Zero Waste Blog

Job Opening: Reuse Coordinator

Duration: Temporary
Closing Date: Until filled
Job Level: Assistant
Wage: Hourly. Wage is negotiable and dependent on experience.
Intended job posting: audience Anyone who can legally work in Canada can apply for this job. If you are not currently authorized to work in Canada, the employer will not consider your job application.

Summary:

Raven Recycling Society is Yukon’s primary recycling facility and hosts Zero Waste Yukon, which advocates for and activates a strong circular, local economy.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Raven Recycling saw a steep increase in disposable takeout containers coming through our facility. The material is often contaminated with food waste and, therefore, not recyclable. Much of it is sent to landfill at a cost to Raven. Additionally, businesses are being forced to transition to using ‘compostable’ takeout containers, which do not actually compost in any facility in Canada, including the City of Whitehorse’s compost facility, and so are ending up in landfill, at a cost to taxpayers. Compostable containers cost considerably more than their non-compostable alternatives, and the costs are either handed down to the customer, making it harder and harder for consumers to support local food businesses, or are eaten by local food businesses, making it harder and harder for them to stay afloat.

Our objective is to reduce the impacts of extractive industries on our environment by reducing consumption and disposal of plastics. This projects aims to displace unmanageable and irresponsibly manufactured goods with longer lasting, reusable ones, and to reduce the amount of plastic, in particular, ending up in landfills or being transported out of the territory.

This is a temporary, full time position for a youth or student, age 16-25, or another candidate whose knowledge and skills will contribute to the successful launch of this project. The position will be active from May 1st to August 30th, 2023, with the possibility of an extension.

The hourly wage is negotiable and dependent on experience.

Applications from equity groups are encouraged.

Duties & Responsibilities
The Reuse Coordinator will primarily be tasked with conducting a feasibility study for a reusable takeout container business, and assisting the Operations Manager in developing a pilot project in collaboration with local food businesses.

Other tasks will include assisting the Zero Waste Yukon Coordinator with event planning and assistance with running Raven’s Reuseful, a store that aims to repurpose textiles and household items within the community.

Working Conditions
The majority of the work is performed under normal office conditions with site visits to local restaurants, food vendors and commercial kitchens.

Knowledge & Skills:
Experience conducting feasibility studies.
3rd or 4th year business degree student with a focus on marketing, economics, entrepreneurship or sustainability, or equivalent would be ideal.
Experience with research and data analysis for business.
Experience within the food industry an asset.
Knowledge of recycling and zero waste principles and demonstrated personal commitment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential.

Additional Application Instructions
We encourage interested applicants to come by our facility at 100 Galena Rd. to meet our team and have a tour of the facility.