NYC Organics Collection Outreach Associate – Queens Botanical Garden – Flushing, NY

The NYC Compost Project works to rebuild NYC’s soils by providing New Yorkers with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to produce and use compost locally. The project is funded and managed by the NYC Department of Sanitation’s Bureau of Recycling and Sustainability. Learn more at nyc.gov/compostproject.

The NYC Organics Collection Outreach Associate is based out of Queens Botanical Garden (QBG), one of the NYC Compost Project host sites, and is directly managed by both the NYC Compost Project Manager at QBG and the NYC Compost Project Program Manager at DSNY.

Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) is a private non-profit cultural institution located on 39 acres of New York City public land in Flushing, New York. The Garden serves over 220,000 visitors each year; a visitor survey reveals that 75% of its visitors speak a language other than English at home. The Garden has committed itself to addressing the complex and ever changing needs of its diverse community and to being the place where people, plants and cultures meet.

Position

The NYC Organics Collection Outreach Associate is primarily responsible for providing NYC residents that live in the Organics Collection areas with information about the NYC Organics Collection Program. The Outreach Associate will focus in Queens, but may work in multiple boroughs, to build enthusiasm about the program, increase resident participation, and lower contamination rates. Outreach Associates will work alongside the delivery trucks for a 1-month period, speaking with residents and answering any questions about the program while the organics bins are being delivered. The Outreach Associate will staff information tables in the various neighborhoods (2 weeks before and 5 weeks after bin deliveries) so as to educate residents about the program. Candidates need to be able to track the necessary programmatic information and submit to DSNY and QBG as requested.

Position Schedule

Various temporary positions available, working from 9/16/15 – 12/4/15.
Rate of pay is $15.00 per hour
Daily travel required.
35 hours/week for 12 weeks.
Hiring multiple associates to cover several shifts and work schedules.
Work weeks vary and include Sun-Thurs, Tues – Sat, and Mon – Fri
Schedules vary and include 8am – 4pm, 9am-5pm, and 10am – 6pm

Responsibilities

Answer questions from residents and general public during bin deliveries and at general outreach events.
Take notes if residents or the general public needs follow up on an issue, and communicate concerns to DSNY accordingly.
Hand out print materials to residents in the delivery areas.
Troubleshoot delivery of supplies (kitchen bin, outdoor bin, general info sheets, +) in real time as needed.
Provide outreach to local convenience stores and hardware stores to carry proper compostable bags.

Requirements/Skills:

Ideal candidates will be interested in composting, solid waste management, program management, and/or environmental issues.
Outgoing public speaker, ease with interfacing with the public. Comfortable in a wide range of environments.
Has a valid NYS driver’s license and is willing to drive, using Zip cars and/or rental cars, as needed.
Spanish, Polish, Arabic, or Russian language fluency an asset.
Experience with a wide range of computer applications (Excel, MS Word, Outlook, +)
Ability to prioritize work load and work independently.
Minimum two years of related work experience.
Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree (Preferably in Environmental or Horticultural Science or another related field)
Preferred: access to cell phone and/or smart phone while in field.

How to apply

Send resume and cover letter to: compost@queensbotanical.org. Type NYC Organics Collection Outreach Associate in the subject line. The Queens Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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