, ancestral lands of the Nlaka’pumux, Secwépemc, St’at’imc, and Syilx Nations.

The Role:
Reporting to the Manager of Solid Waste and Recycling, the Waste Reduction Coordinator is responsible for education, outreach, and communication related to the TNRD's Solid Waste and Recycling programs. This includes promoting regional initiatives and educating the public on waste reduction, recycling, and waste recovery efforts, such as curbside and depot programs outlined in the Regional Solid Waste Management Plan. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who is well-organized, an excellent communicator, and thrives in a collaborative team environment.

Primary Expectations of the Role include:

1. Facilitate waste reduction programs and initiatives in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Plan:

• Organize, plan, and participate in community events. This includes farmers markets, reuse events, community presentations, and round-up events.
• Coordinate contractors and volunteers and communicate with residents, community groups, schools, and businesses to organize and facilitate community-based programs. Examples include implementing a community composting pilot program, agricultural plastics recycling program, and administering an annual thrift shop credit program.
• Deliver zero waste classroom presentations and promote existing curriculum to K-12 teachers and students throughout the region.
• Conduct research and provide recommendations that support and improve various waste reduction programs and initiatives.
• Prepare, update, and maintain records, spreadsheets, and other documents and perform data analysis.
• Prepare annual reports, briefs, plans, and background documentation.

Increase compliance with existing waste programs:

• In collaboration with communications, create and implement public information campaigns and activities. This includes developing brochures, signs, posters, radio and TV ads, website content, and social media posts.
• Develop, implement, and update region-wide waste reduction programs including food waste reduction campaigns, backyard composting promotion, holiday waste reduction campaigns, re-use programs, and illegal dumping prevention.
• Coordinate and provide waste reduction education for residents, community groups, schools, and businesses.
• Develop communication strategies related to specific solid waste user groups and/or policies such as the construction sector, commercial waste haulers, disposal bans, etc.

Budget management including adhering to the annual assigned budget for waste reduction programs and allocating expenses appropriately throughout the year.

Job Requirements

You are an experienced professional with:

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in science, education, communication, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of two (2) years of directly related experience is required. Experience working with the public is necessary, with local government experience being an asset. Please outline clearly in your cover letter how your experience relates to this position.
• Public speaking experience, including making formal presentations, is required.
• Specialized training in solid waste management, such as certification by the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), is an asset.
• Knowledge of solid waste management practices in BC is required.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• You must have a valid Class 5 Drivers Licence.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Proficiency utilizing all common social media platforms (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, X) is required.
• Technical proficiency is required, such as the use of computers/devices and the ability to learn new systems/technology.
• Proven ability to develop communications material is required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop communications strategies and educational programs is required.
• Project management and contract administration skills are required.
• Organizational, problem solving, and critical thinking skills are required.
• Graphic design skills would be an asset.

This position falls under the provisions of the Collective Agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 900. The placement of the Environmental Services Technologist I is at Pay Grade 8, which is $2,772.99 to $3,207.89 bi-weekly.

Applications must be submitted by 11:00pm PST, and include a cover letter and a resume outlining your qualifications and experience.
Careers - Thompson-Nicola Regional District

Due to a high volume of applicants, only those moving forward in the hiring process will be contacted. Thank you for considering the Thompson Nicola Regional District as a place to share your talents!