Environmental Specialist

CLASS DESCRIPTION We value the time and effort you invest as you consider a career with the City of El Cerrito, and we look forward to connecting with you as we move forward in the hiring process. This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference in our community, and we’re excited to share more about the role and what it offers. A 3.5% Cost of Living Adjustment has been approved for July 2027. Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. What is the Role? The City is seeking a collaborative, enthusiastic, flexible and creative Environmental Specialist to join the Public Works Department! The position is based at the Recycling + Environmental Resource Center, which is a dynamic location that serves as a hub within the community. The Environmental Specialist performs a variety of tasks to support the City’s recycling, waste reduction, and other environmental programs and operations. The incumbent will play a pivotal role in the department's functions by researching, analyzing, developing and implementing the City’s programs to meet City and State environmental goals and regulatory requirements, particularly SB 1383. In addition, this position provides technical assistance and education to residents, businesses, schools, and City staff; conducts field surveys, inspections, and data analysis; develops public outreach and educational materials; and prepares reports and recommendations. In this role, the Environmental Specialist will help support with processing grants, contracts, and other administrative tasks associated environmental program administration in the department. Furthermore, this role works with community members, regional partners, haulers, and other agencies, while also representing the City at meetings and events. The Environmental Specialist is a hands‑on position that combines community engagement, program development, fieldwork, research, and problem‑solving. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a direct impact on the City’s environmental programs while working closely with the Operations + Environmental Services team. This position will report to the Senior Program Manager within the Public Works Department. City Perks CalPERS Retirement: CalPERS Classic members 2.7% @ 55 and PEPRA members 2% @ 62 retirement formula integrated with Social Security; 8.5% employee contribution. Medical/Dental Insurance: Fully paid medical coverage (up to Kaiser family rate) and dental coverage (up to Family coverage) for employees and their dependents. (This is a total value of up to $38,064 annually). Cash in lieu option available at $500 per month. Life Insurance: The City pays for basic life and AD&D insurance coverage each up to $100,000. Short-Term/Long-Term Disability Insurance: 2/3rds of salary up to the maximum monthly. Voluntary Benefits: Supplemental life insurance, deferred compensation plans and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) offered. Holidays: 13 paid holidays per year, plus 3 floating holidays and 1 birthday holiday. Vacation: Vacation ranging from 11 to 33 days per year based on years of service. Sick Leave: Accrued at 8.75 hours per month. Tuition Reimbursement: Cost reimbursement up to the maximum of $3,500/fiscal year for work related studies. Bilingual Pay: The City pays $2,600 per year to employees who are bilingual and who have passed a proficiency test provided by the City. Alternating Work Schedule: This position typically works 37.5 hours per week with every other Friday off. Wellness Program: Access to an array of wellness programs offered by the City such as massage days, fitness and meditation classes, Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Are We a Match? You are passionate about sustainability, waste reduction, recycling, organics, and environmental stewardship. You enjoy analyzing challenges, thinking creatively, and developing practical solutions, even when there is no clear answer. You are adaptable and take initiative. You can manage changing priorities, work independently, and follow through on projects from start to finish. You have strong interpersonal skills and enjoy providing patient, compassionate assistance to community members and businesses through education and outreach. You can manage multiple projects and priorities while keeping track of important details. You enjoy developing and improving programs. You are excited to plan and implement environmental programs and educational campaigns that support City goals and regulatory requirements. You enjoy working with City staff, regional partners, and the community to assess processes, make recommendations, and achieve results. Tentative VIRTUAL interview date: Week of October 20th ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (DUTIES) Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Provides technical assistance via phone, email and in‑person, both on‑site and off‑site, to help promote recycling, waste reduction and other environmental programs to businesses, residents, and City of El Cerrito employees, as well as public and private schools; interprets and applies legislation and city policies governing waste management and recycling services and environmental programs; serves as the main contact for the recycling program and specified environmental programs. Performs field surveys and verifications at a variety of businesses and government agencies, prepares recommendations and provides technical assistance to businesses, community groups and local jurisdictions to reduce and recycle waste, or comply with other environmental regulations. Conducts periodic site inspections of businesses, schools, and residential areas to measure recycling, waste reduction and environmental program data; prepares related reports with recommendations. Assists in the development and implementation of education, information and outreach materials, activities and programs to support source reduction, recycling, composting, household hazardous waste collection, and other environmental programs; prepares news releases, articles and informational brochures for publication; answers questions and distributes materials at fairs, festivals and other community and neighborhood events; and oversees interns and volunteers on special projects. Designs and performs recycling center tours and classroom presentations to school classes for grades K‑12; develops and distributes age‑appropriate promotional material. Gathers and enters data into various databases to track revenue, materials, and program activities; performs data analysis and prepares reports based on this information. Distributes routes and schedules appropriately; reads map and determines routes in order to respond to service requests; and assists with review of routing plans for improved efficiency. Conducts regularly scheduled meetings with franchise hauler, interpreting and adhering to agreements for collection services. Assists with division budget development, contract management and invoicing; and deposit processing for recycling and environmental programs. Researches, prepares, submits, and files grant applications and reports; corresponds with granting agencies; administers grant funds in accordance with requirements. Serves as the lead staff person in the coordination of annual community volunteer events, such as Earth Day; represents the division in other interdepartmental or interagency events and activities; attends meetings, conferences and hearings as a representative of the division; provides staff support to community member(s) task force or committee examining recycling services and other environmental programs; exercises oversight of interns and volunteers on projects. Drafts and explains division procedures, rules and forms; maintains division manuals; processes necessary City forms; assists the Division Manager with division meetings; prepares correspondence, written agendas and other reports and meeting minutes; maintains operational files and records. QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Education: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, environmental sustainability, environmental science, or a related field. Experience: One year of work experience in environmental services, recycling and waste reduction or related field. Licenses and Certifications: Individuals who are appointment to this position will be required to maintain a current and valid California Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record throughout employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties. A current and valid out‑of‑state license may be used upon hire and a valid California Driver’s License must be obtained within six (6) months of appointment. Knowledge and abilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Knowledge of: Municipal solid waste, waste reduction, recycling, compost programs, and/or environmental programs. Principles and practices associated with the development and implementation of recycling and waste reduction programs and environmental sustainability, including California law and recycling and waste management industry practices. Basic principles of governmental organization, budgeting, and management. Principles and practices of basic marketing and community program promotion. Research principles, including data gathering and analysis and presentation methods. English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation, and public speaking techniques. Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment, including computer systems with proficiency in spreadsheets, word processing and database applications. Ability to: Analyze problems and develop appropriate solutions; compile and interpret data and statistics, laws, regulations and court rulings; prepare reports with recommendations. Learn about various environmental laws and requirements and support City programs to achieve environmental goals. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all ages and aspects of the community. Design promotional programs and prepare public information and outreach materials; Plan and organize events. Research available grants, prepare grant requests, and implement and administer grants. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including various cultural and social ethnic groups; effectively handle and resolve confrontation situations; coordinate work activities with those of other city departments as appropriate. Interpret, explain, and apply involved regulations, standards, and procedures; Compile and maintain accurate detailed records. OTHER REQUIREMENTS THE COMMUNITY Located near the east shore of the San Francisco Bay, the City of El Cerrito is an ethnically diverse community offering a high quality of life within one of the nation's most sophisticated and beautiful living areas. With a population of almost 25,000 residents, El Cerrito has the advantage of being centrally located in a major metropolitan area. El Cerrito is an established community with a strong self‑identity and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its community members. THE DEPARTMENT The mission of the Public Works Department is to plan, design, construct, operate and maintain public facilities and infrastructure and programs that support the quality of life for the citizens of El Cerrito in a way that ensures an economically and environmentally sustainable future. The Public Works Department consists of two Divisions: the Engineering Division and the Operations and Environmental Services Division (OESD). OESD operates from the Recycling + Environmental Resource Center (RERC) and the Corporation Yard, and provides services for the maintenance of public facilities, infrastructure, and landscaping; waste management; and environmental sustainability programs and compliance. Learn more about what it's like to work for the City of El Cerrito by watching the following videos, showcasing the El Cerrito community and organization: Welcome to Vibrant & Diverse El Cerrito Discover the Perks of Working for the City of El Cerrito Quality of Life in El Cerrito For more information, please visit the following: Human Resources Salary Schedules Benefit Guide Physical Demands #J-18808-Ljbffr