Recycling Program Specialist III

City of Oakland•Oakland, CA

About The Position

The City of Oakland is hiring two Recycling Program Specialist IIIs in the Environmental Services Division of Oakland Public Works. The role directs, plans, and implements solid waste, recycling, composting, and blight-reduction programs serving residences, businesses, City offices, and facilities. The Specialist oversees program personnel and operations, develops policies and outreach, administers contracts and franchise agreements, pursues grants, and supports environmental enforcement. The position works with City departments, outside agencies, community-based organizations, advisory bodies, and the public to advance recycling, waste prevention, and illegal-dumping reduction. The ideal candidate is a self-driven team leader, critical thinker, and effective communicator who can manage multiple assignments, deliver results, and build relationships across varied audiences. The position involves navigating complex regulations and City processes, balancing priorities and limited resources, and coordinating program implementation. This is a public-contact role; some positions may require Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin proficiency, with a language test for candidates selected for hire when bilingual skills are required. The City describes the position as offering work on a wide range of recycling, waste-reduction, and environmental-enforcement programs, with a direct impact on Oakland’s cleanliness, safety, and health. The employee will collaborate with professionals in related environmental disciplines. Employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and must complete assigned training and return to work as ordered during emergencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a major in environmental science or studies, waste management, public or business administration, or a related field; a different degree or related experience may be considered as a substitution.
Four years of progressively responsible experience planning, organizing, developing, and implementing recycling and waste-management programs and/or environmental-related programs and projects.
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to the stated minimum qualifications may be acceptable.
Must meet the applicable minimum qualifications and pass all stages of the recruitment process.
Candidates selected for positions requiring bilingual skills must pass a language proficiency test.

Nice To Haves

Previous lead or supervisory experience is highly desirable.
Bilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin may be required for some positions; bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Oversee personnel and operations for recycling and environmental enforcement programs.
Assess, recommend, develop, and implement solid waste reduction, recycling, illegal-dumping enforcement, and reduction programs and policies.
Support procurement and administration of Oakland’s franchise agreements for solid waste collection, recycling, composting, and construction and demolition debris management.
Oversee procurement and administration of consulting, community outreach, and technical-services contracts, including preparing specifications, issuing requests for proposals, evaluating proposals, awarding contracts, and directing and evaluating work products.
Develop and manage outreach programs for the public and City staff to promote recycling, waste reduction, and illegal-dumping prevention policies and programs.
Investigate violations and enforce applicable policies and requirements.
Identify, apply for, and administer grants.
Prepare technical reports, City Council reports, and legislation.
Staff citizen advisory bodies, committees, and commissions.
Attend meetings of community organizations, City Council, and other groups relating to program implementation.

Benefits

37.5-hour work weeks
15 paid holidays
At least two weeks of vacation per year, with accrual increasing based on public-sector years of service
CalPERS retirement plan, with a 2.5% at 55 formula for Classic members and 2% at 62 for new members
The City pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent health coverage at the Kaiser rate; other HMO and PPO plans are available
Full-premium Delta Dental coverage for employees and eligible dependents
Full-premium VSP vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents
Accrual of 12 sick days per year
457(b) pre-tax deferred compensation plan and after-tax Roth 401(k) plan
Flexible Spending Account
Wellness Program
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition Reimbursement
Life insurance up to $200,000
Employee Training