Habitat ReStore Recycling Coordinator
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.
Objective one – Research
Goals for the Recycling Modernization Act of 2025 include increased business recycling rates and less items going to the landfill overall. We hope to emerge as a trusted partner for businesses navigating Oregon’s evolving recycling regulations, making a positive impact on the environment. Through research, the VISTA will become a subject matter expert on the Modernization Act, identify industry best practices for the handling of anticipated business and other recyclable materials, and research solutions to offload materials we receive.
MEMBER ACTIVITIES
- Become familiar with the Oregon Recycling Modernization Act
- Become familiar with Portland Habitat ReStore’s current material recycling program as the starting point for program expansion
- Visit all three Habitat ReStore locations and gather information about facilities and current recycling practices
- Gain hands-on experience with current recycling programs by connecting with local recyclers
- Research methods for handling, processing, storing, and transferring different types of materials. These could include, but are not limited to metal, cardboard, Styrofoam, paint, hazardous chemicals, lightbulbs, batteries, e-waste, plastic film, plastic containers, cans/bottles with deposit, and glass.
- Research solutions for offloading listed materials in compliance with new law.
Objective Two – Development
Based on the information gathered, we will develop strategies to improve overall handling efficiency and safety, reduce costs and potentially grow revenue for each type of recyclable material.
MEMBER ACTIVITIES
- Assist the Habitat ReStore Recycling and Salvage Manager in developing processes for intake and offloading of recyclable materials, including recommendations of additional equipment needed.
- Develop site-specific Habitat Restore schematics showing the flow and storage of materials; prepare to implement at one test site.
- Develop list of vendors where materials will be transferred after storage capacity is reached
- Develop implementation rollout schedule for planned facility changes
- Develop and document staff and volunteer training plan to ensure compliance
Objective Three – Implementation and review
Test and implement the planned changes to our recycling programs with the aid of staff and volunteers, then assess and correct any issues.
MEMBER ACTIVITIES
- Collaborate with Salvage & Recycling Manager and store teams on rolling out the implementation plan
- Set up one fully functional recycling station at a designated Habitat ReStore to test functionality and processes; closely observe results and tweak as needed to prepare for implementation at remaining Habitat ReStore locations
- Implement training plan with volunteers and staff.
- Conduct follow-up with each store team, gather feedback, and adjust processes accordingly.
Activities listed here may include direct service for the purposes of observation, interviews of staff members and volunteers and implementation of systems and processes. While VISTA members cannot regularly perform direct service, the VISTA member may have the opportunity to engage in direct service activities no more than one time per month to help inform VISTA projects. VISTA members are not permitted to engage in direct service activities in the Restore such as stocking shelves, picking up and unloading donations or working the cash register, etc
Objective Four – Sustainability
With a focus on long-term sustainability, we will build an estimate of the costs associated with expanding recycling services at Habitat ReStores in preparation for the rollout of Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act. We will ensure that the Habitat ReStore systems developed are sustainable, continuing at the host site after the completion of the VISTA term, by documenting the plan and training staff and volunteers.
MEMBER ACTIVITIES
- Along with the Recycling & Salvage Manger, finalize the cost estimate of additional staffing and any necessary industrial equipment needed to purchase and maintain the program long-term.
- Report showing final projections for multiple scenarios, providing estimates for small, medium, and larger scale expansions of a comprehensive material recycling program.
- Finalize policies and procedures and publish in a document for team member reference.
Experience, knowledge, and skills
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS • AmeriCorps members must be a U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident. Find related resources at host site application on MyHabitat. 3 • AmeriCorps members must be at least eighteen or older. • AmeriCorps members must have a high school diploma or GED. • AmeriCorps members may have recurring access to vulnerable populations and must satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria.
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS: • Knowledge of and willingness to promote the mission and activities of Habitat for Humanity International and AmeriCorps. • The ability to work with a diverse group of people. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Strong research skills. • Attention to detail and is highly organized. • Experience working as a member of a team. • Basic experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, and Teams.
Benefits of AmeriCorps service
- Annual living allowance range from $22,882 to $39,522, determined by the service location; most locations are on the lower end of this range.
- Segal Education Award upon successful completion of service.
- Health benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan
- Ten personal and 10 medical leave days
- Possible forbearance or deferment of qualified student loans
- Child care benefits, if you qualify
- Noncompetitive eligibility status for federal employment for one year after successful completion of service
- Relocation travel assistance for members relocating more than 50 miles to serve
Additional Inforamtion:
Host site manager: Director of Volunteer Programs
Direct supervisor: ReStore Salvage and Recycling Manager
Service week (days/times) Monday – Friday, 9:30AM – 5:30PM
Will a teleservice schedule be offered? Yes, members must serve a minimum of 2 days/week from the office
Is a personal vehicle required for service? Yes