Program Specialist - Recycling and Resource Solutions (Hybrid)

Application deadline: November 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm CST. Requisition ID: 93858.

About the role

Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services (PHES) seeks a Program Specialist in Recycling and Resource Solutions. This position assists with activities and partnerships needed to reach state‑mandated and county waste management and recycling goals. The role involves independently managing day‑to‑day operations of the county’s organics and education activities, including the Recycling Ambassador program, developing strategic organics waste management solutions, monitoring compliance, overseeing compost site contracts, and working with county partners, residents, and the commercial sector to increase organics diversion. Emergency preparedness is a core responsibility: the employee participates in Public Health Emergency Preparedness training, exercises, and response activities during and outside business hours, including weekends and holidays. This is a full‑time, exempt, hybrid position based at the Field Operations Building, 1530 Bunker Lake Blvd, Andover, MN 55304, with expected hours Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage day‑to‑day operations of Anoka County’s organics and education activities, including the Recycling Ambassador program.
• Lead efforts to develop and implement new strategic solutions for organics waste management programming.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with organics management rules and regulations on behalf of the County.
• Oversee the county’s compost site contract to ensure compost sites and organics drop‑off programs are managed properly and within contractual specifications.
• Serve as liaison between the compost site contractor and the county.
• Assist with developing and monitoring the organics management programming budget.
• Work with county partners, residents, and the commercial sector to systematically increase organics waste diversion throughout the County.
• Conduct onsite visits to assess organics waste management opportunities.
• Provide technical assistance related to organics diversion, including data gathering and analysis.
• Oversee and increase participation in the county Recycling Ambassador program.
• Assist with program education activities and unit‑organized events.
• Participate in Public Health Emergency Preparedness trainings, exercises, notifications, and activation drills during and outside business hours as needed.
• Participate in emergency preparedness and response activities as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental protection, sustainability, science, planning, public administration, business administration, or related field.
• Two years (2,080 annual hours) of job‑related experience in solid waste management, recycling, or waste prevention.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis in lieu of the required degree.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle available for business use.

Preferred qualifications

• One or more years (2,080 annual hours) of job‑related experience in project planning, project management, and contract management.
• Ability to analyze and problem‑solve.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Benefits

• 24 days of paid flexible time off per year.
• Up to 12.5 paid holidays in the first year.
• Comprehensive insurance (medical, dental, vision, flex benefits) — details at anokacountymn.gov/benefits.
• Medical and dental clinic exclusive to employees, located at the Anoka County Government Center.
• Pension plan and other retirement investment options.
• Advancement and professional development opportunities.

Pay

Anoka County Salary Schedule Grade 32: $64,480 to $90,230.40 annually ($31.00 to $43.38 per hour). Starting rate depends on experience, education, and qualifications.

Schedule

Full‑time, exempt, hybrid. Expected work hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Some days remote, some days on‑site at the Field Operations Building.

Work location

Field Operations Building, 1530 Bunker Lake Blvd, Andover, MN 55304. Eligible for flexible work arrangements including hybrid remote/in‑office schedule. Travel between work sites may require driving a county or personal vehicle.

Physical demands

• Standard office environment; travel to various county work sites and meetings as needed.
• Vision: close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus (computer work), ability to see colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hearing: general and phone communication, signals, machine sounds.
• Assignments are sedentary, occasionally alternating between sitting, standing, walking, crouching, and kneeling.
• Frequent wrist and finger manipulation for computer work.
• Occasional lifting of 10–20 lbs.
• Equipment: computers, phones, standard office equipment.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.