JOB SUMMARY

The Niagara Region has a full-time Waste Management Intern position available with the Waste Management Services division of the Public Works Department. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate of a post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate program in Environmental Science/Management, Geography, Environmental/Urban Planning, Education, Business Communication or a related field of study.

LOCATION: Niagara Recycling Centre (Niagara Falls, ON); travel throughout the Niagara Region is required

Waste Management Services is part of the Public Works Department, and is responsible for providing cost-effective and environmentally-sound waste management programs/services to the residents and businesses of the twelve Niagara municipalities. Waste Management Services is divided into four main sections: Waste Disposal Operations, Collection & Diversion Operations, Policy & Planning and Engineering and Compliance. Each section is responsible for various services and programs, and the Waste Management (WM) Interns primarily support Collection & Diversion Operations over the duration of their two-year contract.

Our WM Interns work both independently and as part of a team to promote the Region's various waste management programs, coordinate and set-up recycling services at community events*, staff information displays and make presentations to schools, daycares and community groups*. Interns educate residents about the importance of diverting materials from landfills while promoting the Region's waste management services. The WM Interns interact with members of the public over the phone, through face-to-face interaction*, as well as written communication. WM Interns also assist with the creation, distribution and presentation of promotional and educational materials.

The WM Intern positions conduct recycling audits at the Recycling Centre as well as visual curbside audits of material placed at the curb. These audits involve hands-on sampling, data collection and reporting/analysis of results. Interns conduct recycling container inventories and deliver containers to municipal and retail sales locations as required. Our WM Interns are an integral part of a team responsible for the maintenance of Niagara Region's multi-residential recycling and organics programs and also assist in the implementation of various initiatives and projects to increase participation in the Region's collection programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

? Transporting and setting up displays and tents at special events and summer camps*

? Hands-on sorting of recyclable materials, as part of audits

? Delivering and picking up recycling/organics carts, recycling boxes or green bins from special events* as well as a variety of container distribution locations across the region

? Periodically donning mascot costumes at selected special events, schools, daycares and parades as necessary*

? Candidate must be able to lift / push 22.7 kg (50 lbs.) of recycling containers; break down stacks of recycling containers that are approximately 2.3 m (7.5 feet) in height; and maneuver containers using a dolly on a truck ramp of up to 50 kg (110 lbs)

EDUCATION

? Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e. GED), plus

? Must have successfully completed an Environmental Science/Management, Geography, Environmental/Urban Planning, Business Communications, Education or related post-secondary degree/diploma program within the last 18 months (or will successfully complete prior to starting this position)

KNOWLEDGE

? Knowledge of waste management issues and legislation is an asset

? Understanding of Regional/Municipal Government policies/practices is an asset

? Experience teaching/presenting to a variety of age groups is an asset

? Experience undertaking audits is an asset

SKILLS

? Highly developed communication skills - written and oral

? Excellent customer service and public presentation skills

? Strong computer skills

? Excellent time-management and organizational skills

? Ability to meet numerous deadlines and work well under pressure

? Ability to interact and engage with a variety of audiences (both type and size)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

? Must meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the Educational section

? Must be available to work full-time for the duration of the contract, as well as work weekends and evenings as required

? Must hold a valid, unrestricted G class driver's license and have access to a reliable vehicle due to frequent business travel

? Must obtain a three (3) year uncertified Driving Abstract (acceptability of the driving history documented on the abstract is solely determined by Niagara Region)

? Must successfully complete vehicle and equipment training, testing and evaluation within first 30 days of employment

? Must provide own CSA-approved safety work boots if hired