The Clark County Council is seeking applicants for a volunteer position on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission. The position represents southwest Clark County.

Applicants must be Clark County residents who live south of 179th Street and west of State Highway 503, or the extension thereof. The three-year term begins July 1 and ends June 30, 2025.

Advisory commission meetings are held quarterly at 6 pm on the first Thursday of the months of February, May, August and November. Meetings will be held in a hybrid format, unless otherwise noted.

The commission advises the county council and staff on solid waste issues and planning for recycling, garbage collection, landfills, transfer stations and waste-reduction programs. Currently, county staff in coordination with the advisory commission are working to update the Clark County Solid Waste Management Plan, which will be submitted for approval by the county council and the Washington State Department of Ecology.

The 20-year plan was due for an update in 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The advisory commission plays a crucial role in providing feedback to staff during the update process and will have an impact on the solid waste system for the next 20 years.

Residents with a passion for waste reduction, education and outreach experience, or experience with multifamily housing are encouraged to apply. As Clark County is a growing and diverse community with many languages and backgrounds, the county is also looking for people who can bring ethnic, cultural, social, and geographic diversity to the group. The commission is committed to inclusiveness and outreach to all Clark County residents to ensure the Solid Waste Advisory Commission reflects the community we serve.

Candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities with diverse racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds are also encouraged to apply.

Interested applicants should submit a brief letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or by email at michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.

The letter of interest should include:

• How you can represent the interests of southwest Clark County on the commission
• Your personal or professional experience
• Your vision for the future of solid waste management in Clark County

Application deadline is 5 pm Tuesday, May 31.

Visit the Solid Waste Advisory Commission website for more information or email SWAC@clark.wa.gov.