Community Relations Specialist

Join us in creating a sustainable future and becoming a protector of tomorrow!

Overview

At Covanta, the work we do is more than just a job. It's a commitment to environmental problem-solving and sustainable progress. We do all that we can to safeguard the future of our people, our planet and our shared prosperity. We are a world leader in providing sustainable waste and energy solutions.

Our modern Waste-to-Energy and material processing facilities provide municipalities and businesses sustainable alternatives to landfill disposal that help build a circular economy and use waste to generate clean, renewable electricity. Building a safer, smarter world is no simple task, but it is something we can achieve together. Join us in protecting tomorrow.

Summary

The Community Relations Specialist will work with Covanta's Asset Management, Operations, Community Outreach, and Communications groups to plan, develop, and implement community relations campaigns, marketing efforts, and related events that support Covanta's outreach mission and environmental justice policy.

Community Outreach Plans and resultant activities are a facility-based effort designed to represent Covanta and make positive contributions to the community in accordance with the company Community Outreach Planning initiatives and Community and Environmental Justice polices. Programs will engage and support the community as well as encourage employee interactions with the local community stakeholders. The Community Relations Specialist will develop relationships with key stakeholders including residents, community leaders, elected officials, business leaders and media representatives and be expected to communicate Covanta's benefits to the community and to promote waste to energy as a preferred technology-based solution for waste treatment. The Specialist will support marketing initiatives and help develop positive company programs using social media. This position will report to the Manger, Corporate Relations.

Key Duties/Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with members of the community, organizations, and elected officials
• Develop, implement, track and report on Community Outreach Plans and activities
• Plan, develop, implement, and organize events and volunteers to advance the mission and goals of the company
• Organizes multi-jurisdictional community outreach programs and coordinates special events that will engage the community and support Covanta's efforts to promote sustainable waste management
• Uses social media to coordinate community relations
• Draft and distribute various content pieces to support the company's mission
• Select positive publicity materials and distribute them through a variety of both external and internal channels
• Respond to inquiries from community members and other interested parties when needed
• Plan, coordinate, and execute special events
• Work with other departments including but not limited to Operations, Environment Health & Safety, Asset Management, Community Outreach, Communications and Government Relations
• Develop and maintain community outreach budget to support the community outreach plan
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both small groups or larger public gatherings
• An ability to present and translate science into easily understandable forms
• Ability to work independently and manage an effective work schedule
• Excellent persuasion skills and a strong sense of self
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage sensitive or controversial subjects with tact, kindness, and professionalism
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team
• Flexible schedule since many events may occur on the weekend or after normal business hours

Education and Experience

• Ideally, three (3) years of work in community outreach OR at five (5) years of work in the private or public sector where there has been a focus on public sector engagement. Candidates will lesser experience will be considered
• Community or school volunteer experience preferred
• Prefer a bachelor's degree in environmental science, related science, political science, communications, or related field
• Involved in the communities that Covanta serves

Covanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

EOE AA M/F/Protected Veteran Status/Disability EEO is the Law Poster (The poster can be found at https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf). Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contactingus at careers@covanta.com.