Solid Waste Data Analyst

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.  
 
Are you interested in working with data, conducting analysis, and building tools to help support operations and informed decision-making? Do you want to center the voices of historically marginalized communities in understanding the social, economic, and environmental impacts of waste reduction and cleanup programs? Do you enjoy organizing and sharing data to build stronger relationships between government and the public? If this sounds like you, come be a part of our team!   
 
Metro’s Waste Prevention and Environmental Services department plans and oversees the region's garbage and recycling system – working with local communities, government and industry partners to protect the environment, conserve resources, and ensure that our garbage and recycling system works for everyone. WPES is committed to leading with equity in everything we do. We are guided by the 2030 Regional Waste Plan, which is focused on advancing racial equity, reducing the environmental and health impacts of products, maintaining and improving our garbage and recycling system, and rectifying the historic and ongoing inequities of that system on communities of color and others in our region.
 
We are looking for someone with strong technical expertise, customer service mindset, project management skills, and a collaborative approach. Someone who thrives in a dynamic role, balancing data analysis, research design, Business Intelligence (BI) development, and operational support to turn insights into actions that improve our regional garbage and recycling programs and services. Our Analytics team builds information literacy, streamlines data analysis, and makes high quality information accessible to a wide range of audiences through reports, self-service tools, and online dashboards. 
 
In this position, you’ll apply your knowledge of research design to structure studies, use data analysis to extract insights, leverage business intelligence tools to create actionable visualizations, and support facility operations by developing data systems that enable staff to effectively manage data. You will work closely with internal teams to gather requirements, understand business needs, and create tools that enable others to access and use data efficiently. You’ll work with an outstanding network of staff, partners, and consultants who support and use products such as the Annual Progress Report for the Regional Waste Plan, Regional Illegal Dumping dashboard, and Multifamily Garbage and Recycling Service Study.  
 
As a Senior Solid Waste Data Analyst you will:

• Define methodology and conduct research to inform garbage and recycling policies and program recommendations. 
• Work with program leaders and stakeholders to understand their needs and design solutions that support equitable outcomes and reflect Metro’s values.
• Design and produce scalable, well-documented analyses across a broad range of topics related to garbage and recycling. 
• Prepare and present technical analyses, recommendations, and reports. 
• Design, develop, and produce data visualizations, interactive dashboards, and tools for Metro Staff, partner agencies, and the public.
• Apply research design principles, including qualitative and quantitative methods, to ensure rigorous and actionable analysis. 
• Develop and organize project plans involving research, analysis, modeling, evaluation, and information systems. Including developing project scopes and objectives involving multiple stakeholders.
• Support the development and maintenance of data systems that improve collection, storage, analysis, and reporting for more informed decision-making.
• Use SQL and other data tools to transform, clean, and analyze data for operational and policy-related insights.
• Lead, coordinate and participate in multidisciplinary teams to complete complex projects. 

 Attributes for success:

• Commitment to Metro’s values and Regional Waste Plan goals, racial equity and improving the lives of low-income families, immigrants, and communities of color. 
• Self-motivated, team-oriented problem-solver that is an accessible and responsive communicator. 
• Ability to explain complex data and information in simple, clear terms for customers with varying levels of understanding, using approachable language, patience, and active listening to ensure their needs are met.
• Ability to analyze, visualize and present data in a compelling way. 
• Proficiency in SQL for querying and transforming data, working in a SQL Server or similar relational database environment.
• Competence developing and maintaining dashboards and related products with Microsoft Power BI or other business intelligence tools.
• Experience conducting business requirements gathering and stakeholder engagement to inform data solutions.
• Experience applying racial equity analysis.
• Proven leadership and project management experience. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in the public sector and an interest in garbage, recycling, public utilities, or a related industry. 

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.   

Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant. 

Minimum qualifications

• Three years of experience in solid waste, project management, public policy development, data analytics or business intelligence; and
• A bachelor's degree in science, public administration, computer science, information technology, software engineering or related field; or 
• Any combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job. 

Working Conditions: 
This position requires the ability to perform those activities necessary to complete the essential functions of the job, either with or without reasonable accommodation. Duties are primarily performed in an office environment, while sitting at a desk or computer.
 
If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply
If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years. 
 
Hybrid Telework 
At this time, this position is designated as “hybrid telework.” You will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. This position must report to work in person at the Metro Regional Center every Tuesday and attend all staff meetings and other required team gatherings in person. The manager will work with you to identify a schedule that balances the operational needs of the department and your needs. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington to work at Metro 
 
Like to have qualifications
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Certification in data science or analytics.
• Demonstrated expertise in research design, statistical analysis and modeling. 
• Expertise in qualitative research methods and analysis.   
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., MS Azure, Fabric). 
• Exposure to low-code development tools for automation solutions.
• Experience with Python or R for advanced analytics.
• Experience in Project Management.
• Experience with data governance policies and data-focused centers of excellence. 
• Experience working in the public sector. 

SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed online application 
• Responses to supplemental questions

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check 
• Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable)

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The full-salary range for this position is step 1. $89,024.00 to step 7. $119,329.60. However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1. $89,024.00 to the equity range step #4. $103,064.00. 

This position is not eligible for overtime and is represented by AFSCME 3580. It is classified as a Senior Solid Waste classification. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Recruiter:Carrie Gundermann

Email:carrie.gundermann@oregonmetro.gov

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework

Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
 
Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. 

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page. 

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Metro 

Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area’s garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home. 

Salary : $89,024 - $119,330