Help Wanted: Municipal Recycling Advisor, Epsom, NH - Full Time

July 15, 2024

Read the full Job Announcement for Additional Information!

Reports to:   Member Services Manager                       Nonexempt, Full time, Not Temporary

Position Summary:

The primary responsibility of the Municipal Recycling Advisor is to provide technical assistance and education to NRRA member communities to increase residential recycling and decrease recycling contamination. The Municipal Recycling Advisor works under the direct supervision of the Member Services Manager and will follow established procedures and guidelines within the department. Solid waste operations experience, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask and work effectively and calmly under pressure are essential for this position. The successful candidate will have a desire to learn and excel in a fast-paced environment, possess a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of related experience OR any equivalent combination of experience and education that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills and abilities, have excellent customer service skills, and support NRRA’s mission to partner with communities to make recycling and waste reduction strong through economic and environmentally sound solutions. 

Essential duties and responsibilities:

  1. Technical Assistance
    • Provide technical assistance to Members – from day-to-day questions to assistance in restructuring of programs
    • Negotiate and establish new cooperative marketing and purchasing programs and services for members
    • Analyze existing member cooperative programs for cost effectiveness and efficiency
    • Welcome new solid waste facility staff and review programs through NRRA
    • Visit transfer stations to provide technical assistance through site visits; lead Solid Waste Advisory Team site visits
  2. Education
    • Assist with developing workshop schedule for annual Recycling Conference & Expo, including participating in Recycling Conference Committee meetings  
    • Plan and lead Member Operations & Marketing meetings for solid waste facility operators
    • Deliver on-site and in-person recycling education to both residents and solid waste operators by giving Recycling 101 presentations
    • Present at Member Operations Marketing Meetings, the annual conference, and other events
    • Stay abreast of development in the field through continuing education, including NHDES Solid Waste Operator Certification and events
  3. Grant Administration
    • Provide technical assistance and education to increase residential recycling rates and decrease recycling contamination rates in NH’s North Country under NRRA’s Recycle Right North Country campaign (Fall 2024 through Fall 2026)
    • Work closely with Member Services Manager and Communications Manager to track and report on grant-funded education and technical assistance tasks
    • Monitor deadlines for grant-funded tasks and ensure timely completion and documentation 
  4. General Administrative/Conference
    • Learn and use new software programs, tools and resources as needed to help complete tasks efficiently (such as Teams, Planner, Salesforce, video conferencing, website, etc.)
    • Provide administrative support as needed to help NRRA plan, organize, and execute a successful event (this includes attending the event and being away from home for the duration of the event)
    • Create, maintain, and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) as needed
  5. Other duties as assigned

Communication and Conduct:

  • Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and open lines of communication with colleagues, members and vendors
  • Communicate with others in a positive manner with respect for differing opinions and openness to new ideas
  • Work independently and follow through on commitments
  • Discuss areas of concern with the Member Services Manager and work with them to resolve those areas of concern
  • Prioritize tasks to complete work in a timely and accurate manner
  • Take initiative to solve problems and identify potentially more efficient methods of operation 

Contributions/Outcomes:

  • Effectively communicate NRRA’s cooperative marketing, purchasing, and technical assistance programs to Members, Vendors, and the public
  • Complete all tasks in an accurate and professional manner
  • Build and grow positive relationships with colleagues, Members, Vendors, and Haulers

Qualifications and Skills Required:

  • Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of two years of relevant solid waste operations experience OR any equivalent combination of experience and education that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
  • Experience in the recycling field, preferably at the municipal level, such as through hands-on experience working at a municipal or commercial solid waste facility or other experience providing a detailed knowledge of municipal recycling programs
  • Certified Principal Operator through the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Solid Waste Facility Operator Training and Certification Program OR ability to participate in training and obtain certification soon after hire
  • Great people skills and excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Good comfort level with public speaking and ability to present a positive public image
  • Self-motivated and able to handle multiple priorities
  • Ability to communicate effectively with people of various backgrounds and interests
  • Reliable, with excellent attention to detail and organization
  • Proficient in use of internet and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Outlook and Excel
  • Quick learner, especially of technical issues
  • Ability to work effectively and calmly, and problem solve in a fast-paced environment
  • Positive attitude and willingness to accept a challenge
  • Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle
  • Interest in the mission of the organization 

Qualifications and Skills Preferred:

  • Salesforce and general database experience
  • Microsoft Office Teams, Planner, and SharePoint experience
  • Customer service background

Working Conditions:

This position is based at NRRA headquarters in Epsom, NH with options for remote work. Currently, NRRA staff are required to be in the office every Wednesday. Regular visits to the NH North Country—monthly or quarterly—are required from the fall of 2024 through the fall of 2026. The position includes a combination of office work and traveling to recycling facilities for meetings. Travel and outdoor work may be in inclement weather on occasion (including extreme heat and cold). Environmentally conscious office culture within 15 minutes of downtown Concord, New Hampshire. Weekend or evening work is required occasionally, typically not more than a few times per year. Occasional overnight travel may be required. Travel and overnight stay are required for the annual conference.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to work at a desk and computer station for extended periods of time. Ability to drive throughout New England to recycling facilities and events. Capable of standing and walking for hours at a time. Light lifting may be required on occasion.

Direct Reports:

Possible supervision of intern(s) or volunteer(s)