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Job Posting
Hilo Reusable Foodware Program Technical Assistance Specialist
with Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island
Title: Technical Assistance Specialist
Project Duration: 2 years, estimated start date late March to early April 2024
Pay rate: $45,000 annually, 30-34 hours per week
Benefits: project will cover 50% of healthcare benefits upon request, includes paid sick and vacation leave
Closing date: 02/29/2024
Project overview:
Local non-profit Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island and the reuse experts at non-profit Perpetual are partnering to enable Hilo to design and implement a reusable foodware system that aims to eliminate the generation of waste from disposable food service ware. Reusable foodware programs give people the option to borrow a reusable cup or container for food and drinks and include the placement of reusable item return bins all over the community. Reusable items are washed and sanitized in a professional facility and then restocked for vendors to use again (learn more here).
The EPA has awarded a grant to the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program to support businesses, community organizations and schools in the transition to reuse systems in Hilo. Part of this funding will be subawarded to Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island to hire a Technical Assistance Specialist that will play the leading role in providing technical assistance to businesses, organizations, and schools to make the transition from single-use to reusable foodware. Technical assistance will include on-site assessments, the provision of written materials and online training, and other support. The funding is allocated through the Pollution Prevention: Environmental Justice through Safer and More Sustainable Products program, also authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The project will improve human health and the environment in Hilo by decreasing waste from disposable items and reducing human exposure to chemicals of concern, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can be present in disposable foodware and migrate from the packaging into the food. The system will positively impact disadvantaged communities in Hilo, focusing on serving intergenerational families, the unhoused community, and Native Hawaiians.
How to Apply:
Apply via google form or email a resume, cover letter and three references (please include references on your resume) to zwhi@zerowastehi.org. Please include “P2 Technical Assistance Application” in the email header. Application closing date is Thursday, February 29th, 2024.
Primary duties include:
Conducts field outreach and recruits businesses, schools and community groups to participate in the Hilo Reusable Foodware program.
Works with the ZWHI and Perpetual team to conduct individual outreach to schools in and around Hilo, and community programs serving food in significant volume to target populations and demographics.
Provides individualized direct on-site technical assistance to all selected organizations, and conducts follow up visits with participants which will be necessary to successful adoption and implementation of reuse systems for foodware.
Develops education and outreach materials to support the project goals.
Able to lend place-based expertise and local knowledge to the project.
Works with the ZWHI Cultural Advisor to ensure cultural frameworks are applied to the engagement process to ensure that Native Hawaiians and other disadvantaged individuals are included, cared for, and prioritized in the consultation process and throughout the program.
Fosters existing and new partnerships with businesses, community-based organizations, school, colleges and county government to support the implementation of the program.
Assists the ZWHI and Perpetual teams with project communications and content development (i.e. social media, website and newsletter, handouts/flyers) to promote the project to businesses, schools, organizations and the public.
Participates in meetings to plan, coordinate, and implement the Hilo Reusable Foodware program.
Meets targets for recruiting and following up with businesses, community organizations and schools to participate in the program.
Provides support and training to businesses and organizations in the proper use and installation of technology, equipment, and/or reusable items during the implementation phase of the project. Training will include the technology and other equipment that is required, as well as instructions for installation, adapting serving or packing workflows to accommodate reusable items, creating Standard Operating Procedures compliant with local health codes, and creating training materials for business or organizational staff.
Assists the Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Principal Investigator and the ZWHI Program Director in the day to day supervision of a paid student fellow that the project will support for a 8-week period during the summer of 2024 (one student) and 2025 (two students).
Performs other duties as directed by the ZWHI Program Director.
Collaborates with the ZWHI Program Director to establish and maintain a comprehensive tracking system to monitor and document all technical assistance activities, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
Regularly updates and submits progress reports to the ZWHI Program Director, including key metrics, achievements, and challenges faced during the implementation of the Hilo Reusable Foodware program.
Works closely with the ZWHI Program Director and the grant oversight team to ensure that all grant-related activities adhere to established timelines, budgetary constraints, and reporting obligations.
Minimum Qualifications:
Must be 18 years or older
Able to communicate effectively with businesses and the public
Good writing skills
Technological fluency and experience using google docs/slides/forms/sheets, Canva, Instagram and Facebook
Cultural competence, commitment to equity and experience working with diverse communities and staff
Desired Qualifications:
Experience with canvassing and community engagement
Outgoing and personable with existing connections to the Hilo community
Experience in the food service or hospitality industry
Experience managing email contact lists
Experience developing outreach materials (flyers, handouts, standard operating procedures, signage, instructional videos)
Very organized, detail-oriented, able to work as part of a team and be self directed, meet deadlines and complete assignments on time
Basic knowledge of waste, climate change, marine debris and plastics pollution;
Passion for environment and environmental justice