Brief Job Description:

The Boston Public Works Department is seeking a  fellow with a passion for urban problem solving and interest in large-scale municipal operations in the context of waste reduction operations. The Waste Reduction Operations fellow would be responsible for researching national best practice models on trash and recycling contracts for both collection and disposal while also getting an understanding of the local marketplace. This person would be able to analyze, compare and present innovative ideas, and engage with staff to assess feasibility and pathways to implementation. This person will gain a practical opportunity to shape the waste reduction practices of a major city, develop and apply public administration skills across an array of disciplines, and build domain expertise through hands-on work with a forward-thinking municipal partner

The project is broken into two phases as outlined below. It would be advantageous to run both these phases simultaneously to have the most informed bid package for a 2023-2024 implementation.

Phase 1- Best Practice Trash and Recycling Contracts 

Short Scope of Work (Timeline: 12 months) 

• Researching national best practice models and standards on trash and recycling contracts for both collection and disposal. 
• Review contracts from similar Urban settings to Boston in terms of population, geography and socioeconomic factors. 
• Compiling all data sets in a usable and comparable format to analyze and to determine National Best practices
• Meet with Waste Reduction frequently to identify key data points and focus of research 

Sample of Important data sets: 

• Truck counts per square mile (mins/mx) 
• Customer/client service metrics 
• Types of equipment/trucks utilized 
• Travel times including hauling to dump sites 
• Start and finish times for trash collection 
• Policies on servicing of municipal agencies and big buildings 
• Handling of missed trash/recycle cases (311 complaints) 
• Number of contracts/contractors used by municipalities to handle collection/disposal
• Standard staffing requirements of collection contractors 
• Violations or contract provisions that hold contractors responsible for terms of contract
• Outcomes of a single contractor model v multiple contractor model 
• Contractual language on metrics including customer service SLAs 
• Total # of recycling stream collected curbside
• Ordinances that pertain to Waste Reduction in urban settings (big buildings, etc) 

Desired outcome: Present outcomes of all findings to City of Boston Waste Reduction team. Draft best practice trash and recycle bid documents for both collection and disposal services that result in a greener, cleaner, safer and energy efficient city. This work is in anticipation of a major rebidding of City waste contracts in 2023-2024. 

Phase 2- Innovation in Trash and Recycling 

Short Scope of Work (Timeline: 12 months) 

•       Researching global best practice models and standards on trash and recycling innovation and technology 
•       Focus research on innovative solutions for trash and recycle ideas that result in a more efficient, cleaner, safer and energy efficient city. 
•       Meet with Waste Reduction frequently to identify key data points and focus of research
•       Compiling all information in a presentable and usable format to determine areas and initiatives that Boston can pursue through Requests for Information 

Key Focus Points: 

• Cleaner, energy efficient solutions 
• Climate resilient solutions 
•       Successful solutions in Urban settings with vast geographical challenges (streets, weather, population density, etc) 

Performs related work as required.

• At least three (3) years of work experience
• Experience managing projects in a complex stakeholder environment with tight deadlines.
• Candidates should be strong relationship builders, comfortable with risk, and passionate about solving hard civic challenges with creative, original solutions.
• We look for people with a track record of execution of complex multi-stakeholder projects. We want team members who are comfortable both working alone and in a highly collaborative office. 
• We look for people who have an innate ability to construct strong relationships with community partners and represent the City of Boston. 
• We seek individuals with subject matter expertise in areas such as design, public policy, storytelling, social justice, urban planning, or community engagement, as well as specific content knowledge and broad curiosity about cities. Ideal candidates will have experience being able to blend those subject matters. 
• Ideal candidates should be “self-starters” and comfortable with charting their own course in complex and seemingly hierarchical organizations. Experience working within local government is appreciated, but not essential. 
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, spreadsheets, and have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with design or video software packages (Adobe, Final Cut, Motion, etc.) is preferred but not required. 
• Additional language proficiency in one of the City of Boston’s  top ten commonly requested language accommodations is preferred
• A diverse set of work experience in this field is preferred, appropriate educational substitutions may be made, such as a Master’s degree in urban planning, public policy, design, or a related field. 
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

Boston Residency Required.

Terms: 
Union/SalaryPlan/Grade:
$69,311.86- $72,814.01 (fellowship)

Hours per week: 35