Salvage Specialist (Full-Time)

Job Title: SALVAGE SPECIALIST (Full-Time)

Department: Store

Reports to: Store Manager

Status: Full-time hourly, eligible for overtime

Starting pay: $19/hour + full benefits, +$1/hour bilingual English/spanish pay differential available

Schedule: 9:30AM-5:30PM, Wednesday-sunday

Are you passionate about reuse and climate justice? Do you enjoy physical work and helping people? Apply today to join our team!


compensation package:

Starting Pay Rate $19/hour, + $1/hour Bilingual English/Spanish pay differential available. Current benefits package:

  • 100% employer-paid Kaiser medical coverage for employees and 50% employer-paid coverage for spouses and dependent children (silver base plan or bronze high-deductible plan). Gold buy-up plan available at additional employee cost.

  • 100% employer-paid dental coverage for employees and 50% employer-paid coverage for spouse and dependent children, with vision benefit, through Standard Insurance.

  • Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account and Dependent Care Savings Accounts available.

  • 5 weeks paid time off and 7 paid holidays accrued annually.

  • Employer-paid Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance.

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • 401(k) Plan (pre- and post-tax options available)

  • Free RBC Education Class attendance (materials fees may apply)

  • 20% ReBuilding Center store discount


Job Summary:

The Salvage Specialist provides excellent customer service in-person, online and by phone to customers, volunteers and donors; supports store operations by moving materials, running the cash register, supervising volunteers, opening and closing, and completing materials-related projects; and supports company-wide initiatives and events. This position is ideal for someone who loves physical work, interaction with all kinds of people in a dynamic environment, and is passionate about environmental justice and reuse.


Primary Responsibilities

  • Customer Service:

    • Provide excellent customer service in-person, online and by phone to customers, volunteers, donors, members and other RBC guests.

    • Provide a safe, welcoming, and accessible space for all people.

    • Provide information, inspiration, and alternative solutions.

  • Teamwork:

    • Demonstrate positive personal relations with all, and actively employ the ability to work as part of a team with co-workers and volunteers.

    • Train fellow employees as needed.

    • Work side by side with volunteers on special projects and while carrying out day-to-day work duties.

  • Store Operations:

    • Open and close the store.

    • Run cash register and point of sale system, including processing credit card & Apple Pay payments

    • Work in all areas of the store: lumberyard, appliances, doors & windows, cabinets, plumbing, lighting, etc. to price, stock and merchandise materials.

  • Safety:

    • Complete daily store walk-through procedures.

    • Follow all safety rules and regulations, including strict adherence to COVID-19 procedures.

    • Ensure that the public is safe when materials are being loaded/unloaded and stocked, and when forklift is in use.

    • Directly contribute to a safe work environment at all times including resolving, if possible, any noticed hazards.


REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES:

  • Lift, push, pull and carry up to 75 lbs. safely throughout the workday, using ergonomically correct lifting methods.

  • Conduct repetitive movements including stacking, lifting, bending, and other related physical tasks. Work on concrete floors throughout the workday in all types of weather.

  • At least one year customer service experience working with the public and processing payments/handling cash.

  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.

  • Enjoy working with diverse circles of people from varied backgrounds and the general public.

  • Able to report to work with steel- or safety-toed shoes on the first day.

  • See opportunities where others see challenges.

  • Be self-motivated, reliable, and enthusiastic.

  • Embrace RBC’s values of Sustainability, Inclusion, Scrappiness, Fun, Compassion and Respect.


to apply:

Complete an online Salvage Specialist application or pick up a paper application at our store at 3625 N Mississippi Ave. No phone calls, please. Position open until filled. We will be interviewing on an on-going basis.


about rebuilding center

ReBuilding Center is on a mission to make reuse and repair accessible to all as a means to reduce waste, end overconsumption, and empower homeowners and renters by making better use of our existing resources. We know that the ability to perform home repairs is one of the key factors in keeping people in their homes longer, especially people living with low incomes, and with the high cost of building materials our services are needed now more than ever. Through our huge retail warehouse of affordable reclaimed building materials and our repair skills classes, we aim to normalize reuse and help people perform safe, affordable, sustainable home repairs and improvements to build economic resilience, keep stuff out of landfills, and keep people in their homes.

What’s it like to work at ReBuilding Center? For starters, you can bring your whole self to work. Our team finds joy in their work, and we make sure the people we serve find joy in their experience with us. We’re a scrappy bunch, focused on sustainability, respect for ourselves and our community, and teamwork. And we continually learn and improve our practices, policies, environment, and culture to move in the direction of becoming an actively anti-racist organization. We love this place!


ReBuilding Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we maintain a team that reflects the diversity of the  communities we serve. Over and above our commitment to non-discrimination, we seek to employ members of the  community who have experienced poverty and members of historically marginalized groups. 

Bilingual Instructor (Spanish/English)

Job Title: Instructor (PART-Time)

Starting pay: $25/hour + prorated benefits

Schedule: 20-25 hours/week, flexible schedule with some weekends & evenings

Are you bilingual in English & Spanish? Looking for an opportunity to share your carpentry, repair or DIY skills with others? Apply today to help us expand our basic carpentry, plumbing, and repair education programming to Spanish-speakers in the Portland Region!


compensation package

Starting wage $25/hour. Prorated benefits include:

  • 50% employer-paid Kaiser medical coverage for employees & 20% contribution for dependents (silver base plan or bronze high-deductible plan). Gold buy-up plan available at additional employee cost.

  • 50% employer-paid dental coverage for employees & 25% contribution for dependents, with vision benefit, through Standard Insurance.

  • Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account & Dependent Care Savings Accounts available.

  • 5 weeks PTO & 7 paid holidays accrued annually (prorated at 4 hrs/day).

  • Employer-paid Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance.

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • 401(k) Plan (pre- and post-tax options available)

  • 20% ReBuilding Center store discount


Job Summary

The Bilingual Instructor works alongside the Manager of Partnerships and Programs, the Program Coordinator, other education instructors, interns, and volunteers to facilitate safe and inspirational English- and Spanish-language classes and workshops in the ReBuilding Center Education Shop and Mobile Education Program E-Van.  Teaching shifts, including preparation of materials and cleanup, range from 4-6 hours each, depending on programming. The Bilingual Instructor will teach 1-2 classes per week, attend monthly meetings and check-ins, collaboratively prepare class materials, and ensure Education Shop cleanliness & equipment maintenance with the team. Non-teaching time will be spent responding to Spanish language student inquiries, and preparing materials for classes.


Primary Responsibilities

Instruction of Classes for Adults and Youth (80%)

  • Deliver hands-on English- and Spanish-language instruction of curriculum to adults and youth (ages 14-17) in 1-2 classes per week, each with a maximum of 14 participants.

  • Prepare materials for classes.

  • Teach our suite of classes with an evolving curriculum, including basic carpentry classes, basic plumbing essentials, and more.

  • Engage students with patience and a focus on positive learning and skill development.

  • Teach various curriculum throughout the Portland region with our off-site educational program van.

Program Support (20%)

  • Provide Spanish-language communication support to the Education Program.

  • Collaborate with other education staff and actively participate in meetings.

  • Collaborate with team members regarding practices needed for a safe and effective classroom experience.

  • Keep current on evolving shop procedures and resources.

General Expectations 

  • Convey ReBuilding Center’s values of sustainability, inclusion, scrappiness, fun, compassion, and respect.

  • Maintain safe practices and complete and maintain First Aid/CPR training.

  • Provide a welcoming educational experience with special emphasis on community members who have historically been excluded from construction environments.

  • Have a sincere desire to make a positive difference for the benefit of the community and the environment.

  • Treat all people with respect and provide a positive experience to students and the public.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish and English fluently

  • Strong verbal communication skills and public speaking capabilities

  • Minimum 1-2 years of personal or professional experience (including safe operation of related power tools and hand tools) in two or more of the following: hands-on carpentry (rough or finish), plumbing, electrical, home repair and improvement, maintenance, or handywork.

  • Experience and passion for teaching, or a comparable role engaging individuals and groups in a community-centered environment.

  • Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized populations, including women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ communities.

  • Excellent interpersonal skills with communication and resolving conflict.

  • Be self-motivated, reliable, and enthusiastic; able to respond quickly and appropriately to unexpected or changing circumstances and amenable to working as part of an evolving, growing program.

  • Enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds.

  • Lift, carry, push & pull up to 50+ lbs. periodically throughout the workday.

  • Ability to conduct repetitive movements including stacking, climbing, lifting, bending, and other related physical tasks on concrete floors periodically throughout the workday.

  • Valid driver’s license and clean 3-year driving history.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Journey-level (or comparable) experience in related trades – carpentry, plumbing, electrical, maintenance, etc.

  • Experience with used building and remodeling materials

  • First Aid/CPR certified


Timeline & How to apply

Position open until filled. We will begin interviewing in early January. Complete an online application or fill out a hard copy application at our store at 3625 N Mississippi Ave. No phone calls, please.


about rebuilding center

ReBuilding Center is on a mission to make reuse and repair accessible to all as a means to reduce waste, end overconsumption, and empower homeowners and renters by making better use of our existing resources. We know that the ability to perform home repairs is one of the key factors in keeping people in their homes longer, especially people living with low incomes, and with the high cost of building materials our services are needed now more than ever. Through our huge retail warehouse of affordable reclaimed building materials and our repair skills classes, we aim to normalize reuse and help people perform safe, affordable, sustainable home repairs and improvements to build economic resilience, keep stuff out of landfills, and keep people in their homes.

 

What’s it like to work at ReBuilding Center? For starters, you can bring your whole self to work. Our team finds joy in their work, and we make sure the people we serve find joy in their experience with us. We’re a scrappy bunch, focused on sustainability, respect for ourselves and our community, and teamwork. And we continually learn and improve our practices, policies, environment, and culture to move in the direction of becoming an actively anti-racist organization. We love this place!


ReBuilding Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we maintain a team that reflects the diversity of the  communities we serve. Over and above our commitment to non-discrimination, we seek to employ members of the  community who have experienced poverty and members of historically marginalized groups. 

ReBuilding Center Board of Directors

ReBuilding Center is seeking individuals interested in joining our Board of Directors!

The mission of the ReBuilding Center is to build community resilience by ensuring access to affordable reclaimed home improvement materials, reuse education, and repair skills so people can be self-sufficient and reduce waste.

Our organization has been supporting and promoting reuse and repair since 1997. We have a current budget of $1.6M, a staff of 25, a 35,000+ sq. ft. retail warehouse full of reclaimed building materials and household goods, an education department teaching repair and building skills, and a strong commitment to racial equity. We envision a world in which reuse and repair are widely acknowledged as key movers toward climate justice, racial justice, and affordable housing.

We are looking to fill one vacancy on our Board of Directors with a new member who is committed to climate justice and affordable housing, for a term of service as Board Treasurer through December 2025. We are seeking candidates for this leadership role who have experience in the following area:

STRATEGIC FINANCE

  • CFO or Director of Finance strongly preferred

  • Experience with nonprofit finance preferred but not required

  • Provides guidance of organizational financial strategy 

  • Meets monthly with our Bookkeeper

  • Chairs the Finance Committee and serves as Treasurer of the Board of Directors

  • Estimated time commitment: 5 hours per month

EXPECTATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS

  • Know and understand the mission, policies, programs, and needs of the ReBuilding Center

  • Be responsive and accessible

  • Monitor the organization’s financial position

  • Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization, identifying and assisting in securing financial resources and partnerships to advance the ReBuilding Center’s mission

  • Give a meaningful personal financial donation

  • Participate fully in one or more committees

Candidates from communities most impacted by climate injustice are encouraged to apply.

To apply, complete and return the ReBuilding Center Board of Directors online application.

ReBuilding Center Employee Benefits

ReBuilding Center Employee Benefits Summary for Applicants 2022

Regular Full-Time and regular Part-Time employees working 20+ hours per week are eligible for all benefits. Part-Time employees working between 20-35 hours per week receive pro-rated benefits based on the number of hours per week (example: 20 hours/week = 50% benefit, 30 hours/week = 75% benefit). Part-time employees working fewer than 20 hours/week are eligible for EAP, pro-rated time off, and 401(k) benefits. 

The following description is based on full-time status.


Time Off:

  • 7 paid holidays/year (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas)

  • Accrue up to 3 weeks paid vacation/year (120 hours)

  • Accrue up to 2 weeks sick leave/year (80 hours) 

Medical: 

  • Kaiser Permanente

  • RBC pays 100% of employee premiums and 50% of dependent premiums for Silver-level plans

  • Gold buy-up option available at employee cost (about $80/month for employee-only coverage) 

  • High-deductible with up to $1,200/year health savings account option available 

Dental & Vision:

  • Standard Insurance

  • RBC pays 100% of employee premiums and 50% of dependent premiums

Life:

  • Standard Insurance

  • $25,000 life insurance policy at no cost to employees

Short-Term Disability:

  • Standard Insurance

  • 2/3 wage replacement insurance for up to 90 days (pre-existing condition exclusions apply)

  • No cost to employees

Voluntary Life, Accident, & Critical Condition:

  • Colonial Life

  • Coverage available for employees & dependents

  • 100% employee-paid

Employee Assistance Program:

  • Standard Insurance

  • Up to 3 visits/year per occurrence for employee and dependents

  • No cost to employees

401(k):

  • Ascensus & CSNW Benefits

  • 100% of plan fees paid by RBC

  • Individualized retirement plan advice



ReBuilding Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we maintain a team that reflects the diversity of the  communities we serve. Over and above our commitment to non-discrimination, we seek to employ members of the  community who have experienced poverty and members of historically marginalized groups. 

© All Rights Reserved | Tax ID # 93-1241474