JOB POSTING
SEIU Local 49 – Property Service External Organizer

Summary:  The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 49 is seeking smart, motivated individuals who have a passion for helping low wage workers fight for better working conditions, dignity on the job, and improvements in healthcare for all working families. Property Service workers are janitors, security officers, maintenance and custodial workers, stadium and arena workers, and window cleaners.  For two decades, SEIU's Justice for Janitors movement has helped low-wage workers achieve social and economic justice and earn broad-based support from the public as well as religious, political and community leaders. Come be part of this exciting campaign!

This is a short term, limited duration position (4 months), with possibility of 6 months

Job Description:  SEIU Local 49 is a 7,000 member local union based in Portland, Oregon.  The Local represents and organizes health care workers and janitors throughout Oregon and southwest Washington and throughout the U.S.  We are committed to helping workers fight for social and economic justice on the job and in the community.

Some specific duties shall include:

• Identify, recruit, and develop worksite leaders in their jobs and communities;
• Develop and implement effective organizing plans;
• Motivate and inspire workers to build their union in the face of heavy—and often illegal—employer opposition;
• Using house visits, leafleting, and phone calls to identify workers interested in forming a union;
• Working long and irregular hours, often including nights and weekends;
• Actively participate in other union activities, including political organizing and solidarity actions.

Qualifications:

• Dedication to improving the quality of life for working people and desire to do the hard, but rewarding, work to accomplish this;
• Excellent interpersonal & communication skills, including the ability to successfully relate to persons from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures;
• Enthusiasm and energy for working with worker leaders to develop their confidence, hope, and skills as worksite leaders;
• Ability to solve problems creatively and think on your feet;
• Must have strong judgment and strategic sense;
• Must be able to perform successfully in both independent and team settings;
• Must be able to succeed in an environment of accountability in meeting the goals of the campaign;
• Must be willing to participate in a strong program of staff development that fosters and challenges you to develop your skills, experience, and leadership.

Requirements:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and automobile for business use
• Ability to work long and irregular hours, often including nights and weekends
• Computer literacy
• Organizing experience a plus
• Must be willing to travel regionally and nationally for extended periods of time
• Bi lingual: Spanish/English required

Compensation:
Salary range from $38,097 to $61,120 depending on experience plus a car allowance, fully paid family healthcare, vacation and sick leave, retirement plans and other benefits.

If this interests you, email or fax résumé by September 28, 2009 to:

Maggie Long
SEIU, Local 49
Maggiel@seiu49.org
fax # 503-238-8653                          

     Bi-lingual applicants encouraged to apply

SEIU is an equal opportunity Employer

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information online at UNIONJOBS.COM. Do not just say the Internet.