Environmental Tech - Can Redemption

Position Summary

The Environmental Technician I is responsible for receiving, inspecting, sorting, and preparing cans and bottles for redemption, electronics for recycling, and disposal of Household Hazardous materials (HHM).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
• Receives and segregates cans from customers and prepares cans for collection by distributors.
• Provides prompt payment to customers and balances cash at the end of each day.
• Provides prompt and courteous service and educates internal and external stakeholders on proper waste handling procedures through effective written, verbal, and electronic communication.
• Receives, inspects, sorts, and prepares household hazardous waste for disposal or reutilization in accordance with 40 CFR and complies with all the requirements of 40 and 49 CFR related to packaging, marking, labeling, and records keeping. Follows established procedures for the safe handling, identification, and segregation of materials throughout the receiving process.
• Operates all assigned material handling and transport equipment.
• Assists with facility cleaning and grounds maintenance, inspecting and maintain facility grounds, such as litter pick-up, painting, and mowing.
• Inspects and maintains facility and equipment daily, makes on-the-spot correction when possible and performs special inspections as directed.
• Participates in all safety training, follows established safety procedures, makes recommendations for safety improvements, and corrects unsafe acts or conditions when appropriate.

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

• Acting as a Champion for Change - Challenges the status quo; encourages people to question existing methods, practices, and assumptions; supports people in their efforts to try new things
• Assessing and Understanding People - Able to predict how different people are likely to act in different situations; has good insight into people's personality and work style; understands people's strengths and talents; knows what sort of tasks people are likely to do well and areas where they may struggle
• Inspiring and Motivating Others - Ability to motivate employees in safety, regulatory compliance, and customer service functions.
• Keeping a Safe Environment - It is the employee’s responsibility to follow all safety policies and procedures and to notify the appropriate person(s) in the event they witness an unsafe activity.

Travel

This position requires some travel in and around the Des Moines metro area to service for can redemption and support all Metro Waste Authority facilities.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Valid driver’s license
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education & Experience

Basic computer skills

Physical Demands

Maximum occasional floor to waist lift, 60 lbs.; Maximum occasional above shoulder lifting , 10 lbs.; Maximum occasional bilateral or preferred carry, 60 lbs.; Maximum occasional horizontal push/pull, 50 lbs. of force; Maximum occasional vertical push/pull, 50 lbs. of force; Maximum occasional right/left grip, 30 lbs. of force; Maximum frequent right/left 2-point/3-point/lateral pinch, 5/10/15 lbs. of force; Frequent forward/lateral reaching; Occasional above shoulder reaching; Frequent sitting; Occasional to Frequent standing; Occasional to Frequent walking; Occasional climbing; Occasional squatting; Occasional kneeling; Occasional crouching; Occasional bending; Occasional stooping; Occasional twisting.

Work Environment

This job operates in an office and warehouse environment. This role will experience ongoing exposure to toxic and corrosive agents such as pesticides, potentially explosive or other unknown risks from incoming materials, and odors from solvents and other chemical products. The employee will also be exposed to excessive heat in the summer, excessive cold in the winter and moving machinery such as a can crusher and forklift.