Habitat Restore Recycling Coordinator Vista - 2023-24

Posting Description

Habitat ReStore Recycling Coordinator VISTA

For one year, get paid to build sustainable solutions in a community, gain valuable hands on experience and prepare for your future. This full-time AmeriCorps service position offers a great opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others while building your own knowledge and skillset.

AmeriCorps VISTA members are Volunteers in Service to America who perform indirect service to build capacity and sustainable solutions.

What will you do?

Habitat ReStores are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat organizations that accept donations and sell home improvement items to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Proceeds are used to help build strength, stability, self-reliance and shelter in local communities and around the world.

Oregon's new Recycling Modernization Act of 2025 presents a unique opportunity to increase our Habitat ReStore recycling program. The VISTA will research, develop, and implement strategies for modernizing our material recycling system at all three Habitat ReStores in the Portland Region. They will create or update procedures for handling a wide variety of currently accepted and newly anticipated recyclable materials and set up an initial recycling test site at one Habitat ReStore to test processes and procedures. From streamlining collection processes to implementing efficient recycling protocols, the VISTA member is a crucial part of our strategy to address an upcoming surge in recyclable materials.

• Research the Oregon Recycling Modernization act, gain hands-on experience with current recycling programs, and research methods for handling, processing, and storing different types of materials. Develop a list of vendors for overflow materials.

• Become familiar with all three Portland Region Habitat ReStore locations.

• Assist the Habitat ReStore Recycling and Salvage Manager in developing processes for intake and offloading of recyclable materials. Develop site-specific schematics for the flow and storage of materials. Prepare to implement the plan at one test location.

• Set up one fully functional recycling station at a Portland Region Habitat ReStore.

• Conduct follow-up and collect feedback. Adjust process accordingly.

• Finalize the cost estimate of implementing the program long-term, with a report showing final projections for the program.

• Finalize policies and procedures to train staff to sustain the program.

This position will focus on Habitat ReStore and environmental justice aspects of Habitat affiliate operations.

Where will you serve?

• Organization name: Habitat for Humanity Portland Region

• Nearest metropolitan area: Portland, OR

• Full-time staff: 69

• Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 7

• Activities and attractions: NW OR presents an array of activities that are sure to appeal to AmeriCorps members seeking engaging assignments. Washington County offers dozens of parks/hiking trails with beautiful views. Wine aficionados will be delighted with dozens of wineries to visit. Historic Hillsboro adds a touch of charm with its shops and cultural events. In Multnomah County the breathtaking Multnomah Falls stands as a natural marvel and boasts an extensive network of hiking trails. Sports fans can catch the excitement of a Blazer game, see the Portland Timbers & Thorns in action, and check out the AZ Diamondback farm team, the Hillsboro Hops. Both counties boast a vibrant food scene from diverse food cart pods to craft breweries (in 2023 we won more James Beard awards than any other city!). Let's ski Mt. Hood in the AM and swim into the sunset in the Pacific Ocean the same day. Whatever your passion, AmeriCorps members will find a surplus of options for personal and professional growth.

• Unique projects: Green building techniques are used, and many neighborhoods are now being build solar ready. Neighborhoods are wired for electric vehicles, and we are installing charging stations for private/public use. We were recently awarded the Earth Advantage Green Builder of the Year award in the low-income housing category.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

• Living allowance of $22,881.85 for one year of service.

• Segal Education Award of $7,395 (lifetime maximum of two full education awards) OR end-of-service cash stipend of approximately $1,800, upon successful completion of service.

• Forbearance for most federally-guaranteed student loans.

• Health care benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan.

• 10 personal and 10 medical leave days.

• Personal and professional development opportunities.

• Childcare benefits, if you qualify.

• Noncompetitive eligibility status for federal employment for one year after successful completion of service.

• Relocation assistance: Mileage and a $750 settling in allowance for members relocating more than 50 miles to serve.

Supplemental Benefits

• Housing stipend paid directly to your landlord ($550 per month)

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens or is a person residing in a state that have the following legal residency classifications: refugee, asylum or asylee, temporary protected status, or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status. Applicants must be at least 18 or older and have a high school diploma or GED.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidates:

• Are passionate about serving the community through direct service.

• Demonstrate respect for diversity of opinion, experience, and background.

• Desire to gain hands-on experience in the affordable housing and nonprofit sector.

• Have experience working on a team.

• Possess stellar interpersonal communication skills.

• Are motivated and committed to serve full time and in person.