Program Analyst - Maryland

Circular Action Alliance

8h•Remote

About The Position

Reporting to the Maryland State Program Manager, the Maryland Program Analyst will be responsible for conducting analysis of Maryland’s EPR program obligations and waste management systems to support the development of Maryland’s EPR program plan, which is due to Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in summer 2028. This role is part of the Policy and Regulatory Compliance pillar within CAA's National Program Planning and Operations team. The Maryland Program Analyst will contribute policy, analytical, and operational expertise to track and assess baseline conditions in Maryland, and to inform opportunities to improve waste management system access, capacities, and investment. A needs assessment for paper and packaging EPR was conducted by MDE in 2024. Initially, this position will be tasked to review and vet baseline data and to analyze supplemental data collected to update and deepen CAA’s understanding of Maryland’s packaging and waste management systems for program planning. Over time this position will support the annual reporting requirements and iterative analysis needed to inform ongoing improvements to Maryland’s EPR program operations This role requires a blend of technical data analysis, regulatory insight, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure Maryland’s EPR program is data-driven, equitable, and effective.

Requirements

Experience with solid waste management data in Maryland, including waste characterization, existing reporting mechanisms and requirements, recycling, composting, reuse/refill operations and facilities.
Knowledge of packaging material flows, recycling markets, and commodity pricing dynamics.
Familiarity with environmental justice mapping tools (e.g., EPA EJScreen) and their application in waste infrastructure planning.
Understanding of circular economy principles, packaging design for recyclability, and end-of-life material management.
Familiarity with national waste and recycling data systems (e.g., EPA reporting, MMBC/Recycle BC systems) and how they relate to state programs.
Experience with Maryland state and local regulators
Knowledge of Maryland packaging and waste management statutes, regulations and ordinances.
Ability to quickly learn about policy, the project or program being developed.
Familiarity with data validation, governance, and integration of best practices.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and identify actionable insights.
Ability to translate raw data into summaries, dashboards and reports for executives and regulators.
Ability to synthesize and visualize data through tools like Power BI .
Ability to work internally and with a broad range of interested parties to establish structure and standards for data and information management.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, able to effectively collaborate with interest holders inside and outside the organization.
Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy, preciseness, and compliance.
Excellent time management and organizational skills, including working with remote employees across varied geographies and time zones.
Ability to work in a dynamic environment at a rapid pace with flexibility.
Bachelor’s degree in related field, which may include Sustainability, Environmental Management, Data Analytics, Public Policy, Environmental Law, Environmental Science, Data Science, Urban Planning, or Engineering.
3+ years of experience with solid waste management data analysis including in Maryland.
3+ years of experience with data analysis, data visualization and system mapping.
Experience working with environmental agencies (e.g., EPA, MDE) on reporting, permitting, or program development.
Background in waste characterization studies, recycling facility operations, or municipal solid waste planning.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Certifications in data analytics, project management (PMP), or environmental auditing are a plus.

Responsibilities

Gather, validate and analyze data about Maryland’s waste management system including existing reporting on waste management by Maryland jurisdictions.
Maintain a Maryland system mapping of current EPR-relevant waste management infrastructure, policies, access to recycling, composting and reuse/refill programs, and planned changes to that system.
Review and contribute input to program plans, guidance, and annual reporting, and feedback on proposed regulations for Maryland’s EPR program.
Prepare briefs, white papers, or presentations to inform internal and external stakeholders.
Contribute analysis for compliance risk assessment and performance target tracking for Maryland’s EPR program.
Contribute Maryland-specific analyses to the work of Data and Analytics and Material Services teams as the operational strategies for Maryland’s program are developed.
Contribute to the development of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics for program success.
Monitor and report on progress toward Maryland’s waste diversion and recycling targets.
Support the data and system optimization team as needed in developing protocols for future studies that may be required for Maryland’s program implementation and assessment.
Develop and maintain data quality standards and documentation for Maryland-specific datasets.
Support the design and implementation of data collection frameworks for ongoing program monitoring.
May be asked to represent CAA in external meetings as assigned and manage certain interest holder relations.
Performs other related duties as assigned.