Black Hawk County Solid Waste Management Commission seeks an enthusiastic individual to lead its public education and community engagement on waste reduction, recycling, and sustainability. This full-time role involves developing outreach programs, managing digital communications, and collaborating with community partners. The position is located in Black Hawk County, Iowa. Apply now at Black Hawk County Jobs – Join us in making a difference!

Essential Duties

• Must be capable of regular and predictable attendance at a specified location to perform assigned tasks. 
• Carries out activities to educate the public of options and consequences of their solid waste management decisions, using the waste hierarchy as a guideline, proper disposal of waste materials and recycling techniques, by:
  • Planning, developing, scheduling, and presenting public education programs through lesson plans.
  • Selecting and creating educational materials and presentation methods for . 
  • Assisting with commercial recycling education through facility visits, tours, conducting seminars, and waste audits.
• Coordinates and supervises community outreach activities, special events, and campaigns aimed at promoting public awareness and strengthening community partnerships, by:
  • Conducting presentations and seminars related to solid waste management and environmental implications to schools, interested organizations, and community groups primarily in Black Hawk County. 
  • Working with other governmental, non-profit, and private entities in support of waste reduction.
  • Representing the Commission by participating in meetings outside agencies, the general public, state and national organizations. 
• Enhances public awareness and interest of programs and services, by:
  • Developing promotional communications, digital campaigns, and content for website, social media pages, and other platforms.
  • Researching fresh, creative messages and curricula to educate targeted audiences.
  • Promoting the use of the education center and maintaining responsibility for display development, design, and upkeep.
  • Writes, edits, proofs and distributes communications as requested, such as newspaper articles, media news releases, social media posts, public service announcements, requests for proposals, and other materials.
•  Handles other administrative tasks and responsibilities as required by the position, including:
  • Assisting with the preparation of reports and statistics for member communities, Commission, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and others as directed.
  • Creating and distributing surveys or other data collection sources to evaluate the effectiveness and quality of education programs, outreach activities and promotional campaigns.
  • Research waste management and recycling trends and provide recommendations to the Administrator and Commission.
  • Assisting in community and regional planning efforts and completing written progress reports on a periodic basis. 
  • Categorizing, packaging, and maintaining records of household hazardous waste in preparation for shipping.
  • Other duties as assigned.
• Administrative and functional supervision is received from the Solid Waste Administrator. 
• Supervisory over volunteers, Americorps or support staff during special events or as directed. 

Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, elementary or secondary education, or related field and at least one year of related work experience preferred; OR any equivalent combination of training, education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Demonstrated experience with public speaking, conducting presentations and training events is preferred.

Demonstrated experience working with and engaging elementary and secondary students in an educational environment preferred.

Knowledge of local, regional and environmental practices.   

Knowledge of State education standards, core curriculum and other education standards.

Knowledge of solid waste collection, disposal and recycling methods, including best practices.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

Additional requirements