RID Patrol crews do more than just clean up dumped garbage on public property—they also work to protect and beautify the place we call home. From identifying multiple hazards present in reported waste piles to navigating the challenges of working in the outdoors, RID Patrol crews aim to return public areas back to their natural beauty.
RID Patrol responds to over 10,000 clean up requests annually. With each cleaned up site, a deeper transformation occurs in our community. The workforce transition program is a paid, full-time, three-year employment opportunity for individuals entering the workforce after incarceration or who experience other systemic barriers to sustainable employment. The program prioritizes personal development, safety training, soft-skill progression, career advancement and individualized career support, including education attainment and record expungement. Workforce transition participants help build a resilient and effective RID Patrol team.
RID Patrol crews complete each workday knowing that they've positively impacted their environment. Crews connect with people and places across our region daily, from offering trash service to our most vulnerable community members to cleaning up Sullivan’s Gulch, each day’s work builds pride in the community and themselves.
Developing greater Portland’s future solid waste workforce
RID Patrol’s workforce transition program is helping shape the future of the local solid waste industry. Economic landscapes evolve rapidly, and RID Patrol works directly with employers to align program training to industry needs. Soft skills such as time management and problem-solving align with in-demand industry credentials like the HAZWOPER 40. Program efforts train toward credentials, essential skills and participant interests. This inclusive and collaborative approach ensures a relevant program, positively impacting the program participants’ earning potential. In years two and three of the workforce transition program, Metro facilitates introductions between employers and program participants to align interests and develop relationships.
RID Patrol’s workforce transition program aligns with the 2030 Regional Waste Plan and contributes to the plan’s goals to repair past harms and the disproportionate impacts caused by the regional solid waste system. If you are a government, community-based organization or private company employer interested in learning more, contact the program planning and engagement specialist SB Collins.