WASTE DIVERSION AND RECYCLING OFFICER

DESCRIPTION

Appointment to this position is expected to be at or below the midpoint $128,776.71 of the salary range, however, the final amount will be carefully determined based on the candidate's knowledge, skills, qualifications, and an evaluation of internal equity within the organization.

THE COMMUNITY

Ideally located on the Pacific Ocean south of Los Angeles, adjacent to Orange County, the City of Long Beach, California (population 470,000) is frequently described as a series of strong, diverse interwoven smaller communities within a large city. Enjoying an ideal Southern California climate, Long Beach is home to an abundance of cultural and recreational options. The Long Beach Convention Center, Aquarium of the Pacific, Queen Mary, and the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, plus a wide variety of other attractions (two historic ranchos, three marinas, and five golf courses), serve to draw 6.5 million visitors a year. The City is also home to California State University, Long Beach and Long Beach City College. Cal State Long Beach is the second largest university in the state and was recently ranked the No. 3 best-value public college in the nation. Covering approximately 50 square miles, Long Beach is supported by a wide mix of industries with education, health and social services, manufacturing, retail trade, and professional services comprising the highest representation. Known for its livable and desirable neighborhoods, Long Beach was named by America’s Promise Alliance as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People two years in a row. While it offers all the amenities of a large metropolis, many say Long Beach offers the added benefit of having maintained a strong sense of community and cohesiveness despite its growth. A superb climate, quality schools, a vibrant downtown, and a wide variety of neighborhoods help make Long Beach one of the most livable communities in the country.

CITY GOVERNMENT

Long Beach, a charter city formed in 1897, is governed by nine City Council Members elected by district and a city-wide elected Mayor. Other elected officials include the City Attorney, City Auditor, and City Prosecutor. The elected officials are elected to staggered four-year terms. The City Council appoints the City Manager and City Clerk. The City Manager is responsible for the efficient administration of all City departments, excluding those under the direction of a separately elected official, Board or Commission. Long Beach is one of only three cities in California with its own Health Department and one of the very few municipalities with its own Utilities Department (Water and Gas) and Energy Resources Departments.

The City is supported by a FY 2024 total budget of approximately $3.3 billion with a General Fund budget of $719 million. More than 6,000 full and part-time employees support municipal operations with the vast majority being represented by twelve employee associations. To learn more about the City of Long Beach, go to: www.longbeach.gov .

DEPARTMENT

The Energy and Environmental Services Department purpose is to manage in an environmentally responsible manner the City of Long Beach (City) and State of California’s (State’s) onshore and offshore production of oil and gas while maximizing production levels and revenues. To oversee the transition of the City’s Southeast Resource Recovery Facility (SERRF) from its current decommissioning and demolition towards redevelopment of the site as a regional organic waste receiving and processing facility. To provide reliable and cost-effective refuse, recycling, and organics collection services to the City’s ratepayers, supporting established sustainability goals and landfill diversion mandates while maintaining affordable rates and excellent service. To ensure compliance with all local and State solid waste laws and regulations.

THE POSITION

The Waste Diversion and Recycling Officer leads a team of staff within the Division working on projects and programs to meet state-mandated solid waste reduction requirements. This person will provide expertise on contract management, overseeing the City's Residential Recycling Contract and the Non-Exclusive Private Hauler Franchise Agreement (that includes 8 different waste haulers). This position will ensure contracts with private waste haulers are further updated and amended to increase compliance with all state laws, including but not limited to SB 1383, AB 1826, and AB 341. This position will support policy development (local, state, and/or federal) that supports waste diversion. Additionally, this person will support the Bureau manager in further developing new programs to increase waste diversion, reduction, and recycling.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Manages and oversees all waste diversion and recycling programs, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Administers the citywide recycling collection contract and the non-exclusive franchisee agreement for the Bureau of Sanitation.
• Develops and implements new and innovative waste reduction and recycling methodologies.
• Prepares and submits reports to regulatory agencies, including CalRecycle.
• Stays current on emerging solid waste and recycling technologies and legislative changes.
• Leads and manages a team of staff within the Bureau.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Environmental Studies, Geography, Sustainability, or a related field (Proof required at time of application).
  
• A Master's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Environmental Studies, Geography, Sustainability, or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience (Proof required at time of application).
  
• Candidates may substitute experience offering specific and substantial preparation for the duties of the position for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
  

EXPERIENCE:

• Three years of full-time progressively responsible solid waste, recycling, and/or sustainability program management experience.
  
• One year of full-time experience working in a lead or supervisor capacity.
  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required prior to appointment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate is an experienced solid waste and/or recycling professional with knowledge of federal, state and local solid waste and recycling regulations, policies and practices. They bring experience developing and implementing waste diversion, recycling and/or sustainability initiatives. The ideal candidate excels in both written and verbal communication, with the ability to effectively present complex information to diverse audiences, including community.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

This recruitment will close at 11:59 PM Pacific Time on Sunday, November 2nd, 2025. To be considered, please submit an online application, including a cover letter, resume, and proof of education (if qualifying with a degree) in PDF format. Applications that fail to include all necessary documents will be considered incomplete and will not be taken into consideration.

Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience, and for level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in further selection procedures. The selected candidate may be required to go through a background check and a physical examination prior to appointment. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements, including submission of all required attachments, will not be considered. For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact 562-570-9086 .

The City of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer . We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of Long Beach is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work by supporting staff and community partners. We are committed to promoting transparency by publishing updated demographic information for employees, including workforce diversity data and pay by race and gender.

The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act

The City of Long Beach is committed to maintaining fairness and transparency in our hiring practices. We believe in providing equal opportunities to all applicants and ensuring that every applicant is evaluated based on their qualifications and merit. If you believe that you have been unjustly disqualified based on minimum qualifications for an unclassified job opportunity, you have the right to appeal the decision. Find out more about the Unclassified Applicant Appeal Process by visiting Applicant Appeal Process (longbeach.gov) .

The City of Long Beach intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call 562-570-4686.

For technical support with your governmentjobs.com application, please contact (855) 524-5627.

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

Retirement:California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) defined benefit retirement plan, which is coordinated with Social Security. The benefit is 2.5% or 2.7% (depending on hire date) @55 for "Classic" members and 2% @62 for new members as defined by PEPRA, subject to the compensation limitations set by PERS. Both the City and the employee contributes toward CalPERS retirement contributions. The city also participates in Social Security.

Health and Dental Insurance:The City offers the choice of HMO and PPO plans. The city pays major portion of the premium for employee and dependents depending on the health/ dental plan selected.

Life Insurance:City-paid term life insurance policy equal to three (3) times annual salary to a maximum of $500,000.

Disability Insurance:City-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.

Management Physical:Annual City-paid physical examination.

Vacation:Twelve (12) vacation days after the first year of service; 15 days after four years, six months of service; 20 days after 19 years, six months of service.

Executive Leave:Forty (40) hours Executive Leave per year. The City Manager has discretion to grant an additional 40 hours each year.

Sick Leave: One day earned per month; unlimited accumulation; conversion upon retirement to cash credit toward health and/or dental insurance premiums, or to pension credits.

Holidays:Eleven (11) designated holidays per year, plus four personal holidays to be used at the employee's discretion.

Transportation Allowance:Monthly allowance is allocated by classifications below;

• Department Head $650.00
• Deputy Director/Manager/Director (Harbor/Utilities) $550.00
• Division Officer/Superintendent/ Chief of Staff / Administrator / Principal DCA $450.00
• Assistant to Executive / Executive Assistant / Executive Secretary/ Executive Support Staff $300.00

Deferred Compensation Plan:Optional for employee contribution to a supplementary retirement savings program available through Mission Square Retirement formerly ICMA-RC Retirement Corporation).

• Classic CalPERS Members: The City will contribute a maximum of up to two percent (2%) of base salary* for all qualified Classic CalPERS members.
• Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) CalPERS Members: Effective the second full pay period following City Council adoption, the City contribution will increase from two percent (2%) to three percent (3%) of base salary* for all qualified PEPRA CalPERS members.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA):Optional election for employees to reduce taxable income for payment of allowable childcare or medical expenses.

Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule:Available (subject to City Manager approval).

Paid Parental Leave: The City provides one hundred and sixty (160) hours of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of salary, for the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child, regardless of the gender, marital status or sexual orientation of the parent.

Closing Date/Time: 11/2/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Long Beach

• 5625707057

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