Hiring: Career Coach

Posting Date: 2/23/26

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled.

Type of Employment: Full time, Hourly, non-exempt.

Location: Main office is currently located in NE Portland, OR; work opportunities may take place throughout East Multnomah County. This position requires on-site presence approximately 85% of the time. After a successful six-month onboarding period, a hybrid schedule may be considered based on performance and organizational needs.

Pay Rate: Starting $26/hr based on experience.

Benefits: Health insurance (eligibility for benefits begins after 60 days of employment), 401k employer matching (beginning after one year of continuous employment), access to Employee Assistance Program, two weeks paid vacation and paid holidays (13 total) including Juneteenth and Indigenous People’s Day.

Desired Start Date: Immediately.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to mara@trashforpeace.org. Include “Career Coach Position” in the subject line of your email. Applications that do not include both a resume and a cover letter will not be considered.

About Trash for Peace:

The mission of Trash for Peace (TfP) is to provide hands-on, creative experiences to encourage resilient communities. Its vision is empowered, healthy communities living in a world without waste. Since 2012, Trash for Peace (TfP) has been working to collaboratively create a more equitable and effective waste and recycling system in the Portland Metro region. To ensure a more sustainable waste system for all TfP provides the following programs:

● Environmental Promoters Program: Provides education, training, and leadership opportunities to help residents improve waste and recycling systems in their communities.

● Reuse Program: Develops new recycle and waste management systems to address waste inequity.

● Multifamily Outreach Program: Supports Multi-Family dwellings to advance their waste and recycling systems with housing providers.

● Youth Sustainability Education Program: Provide after-school programming focused on learning about community nature, recycling, and waste prevention through hands on-activities.

● Workforce Development Program: Connects eligible community members, including unemployed and employed individuals seeking career advancement with access to green workforce opportunities.

Trash for Peace has grown by welcoming community members into our team, people who have personally experienced the impact of our programs and who are passionate about contributing to the same causes. Their lived experiences, commitment, and creativity continue to shape and strengthen our mission every day.

Position Summary:

Two of TFP’s five programs share a common goal: to expand awareness among communities about how to take care of the environment, while empowering residents to take actions that benefit their families and strengthen their communities. Our Workforce Development Program, which houses this position, builds on that mission by connecting community members to opportunities in the growing green jobs sector, helping them turn knowledge into meaningful action for both personal and environmental well-being.

Our next Career Coach will be a trusted guide and advocate for individuals seeking stable, meaningful employment, particularly those facing systemic, language, and economic barriers. Grounded in environmental justice and the principles of the circular economy, this role supports participants in recognizing their strengths, exploring career pathways, and pursuing opportunities that contribute to both personal stability and community sustainability. The next coach will provide culturally responsive, one-on-one mentorship that builds confidence, skills, and long-term vision and reports to the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):

1. Career Coaching

○ Work directly with participants interested in pathways to careers in local green industries which will support quality, family-wage jobs.

○ Supports participants with career mapping and planning, resume and interview preparation, access to training and resources, and overcoming barriers such as digital literacy, transportation, and housing.

○ Seek feedback from participants to ensure programming is reflective of community interests and needs.

2. Networking & Outreach

○ Collaborate with TFP staff to create outreach materials and recruit participants.

○ Outreach to local businesses and organizations that may be interested in hiring participants.

○ Develop relationships with these employers to understand their needs and best prepare participants for successful job attainment and retention.

3. Program Administration

○ Collect and enter data related to projects in Google Workspace (and will be trained in iTrac and iMatchSkills).

○ Participate in Worksystems training.

○ Record program expenses.

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies

● A minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated experience in career development, mentorship, and/or leadership.

● A minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated experience in Community Development, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice.

● A minimum of one (1) year of demonstrated experience working with youth and adults from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

● A minimum of one (1) year of demonstrated experience leading activities, workshops, or presentations with youth and adults.

● Capable of assisting with curriculum implementation, individualized education planning, and progress monitoring to support long-term career development.

● Proficiency with Google Workspace: Docs, Sheets, Microsoft Office, Adobe documents, Zoom, Canva.

● Flexibility, a sense of humor, and willingness to work with a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic team.

● Possession of a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and an acceptable driving record.

● Strong organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies

● Proficiency in a second language besides English; Spanish is highly preferred.

● Cultural responsiveness.

● Trauma-informed approach.

● Equity-centered decision-making.

● Relationship-building in diverse communities.

Additional Requirements:

● This position typically follows a standard Monday–Friday schedule; however, occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet the participants where they are.

● Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of up to 25 pounds.

--------------------------Equal Employment Opportunity Statement--------------------------------------

Trash for Peace is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political belief, disability or any other legally protected status. We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Trash for Peace will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the application, interview, and hiring process. Alternative formats of this application are available upon request. TfP is an Equal‐Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer committed to a diverse workforce. We strive to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values diversity. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, even if they don't meet every requirement. If you're unsure whether you meet the qualifications, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

Alternative formats of this application are available upon request.

20260223 Career Coach Position at Trash for Peace.pdf

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