The Zero Waste Environmental Specialist is an essential position in helping the City achieve its environmental goals in Zero Waste and the Sustainability Climate Action Plan. The position is the lead for all of Zero Waste’s community outreach and education and public relations including interactions with residential, commercial, and school communities.

The position plans, drafts, and creates outreach campaigns and education pieces (including print, electronic, and social media outreach) that promote waste prevention, reduction, reuse, and recycling. The position leads the collaboration with the graphic designer consultant, the City’s waste collector outreach team, and other city departments to ensure consistent and professional communication to the community is conducted. In addition, the position assists in the development of policies, procedures, processes, pilots, and the City’s
reporting responsibilities.

This position has a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off.  

The position may qualify for remote work for up to 2 days per week to be evaluated after three months of employment.
Put your skills to work for one of the peninsula's top employers making a difference in our community.
The City of Palo Alto pays top-tier wages alongside its generous benefit plan which includes a defined retirement program, sick leave, vacation pay and medical, dental & vision.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
The ideal candidate will have the following skills, knowledge, and experience:
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills
•  A  passion  for  waste  reduction  and  understanding  of  the  concepts  of  the  waste hierarchy  and extended producer responsibility
•  A strong foundational knowledge of zero waste concepts, waste management, recycling markets, and public outreach
•  An understanding  of  how  best  to  influence  behavior  change  through  community-based social marketing
•  Excellent customer service skills and proficient in answering verbal and written questions from the public about waste prevention, reuse, and recycling
•  Experience in public relations and social marketing
•  Experience working with consultants, service contractors or maintenance contractors
•  An understanding of how to write up work proposals for projects
•  A demonstrated willingness to work with others and collaborate effectively, and also able to work independently on projects with little supervision
•  A high level of comfort working in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.),
•  Experience in website management; experience in Photoshop, InDesign, or other design software desired but not required

Essential Duties and other important responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Prepares designs, specifications, plans, estimates, reports, and proposals for projects of moderate complexity.
• Develops design and operational procedures for environmental program that meets all requirements of various regulatory agencies having jurisdiction.
• Assists project manager for environmental programs and implementation which includes: scheduling; cost estimating; and presentation of materials for approval by department and City Manager; analysis of equipment needs; development of operational procedures and training programs for employees.
• In conjunction with other City staff, develops and explores new concepts and ideas related to environmental maintenance programs.
• Assists in preparing the Division's operating budget, quarterly reports, and other related reports required by various regulatory agencies; develops and prepares management information system to monitor and control operation.
• Assists in the coordination and review of design plans and specifications of technical staff.
• Reviews and analyzes environmental and solid waste regulations as required by regulatory agencies.

To see the full job description click here.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities, which would typically be acquired through:
• Bachelor of Science degree in environmental sciences or equivalent, including civil engineering course work or other related curriculum. and
• Two years related experience.