Zero Waste Outreach & Compliance Fellow

*Please note: We will be hiring 2 Fellows for this role

If you’re passionate about helping local governments reduce the waste they send to landfills and assisting with community outreach about waste laws and ordinances, then this may be an opportunity for you!

About Zero Waste Marin

Zero Waste Marin, otherwise known as the Marin County Hazardous and Solid Waste Joint Powers Authority (JPA), is a governmental agency comprised of the County and the 11 cities and towns of Marin. Our mission is to protect natural resources by promoting source reduction of waste through reuse, repair, and more mindful purchasing. To make recycling and composting easy, we offer a variety of programs including: the Household Hazardous Waste Program, the Zero Waste Schools Program, and public outreach and education programs. These programs align with County-wide goals to act on climate change and promote healthy, safe, and sustainable communities.

Position Overview and Description

The principles of zero waste that Zero Waste Marin works to promote are closely related to fighting climate change and advancing climate resiliency. Reducing fossil-fuel-based plastics, encouraging mindfulness surrounding consumption, reducing natural resource depletion through recycling, and avoiding landfill methane emissions while improving soil health through composting are just some examples of this intersection. We are excited to host two Climate Corps Fellows to work on fighting climate change through zero waste. 

There are 2 Fellowship positions open with Zero Waste Marin. These 2 Fellows will be assigned to different areas of Marin County to assist with outreach on and compliance with waste laws and ordinances. Fellows will coordinate with local city and town governments to complete community outreach and messaging related to reducing landfill waste, correct recycling and composting, and complying with laws such as the Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Act, SB 1383. Examples of possible projects could include, but are not limited to: supporting outreach campaigns related to proper waste sorting, developing communications about reducing overall waste by switching to reusables, completing on-site trainings at businesses to help them comply with waste laws and ordinances, inspecting sites for compliance with waste laws and ordinances, and supporting other Zero Waste Marin programs. Community outreach could include occasional weekend work, such as tabling at events. 

Responsibilities

• Work with ZWM and city/town employees to identify and implement outreach opportunities for educating communities on proper waste sorting and waste reduction
• Develop and implement a survey of community members regarding their understanding of zero-waste principles
• Conduct zero waste training, presentations, and inspections for SB 1383 compliance at various sites in Marin
• In coordination with ZWM staff and software systems, assist jurisdictions with documenting the required Implementation Record of compliance activities for SB 1383 (Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Act)
• Work with ZWM staff to analyze program metrics in connection with the JPA’s goals and Work Plan 

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of zero waste principles, including but not limited to: recycling, composting, source reduction of waste, reuse and repair, etc. 
• Experience with outreach and communications
• Experience and/or comfort with presenting in front of a variety of stakeholders and groups
• Ability to communicate with diverse groups of people and help them understand main takeaways or desired actions 
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is a plus 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, such as Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Possession of a valid driver’s license (this position will require driving to sites for training)

We encourage anyone who is interested in this position and who meets some of the qualifications to apply, even if they do not meet all of them. We recognize that a unique perspective and background can enhance a role when many, if not all, of the listed qualifications are met.

**If you would need to relocate for this position, please note that you need to be in the state you are relocating to no less than 10 business days before the start of the fellowship.**

Benefits

• End-of-program financial award.
• Healthcare coverage with 100% of healthcare insurance premiums covered by the employer.
• Access to a national Member Assistance Program, which includes financial and legal assistance, medical advocacy, and counseling services. 
• Professional and Personal Development Training
• ​Career-readiness training in interview preparation, salary negotiation, and developing a professional resume and cover letter.
• Attending panels, workshops, and presentations by climate resilience industry professionals. 
• Professional networking opportunities. 

About Climate Corps

Climate Corps, a program of SEI, is an award-winning fellowship program that provides professional development opportunities for emerging leaders through the implementation of sustainability and resiliency projects with local governments, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses. To see a full list of climate, energy, and sustainability positions posted by Climate Corps, please visit here: https://jobs.climatecorps.org/listings. We are constantly adding positions, so make sure to frequently check this site to see if there are new opportunities available.

SEI is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity. We believe that a wide array of perspectives contributes to creative climate solutions where all communities thrive. We strive to reflect diverse communities, especially those most impacted by climate change and other kinds of environmental, social, and economic injustices. Persons of color, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply. A commitment to work and learn within an anti-oppression framework is required. https://www.seiinc.org/dei.html