Planner / Recycling Coordinator (Sustainability)

Department: Planning Administrative | Union: 46 | FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt

Position Summary

Possesses sustainability planning background and experience. Prepares written and graphic reports, reviews, projects, and GIS applications. Conducts and prepares environmental reviews relating to subdivision and land development, and community planning. Responsible for coordinating and meeting all the county requirements for recycling and solid waste activities, as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; arrange for and conduct household hazardous waste and electronics collection events (as applicable) for Bucks County residents; expand recycling and collection events as directed by the County of Bucks.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Reports to the Deputy Director and the Executive Director as applicable.
• Prepares or assists in the production of environmental planning, sustainability, hazard mitigation or watershed‑based plans and studies.
• Prepares or assists planners with ordinances specific to the protection and preservation of environmental resources.
• Prepares plans, tools, data, and other initiatives supporting environmental and sustainability planning.
• Prepares documents on environmental resource topics for distribution to local officials and the general public.
• Prepares or assists in the production of GIS maps and GIS‑related projects.
• Assists planners with state‑mandated sewage facilities planning module reviews.
• Prepares environmental components of municipal and/or multi‑municipal comprehensive plans.
• Participates in regional environmental and watershed group committees.
• Provides public education, reporting and outreach for recycling; serves as County Recycling Coordinator per DEP requirements.
• Prepares and maintains required recordkeeping of municipal and county recycling activities.
• Coordinates DEP grant applications and reports.
• Develops and implements the Bucks County component of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program and serves as the county’s representative to the regional HHW committee.
• Manages and administers the Bucks County E‑Waste Collection Reimbursement Grant Program (BCERG) as directed by the commissioners.
• Represents the county commissioners at municipal and special‑interest group meetings to advocate recycling programs.
• Assists in the development of recycling programs at educational institutions.
• Provides public information on recycling sites via web‑based and printed media.
• Assists municipalities during start‑up and maintenance of recycling programs and with DEP grant applications and reports.
• Encourages and supports collection and processing systems for additional recyclables not currently accepted by haulers or facilities.
• Continues efforts in developing and reporting commercial and multifamily recycling.
• Supports development of municipal compost and yard‑waste collection programs where feasible.
• Assists various entities with further development of programs to recycle additional components of the municipal solid waste stream.
• Participates, as appropriate, in contract negotiations for collection, transportation, processing and marketing of recyclable materials generated or processed in Bucks County.
• Provides staff assistance to the County of Bucks Solid Waste Advisory Board.
• Facilitates and manages activities and meetings of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC).
• Develops, maintains, reviews, and updates the Bucks County Solid Waste Management Plan in accordance with DEP requirements.
• Maintains knowledge of and communication with operators of solid waste management facilities in Bucks County.
• Reviews and prepares comments for subdivision and land‑development proposals as applicable.
• Prepares graphic products including detailed sketches, maps, 3‑D photo simulations and site plans as required.
• Attends public meetings, presents information to the public and assists the public as required.
• Attends meetings with staff, municipal officials and other agencies as required.
• Serves as a liaison between the planning commission and municipal officials.
• Coordinates and collaborates with other staff members in a team approach for projects.
• Assists with identification and coordination of grant applications as required.
• Coordinates with local, regional, state, and federal agencies to address environmental planning issues as necessary.
• Performs similar or related duties as assigned by the Executive Director or other directors within the department.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.