Work With Offenders - The Choices
Recycling Officer
Recycling Officers are in charge of planning and developing the waste reduction and environmental schemes established by local authorities. They do this through enforcing legislation, organising local initiatives and establishing and delivering programmes designed to educate the public on related issues. They work closely with the local council and government and their powers and responsibilities are becoming increasingly wide as new environmental schemes are set into place by central government. The main aim of a recycling officer is to ensure that the initiatives currently in place are being observed correctly and regularly by the public.
Typical daily activities include visiting various local authorities and initiative groups and informing them of the new schemes, developing new initiatives; collecting data, statistics and compiling reports regarding local environmental issues; assisting and advising local community groups; training new members of the team and headhunting potential employees; liaising with the media and informing them of the benefits of recycling methods; assisting with the production of recycling advertisements and media campaigns; visiting local businesses and providing advice on recycling best practice standards; and keeping up to date on developments in local council or government acts or issues that may affect the monitoring of recycling standards in the local community.
A successful candidate would have a degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in a related science, maths or engineering field. A post-graduate qualification such as a master’s degree in a closely related field is not essential, but may be helpful for a position holder. Additionally, he or she would have had at least two years experience in a related position, and up-to-date knowledge of current recycling, waste management and environmental initiatives, legislation and issues is essential.
<Qualifications: A degree (or equivalent) in a related science, maths or engineering field.
Experience: At least two years voluntary or paid experience in a position related to environmental enforcement.
Skills: Problem solving skills, people skills, written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work well without the aid of supervision, the ability to work well under pressure, up-to-date knowledge of environmental issues and legislation.
