Zero Waste Project Assistant

Ithaca NY

Description

Overview: This temporary part time position will last from Mid-May through Mid-November (25 weeks) for 6 hours per week at $16 per hour. Work hours will be Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 – 3:30 PM. Work is outdoors at the Steamboat Landing location of the Ithaca Farmers Market at 545 3rd St, Ithaca, New York Description of Job Duties: The ZWP Assistant will help manage the Ithaca Farmers Market current waste and work closely with the ZWP Coordinator on waste reduction efforts. Current waste is made up of food scraps, recycling, and trash which is primarily disposable dishware. At the end of each market, the ZWP Assistant will transfer food scraps from food vendors to pig farmers at the market. The assistant will transfer full trash bags from near the market pavilion to the dumpster using a cart and will record the number of bags. Handling and transporting this trash will take up most of their work time. They will gather all recycling stations at the end of market and remove contamination. They will share observations to improve the waste catchment system and to reduce recycling contamination. The Zero Waste Project plans to introduce reusable dishware and utensils to drastically reduce single use food packaging that makes up the majority of the trash. When reusable dishware is introduced, the ZWP Assistant will help wash dishes and utensils using approved methods at the market. Food scraps and napkins from reusable dishes will become compost. The ZWP Assistant will gather compost bins at the end of market. The assistant will work closely with the ZWP Coordinator as well as volunteers and other market staff. Required Qualifications: An openness to work outside in a variety of weather conditions. An ability to lift bags of trash out of bins and onto carts. A willingness to work with garbage, recycling, compost, and food scraps is essential as that is the primary part of the work. An ability and willingness to work on Saturday and Sunday. An eagerness to work efficiently when the reusable dishes are introduced - if all goes well there will be a lot of dishes and utensils as we reduce single use dishware. A weekend or two off can be taken with advanced notice. To Apply: Send your resume listing past work experience and cover letter describing your interest in the position to Judy at [email protected]. We will begin reviewing applications on 5/15 and continue reviewing applications until the position is filled. Please send in your application by 5/15/2022 for early consideration.