Description

Position Summary 

The Environmental Technician I is responsible for receiving, inspecting, sorting, and preparing cans and bottles for redemption. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Ensures Health & Safety is the priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies and procedures, and always acting in a safe manner. 
• Receives and segregates cans & bottles from customers and prepares them for collection by distributors.
• Provides prompt payment to customers and balances cash at the end of each day.  
• Operates automated can & bottle counting/sorting machine and utilize basic computer applications to update can & bottle inventory files
• 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 lawn mowing, weed control, and snow removal.
• Inspects and maintains facility and equipment daily, makes on-the-spot correction when possible and performs special inspections as directed.
• Assists with grooming bales of recycling commodities for outbound shipping. 
• Participates in all safety training, follows established safety procedures, makes recommendations for safety improvements, and corrects unsafe acts or conditions when appropriate.
• Assists customers with MWA Grow Gold Compost sales. 

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
• Organics 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, 25 lbs.; Maximum occasional above shoulder lifting , 15 lbs.; Maximum occasional bilateral or preferred carry, 25 lbs.; Maximum occasional horizontal push/pull, 25 lbs. of force; Maximum occasional right/left grip, 25 lbs. of force; Maximum frequent right/left 2-point/3-point/lateral pinch, 5/8/12 lbs. of force; Frequent forward/lateral reaching; Occasional above shoulder reaching; Occasional sitting; Frequent standing; Frequent walking; Occasional climbing; Occasional squatting; Occasional kneeling; Occasional crouching; Occasional to Frequent 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.  

I have carefully read and understand the contents of this job description. I understand the responsibilities, requirements, and duties expected of me.