Program Coordinator – Food Waste Prevention

100 Red Rock Road, Newport, MN 55055

Annual Salary Range: $74,187.63 – $110,184.78

Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy (R&E) is searching for a Program Coordinator to facilitate food waste prevention programming.

R&E is a joint powers entity formed by Ramsey and Washington Counties. R&E coordinates recycling and waste programs between the two counties and owns and operates the R&E Center in Newport, Minnesota. R&E’s vision is vibrant, healthy communities without waste. R&E accomplishes its mission through partnerships and innovation.

This position reports to an R&E Program Supervisor and is responsible for coordinating and supporting food waste prevention activities, including comprehensive technical assistance and grant programs aimed at helping reduce food waste in business and non-profit settings.

This is professional work including, but not limited to, the following duties:

• • Collaborate with staff from Ramsey County, Washington County, and R&E to coordinate the development, implementation, promotion, and evaluation of joint activities programs, including but not limited to, programs focused on:
    • Donation of surplus food, including surplus local produce, to food shelves and other service delivery organizations
    • Food waste reduction within the commercial sector (including businesses, organizations, and multi-unit residential properties)
    • Food waste prevention and reduction communication and education for residents, businesses, institutions and non-profit organizations
  • Coordinate a team of staff from R&E and County, external partners and vendors, to:
    • Develop and project manage annual workplans.
    • Establish and improve program guidelines, materials, and processes that ensure accessible and inclusive public participation and program outcomes.
    • Develop and implement clear communication and outreach strategies to promote programs, resources and meet annual performance goals
    • Design and apply performance measurement tools to monitor and ensure program effectiveness and community impact
    • Identify and develop community relationships and partnerships that will advance program goals.
  • Manage a grant portfolio aimed at reducing food waste and increasing diversion rates in commercial, institutional and non-profit sectors, including:
    • Oversee the grant application process and ensure equitable access to funding opportunities.
    • Review and evaluate grant proposals for alignment with program priorities, coordinate with review panels as needed.
    • Make funding award recommendations based on program criteria, available budget, and project impact.
    • Maintain accurate records and databases of grant applications, awards, and reporting requirements; ensure proper documentation for audits and public transparency.
  • Maintain comprehensive risk management oversight to ensure the responsible use and distribution of public funds.
  • Coordinate procurement of contracted vendors; manage vendors, including day-to-day oversight and guidance, monitor performance, and resolve issues to improve project outcomes.
  • Conduct research, collect and manage data, and evaluate findings to make informed program decisions.
  • Prepare reports, charts, and presentations; support special projects through research and analysis.
  • Assist in budget preparation by gathering data, compiling estimates and helping administer budget controls. Process budget-related documents and maintain accurate financial records.
  • Assist in organizing and coordinating events; help develop presentations for various meetings.
  • Collaborate with staff from R&E and both counties to identify opportunities to advance progress on R&E’s goals, mission, and vision.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor degree in an environmental field, public health, public administration, project management, communications, behavioral sciences, business administration, or a closely related area of study.

Experience: Four (4) years of work experience in program coordination, project management, public sector service delivery, public health, communications or other closely related work experience. Preference given for above work experience in solid waste management and environmental fields.

 Substitution: A Master’s degree in any of the above areas of study and two (2) years of the required work experience above. An Associate’s degree in any of the above areas of study and six (6) years of the required work experience above.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School diploma, GED or equivalent

Experience: An equivalent combination of education and experience listed above to total eight (8) or more years. For example, eight (8) years of the relevant work experience above is required for an applicant with no degree.

Licensure: A valid Class D driver’s license is required.

JOB DESCRIPTION

A detailed job description can be found here: Program Coordinator – Food Waste Prevention

BENEFITS

This position is a benefits eligible position. A summary of benefits available to R&E non-union employees can be found here: Non-Represented Summary of Benefits 

POSTING TIMEFRAME

Position open until filled. Applicants should respond promptly as the initial review of applications and supplemental questions will occur on June 23, 2025.

TO APPLY

All steps must be completed for an application to be considered.

1. Complete the job application
2. Thoroughly answer all Supplemental Questions Program Coordinator
3. Send completed job application and supplemental questions to Human Resources by emailing HR@recyclingandenergy.org. You may also print, complete the application and supplemental questions, and deliver to the R&E Center at 100 Red Rock Rd, Newport, MN 55055

• Note: The job description and supplemental questions are both fillable-PDFs. Learn how to use fillable PDFs. You may also print the application and supplemental questions and complete them.

Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy provides equal access to employment, programs and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, public assistance or national origin.