Cleanup Coordinator I/II

Join the City of Bellingham’s Public Works Department as a proactive Cleanup Coordinator and lead coordinated cleanup efforts on City property and public rights of way. This role is ideal for someone committed to public safety, environmental standards, and collaborative problem-solving.

As part of our team, you’ll contribute to meaningful results for the community while working with purpose, humility, and a shared commitment to service. We value curiosity, respect, and collaboration in addressing challenges.

About the role

This position coordinates cleanup efforts for illegal dumping and litter, providing direction and oversight to contractors and City staff during cleanup operations of illegal encampments on public rights of way and City-owned properties. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with legal and environmental standards, managing property collection and storage protocols, and liaising with City departments, outside agencies, law enforcement, contractors, and the public to ensure efficient operations.

This is a non-uniformed civilian enforcement position with a limited commission, including the ability to issue citations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate cleanup efforts for illegal dumping and litter on City property and public rights of way.
• Provide direction and oversight to contractors and City staff during cleanup operations of illegal encampments.
• Ensure compliance with legal and environmental regulations.
• Oversee property collection, storage protocols, and reporting requirements.
• Liaise with City departments, outside agencies, law enforcement, contractors, and the public to facilitate collaborative and efficient operations.
• Issue citations as part of civilian enforcement duties.

Cleanup Coordinator II additionally provides day-to-day leadership for the program, plans and assigns work to solid waste program staff, coordinates with supervisors in other divisions to schedule resources, administers contracts for cleanup services, and serves as a resource to Public Works leadership and other City departments on complex and sensitive cleanup operations.

Requirements

• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.
• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check, local background check, and fingerprinting (subject to re-check every five years).
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and good driving record; candidates must submit a three-year driving abstract prior to hire.
• Must successfully complete de-escalation and communication training within six months of hire, as well as other department-required training.

Qualifications

Cleanup Coordinator I

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, environmental science, social services, mental health, or a related field. OR four years of directly related work experience may substitute for the education requirement.
• One year of experience in program or project coordination, code compliance, regulatory enforcement, or related experience. Experience in social services is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered if it provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the job.

Cleanup Coordinator II

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, environmental science, social services, mental health, or a related field.
• Two years of experience in program or project coordination, code compliance, regulatory enforcement, or related experience. Experience with social services is preferred.
• Moderate to high-risk hazardous materials handling experience is preferred.
• Project or contract management experience is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered if it provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the job.

Pay

Cleanup Coordinator I salary range: $7,214 – $8,735 monthly.

Cleanup Coordinator II salary range: $7,954 – $9,638 monthly.

Employees receive annual step increases in accordance with the Teamsters Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. New employees are placed within the published salary range based on qualifications and professional experience. Candidates exceeding minimum experience requirements may receive advanced step placement (one additional pay step for each two full years of directly related or equivalent professional experience beyond minimum requirements). Candidates meeting only minimum qualifications or with unrelated experience will be placed at step one. For positions requiring a bachelor’s degree, one additional step may be granted for a master’s degree in a related field if the degree is not required for minimum qualifications.

Benefits

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time (pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 120 hours/month).
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year.
• 8 hours of sick leave accrued monthly.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security.
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match.

This position is represented by the Teamsters 231 bargaining unit. Specific benefit details, including holidays, vacation accruals, and health plans, can be found in the Teamsters 231 labor agreement.