Garbologist

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being
performed by people in this category. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all
responsibilities, duties and skills required of people in these positions.

Work Team:

Operations

Reports To:

Operations Manager

Position Classification:

Volunteer

Length of Service:

1 year or more

POSTION SUMMARY

This position is open Spring 2024. Responsible for managing and facilitating the processing, recycling, reuse of and removal of solid waste from the village, including compost, recycling and landfill. Leads rotating teams of Village community members in collecting and sorting waste. Individuals may work short-term in this position if they have served in this role in the past.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS

(principal duties and responsibilities; such as categories supported, staff size, volume managed, etc)

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Leads rotating teams of Village staff and other volunteers in collecting and sorting landfill, compost and recycling, delegating tasks as required.
Encourages the community to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Establishes a good working relationship with barge and down lake facilities that transport and take village garbage and debris.
Operates vehicles to assist in the transporting of village waste.
Maintains the village compost system to provide finished compost to the lawns and gardens crew.
Educates the community about food waste, recycling, and solid waste issues.
Attends Operation Team and safety meetings.
Seeks all appropriate safety training for your area and model careful and safe work habits.
Ensures everyone you supervise has received proper safety training, keep accurate records of that training and monitor the effectiveness of that training.
Ensures all appropriate safety equipment is readily available in your work area.
Be available for special projects and reassignment as requested by the Operations Manager.
Be on-call to assist with operational emergencies.
Assists the Operations Manager in developing annual and capital budgets and work within those budgets.
Revise and update the Garbologist turnover file.
Keep records of waste processed by the Village.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

(position specifications; such as knowledge/education, skills, problem solving/decision making, risk/bottom line results, management responsibility – people and functions)

Specific knowledge and skills include but are not limited to the following:

Existing leadership and supervisory skills, or a willingness to develop these skills on the job.
Physically fit – able to lift 50+ lbs.
Ability and willingness to safely operate and troubleshoot heavy equipment.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
A passion for reduce, reuse, recycling.
An understanding of ecological issues related to disposal and management of community garbage.
Willingness to sort garbage, manage Holden’s composting system, and potentially handle hungry wildlife.
Ability to work independently and to effectively supervise other staff.
Possess a commitment to high quality and effective work.
Resourceful and innovative, able to make the best of the resources available.
A willingness to learn and develop additional operational skills and knowledge as required.
Knowing when to ask for help, suggestions, resources, or ideas.
Ability to take initiative, problem-solve and work independently and collaboratively.
Knowledge of Microsoft Excel and ability to record waste volume data and create visual graphs.

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS

(particular knowledge/skills related to client and/or agency needs)

Long-Term Volunteer

Enthusiasm for and ability to work in a remote wilderness setting.
Willingness to participate in a mutual review after 6-months.
Pledges to work in ways that support and fulfill Holden Village’s Mission, Vision, and Values and commits to the terms of the Community of Practice Agreement .
Abides by Holden Village’s Community Health Protocols and Practices .
Extends genuine hospitality to all villagers.
Upholds and works to further Holden Village values of diversity, equality, respect, sustainability, and spirituality as articulated in the Strategic Plan .
Be a community leader and role model by serving the village in roles such as First Response Team, Fire Brigade, Worship, and other program events and activities.
Help new staff and volunteers integrate into the community.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

As a Long-Term Volunteer, you are eligible for the following compensation and benefits:

$550/month stipend
Food (three meals/day)
Housing & utilities
Free parking at Fields Point
Health insurance (medical, dental and vision)
Basic life insurance
Life Flight membership (emergency helicopter transportation based on medical need)
Simple IRA account
37 “out” days per year
14 one-way boat tickets per year
21 friends & family days and 21 half-price friends & family days per year
Access to amazing hiking opportunities, community events, teaching sessions, art studios and other educational opportunities!