Recycling Programs Specialist I/II

Summary

This position is open until filled.

A first review of applications will take place during the week of July 28, 2024. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

Recycling Program Specialist I: $4,619 - $6,190/month
Recycling Program Specialist II: $5,491 - $7,358/month

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Recycling Programs Specialist I/II in our Utilities Department/Environmental Programs Division. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under supervision (Recycling Specialist I) or general supervision (Recycling Specialist II), performs a variety of routine duties related to the development and implementation of the City’s recycling and waste reduction programs and projects through the development and facilitation of activities with other departments, divisions, outside agencies, the city’s franchise waste hauler, and the general public; as well and provides routine to complex professional staff assistance to the Environmental Programs Manager.

DISTINGUISING CHARACTERISTICS

Recycling Specialist I: This is the entry-level class in the Recycling Specialist series. This class is distinguished from the Recycling Specialist II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. Assignments contain fairly routine tasks, and are performed within a procedural framework established by higher-level employees. Positions at this level are primarily responsible for routine solid waste and recycling inspections, training, enforcement, program development, complaint resolution, customer interface, data tracking, and environmental education and outreach. . Employees at the "I" level are expected to learn the full scope of duties, including reporting requirements. As experience is acquired, incumbents perform with less immediate supervision and continue to learn the full scope of duties and responsibilities. Advancement to the "II" level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions, completing the progression criteria established by the Department, and upon review and approval of the department head.

Recycling Specialist II: This is the full journey-level class in the Recycling Specialist series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Recycling Specialist I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned. Employees at this level receive minimal instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by progression from the Recycling Specialist I level when experience is obtained and progression criteria met, or when filled from the outside, require prior directly related experience.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Plans, organizes and participates in the implementation, inspection, enforcement, pollution prevention, contract and grant administration, and data management activities of the Recycling and Waste Reduction Program and other related environmental programs or projects as assigned in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

Participates in planning and overseeing collection events; performs outreach and education activities; coordinates recycling/organics/waste/hazardous waste monitoring and activities; coordinates with internal city departments; and responds to customer service requests and complaints.

Conducts analysis and evaluation of all local, state and federal laws, regulations and ordinances governing assigned programs to ensure compliance; interprets applicable legislation as it applies to the Recycling and Waste Reduction program and other environmental programs; evaluates and interprets technical reports, documents, manifests, applications and permits related to environmental regulations and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Coordinates the City's recycling/organics/waste/hazardous waste management and other environmental programs as assigned; coordinates referrals to and monitor the response of outside regulatory agencies; provides technical assistance to City departments, divisions and the business community.

Participates in the administration of assigned program budget; conducts grant fund research and prepares draft applications; implements grant funded programs and projects under supervision.

Plans, organizes and participates in the enforcement of ordinances and regulations related to recycling-related programs; educates residents and business owners on how to properly divert recyclable materials and dispose of solid waste, household hazardous waste, and universal wastes, conducts investigations and inspections, audits, and waste stream characterizations related to edible food recovery and related recycling programs; evaluates, processes, and tracks waivers for recycling services; assists and coordinates with franchise waste hauler on route audits, contamination monitoring and audits, and other related enforcement or compliance issues; issues notices of violations and citations when necessary.

Plans, organizes and participates in commercial and residential recycling, solid waste, yard waste, and ancillary services such as bulky item pickups, Christmas tree recycling program, used oil and oil filters collection, and other programs, as implemented.

Ensures special event permit applicants follow requirements and guidelines to divert designated recyclables and reduce litter; coordinates with franchise waste hauler to establish appropriate services for City special events and community clean up events.

Responds to inquiries from the public and assists in the resolution of recycling and solid waste concerns; acts as liaison between residents/businesses and franchise hauler regarding service and billing issues.

Participates in writing and evaluating bid specifications and submissions for professional services contracts.

Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of environmental compliance.

Prepares and provides data for annual report and/or on-site regulatory audits.

Participates in the preparation of briefings, written reports, and associated correspondence for regulatory agencies, City management, and City Council, as needed.

Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Local, state and federal statutes, codes and regulations related to recycling/organics/waste/hazardous waste and other environmental programs.
Operational characteristics, services, and activities of assigned environmental program area.
Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Modern principles and practices of environmental protection applicable to hazardous materials or waste, solid wastes and recycling, including organic wastes.
Established techniques of sampling and inspecting, and applicable laws, codes, ordinances and procedures governing implementation and enforcement of environmental regulations.
Inspection, investigation or code enforcement principles and practices.
Solid waste recycling programs.
California laws affecting recycling.
The economy and market of recycled materials.
Current issues in recycling.
Public relations and public speaking.
Grant administration and budget tracking.
Principles and practices of record keeping and records management.
Methods and techniques of data collection, research, and report preparation..
Terminology used in area of assignment.
Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and various software packages.
Organization and operation of municipal government.

Ability to:
Plan, organize, direct, coordinate, administer, and evaluate assigned environmental programs or projects.
Exercise sound judgment to determine Recycling and Waste Reduction program compliance with existing laws and regulations.
Review documents and reports for completeness and accuracy.
Perform a full range of responsible analytical, programmatic, and administrative duties in support of assigned programs, functions, and/or department involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
Assist in the recommendation and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for providing assigned program services and activities.
Conduct accurate and thorough research and prepare clear, complete, accurate, and concise analysis, reports, and recommendations.
Understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures as well as applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
Use computer applications to assist in performing duties, e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation applications.
Apply procedures and techniques involved in the investigation, documentation, and enforcement of codes and regulations.
Assist in the analysis of problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Apply procedures and practices for issuing notices of violation and schedules for compliance.
Analyze and evaluate technical data, reaching sound conclusions.
Analyze and evaluate situations, take appropriate action and document violations being investigated.
Understand the organization and operation of the assigned department, other City departments, and outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages.
Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person.
Develop and maintain effective interdepartmental coordination.
Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, City staff, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility.
Represent the City in a professional manner when working with boards, community groups, and the general public.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Requirements

Recycling Program Specialist I/II

Education/Training:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental science, environmental resource conservation, public administration, business administration, or a related field.

Recycling Program Specialist I

Experience:

Administrative experience related to environmental science, resource conservation, public or private recycling programs, waste reduction and diversion programs, composting, or other environmental regulatory programs is highly desirable.

Recycling Program Specialist II

Experience:

Two years (full-time equivalent) of experience in environmental science, environmental compliance, resource conservation, waste management, or a related field.

Supplemental Information

NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE
Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.
All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.
The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.
Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE
Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY
The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family and your budget. Read this e-Guide for an overview of your options, with links to additional details and forms.

For a more detailed overview of this benefits package, please visit the Administrative / Clerical / Engineering Benefit Summary.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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