Position Summary
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- Answer inquiries from the public, businesses, and other government agencies via phone, email, and social media messages.
- Educate people about recycling, reuse, waste prevention and safe disposal options.
- Utilize call\-routing and custom database systems.
- Provide administrative support for the call center, including data entry.
- Participate in ongoing learning opportunities to stay up to date on local recycling and waste\-reduction policies and practices.
- Assist with in\-person public outreach activities as needed.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- Application of good telephone etiquette and strong communication skills.
- Knowledge of and skill using business English, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Ability to maintain a professional demeanor during conversations with people who may be emotional or upset.
- Enjoys problem\-solving and decision\-making in a fast\-paced environment.
- Ability to operate multiple computer programs and database systems simultaneously for information referrals and call reporting.
- Respectful and collaborative team member in virtual and in\-person environments.
- Ability to quickly adapt to changing policies and practices within the organization or from private sector partners.
- One year of administrative and/or clerical experience AND
- A high school diploma or GED, OR
- Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities
- Familiarity with recycling, waste reduction, reuse, or environmental sustainability concepts
- Experience working in a call center, help desk, or customer information line
- Knowledge of local government services, public agencies, or community programs
- Experience using customer relationship management (CRM) systems or call\-routing software
- Background in public outreach, environmental education, or community engagement
- Comfort engaging with the public through social media platforms for informational purposes
- Bilingual or multilingual communication skills (especially helpful in public\-facing roles)
- A completed online application
- Responses to supplemental questions
- Initial review of minimum qualifications
- In\-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
- Consideration of top candidates/interviews
- Testing/assessments
- Reference check
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- Paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave
- Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement if eligible and qualified.
- No\-cost TriMet Hop Pass
- Employee Assistance Program
*This recruitment will close at 11:59 PM on May 7th, 2026, or once 100 applications have been received, whichever occurs first. Qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure consideration.*
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.
The Waste Prevention and Environmental Services department is looking for a Variable Hour Recycling Information Specialist to provide information and assistance focused on garbage, recycling and reuse services for residents and businesses.
As a member of Metro’s Recycling Information Center (RIC), you’ll help people across greater Portland by phone, email, and social media. You’ll answer questions, connect people to recycling, reuse, and disposal services, and help them understand waste\-prevention options and material policies. The RIC handles over 40,000 calls each year, and you’ll work closely with a supportive, public\-service\-focused team to provide this impactful service.
As the Variable Hour Recycling Information Specialist you will
Attributes for success
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
Schedule
This position is a great opportunity for people who seek a flexible work schedule. This position will be scheduled as needed, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. \- 5:00 p.m. to cover vacations, leaves, meetings and/or high call volume periods. You may also be asked to fill in on short notice for illness coverage. There will also be optional opportunities to work in\-person events on weekends and in the evenings. *This position is classified as variable hour. Variable hour employees cannot work more than 1,040 hours per year.* Hybrid Telework
This position is designated as “hybrid telework.” You will be required to work onsite and at times have the option to work away from your assigned work location. The specific schedule and balance of onsite and telework will be discussed with the hiring manager at the time of offer. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington to work at Metro. Please note, the designation of hybrid telework may be subject to change at a future time.
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.
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.
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.
The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON
The starting rate for this position is $26\.95 per hour.
This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by AFSCME 3580\. It is classified as Program Assistant I position. 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
Additional Information
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.
Government Jobs
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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.
As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.
This is a variable hour position with no guarantee of hours. The position is eligible for these benefits:
Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights!), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more. Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first\-time home buying and ownership counseling.
Learn more about employee benefits.
Some variable hour positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.
View union contracts here.