Full-Time Zero Waste Specialist
Job Description
Clean Water Action is a national organization working for clean, safe and affordable water. We help prevent health-threatening pollution, create environmentally-safe jobs and businesses, and empower people to make democracy work. Clean Water Fund organizes strong grassroots coalitions and campaigns to protect our environment, health, economic well-being and quality of life.
Clean Water is looking for a motivated Zero Waste Specialist to join our award-winning ReThink Disposable program. Our program tackles the global waste crisis by working directly with food operators on all levels, from family-owned small businesses to large institutions, to deploy cost-saving, actionable changes to food operations. We’re in search of a motivated, multi-lingual candidate who thrives on creating relationships that drive planet-forward changes.
The ReThink Disposable Zero Waste Specialist will implement the program in multiple jurisdictions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The primary work involves direct outreach to restaurants, institutions, and local governments. The position also involves processing and delivering foodware that is customized for each business. This job requires a persuasive voice that will help convince businesses to change their practices. Past experience in canvassing is very useful, as this job requires in-person visits to prospective ReThink Disposable businesses. Our work is based on relationship building, so having the ability to connect to people quickly is absolutely essential.
Nearly 1 trillion pieces of disposable foodware and packaging are used by US food service businesses in restaurants every year. Much of this ends up in our waterways: almost 70% of ocean-bound litter is food and beverage packaging. Much of this trash is concentrated in low-income communities of color. If we continue on this path, the flow of plastic into the ocean is set to triple by 2040.
ReThink Disposable is the most established source reduction and behavior change program in the nation. We seek to eradicate not just plastic waste, but all single-use disposable food and beverage packaging. Our team also provides expert consultation in partnership with governments and other non-governmental organizations to advocate for policy changes and shifts in cultural norms across the food service industry and the public at large. Our data-based case studies of businesses that have made the transition to zero-waste service have been key to the passage of local and regional foodware reduction ordinances.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Conduct field outreach and recruit businesses, with a focus on engaging businesses owned and managed by black, indigenous, people of color, women, and/or non-English monolingual individuals to participate in ReThink Disposable program;
- Support ReThink Program Director in contract administration and data collection and business impact analysis (training will be provided);
- Meet targets for recruiting business participants to switch to reusable foodware on time and with significant results;
- Participate in meetings to plan, coordinate, and implement ReThink Disposable program;
- Foster existing and new partnerships with zero-waste and community-based organizations to further the mission of the program in a collaborative fashion by requesting, hosting, and facilitating meetings with allies;
- Perform other duties as directed by Supervisors.
Qualifications:
- Able to communicate effectively with businesses and the public (canvass experience a plus);
- Writing skills needed in order to share stories of program impact;
- Must be organized, detail-oriented, able to work independently, meet deadlines and complete assignments on time while juggling multiple projects and tasks;
- Must have a valid driver’s license, a 2-year clean driving record and be willing to drive throughout the San Francisco Bay Area;
- Ability to lift up to 25lbs and transport materials will be required;
- Basic knowledge of water, waste, climate change, marine debris and plastics pollution;
- Passion for racial equity and environmental justice.
Additional qualifications:
- Fluency in a language in addition to English (preference for Mandarin, Cantonese, or Spanish) is a plus;
- Experience in the food service industry is a plus;
- Having your own personal vehicle is a plus (travel reimbursements will be provided).
- Relevant life experience and/or post-secondary education are equally useful for this position.
Compensation: Salary starts $50,000-$54,000 depending on experience and language proficiency. This is a permanent, full-time position. Attractive benefits package.
How to Apply
To Apply: Email letter of interest and resume to [email protected]Apply for this Job
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