Waste Management Program Associate

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 8/25/2026, 9/8/2026 (Final).

About the Role

Under general supervision, the Waste Management Program Associate performs professional planning work and develops, coordinates, and promotes programs related to solid waste management, source reduction, recycling, composting, transformation, public awareness and education, and household hazardous waste and collection.

Knowledge

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to solid waste and recycling
• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of assigned programs and functions
• Principles, practices, and techniques of solid waste and recycling facility and program planning
• Solid waste and recycling principles, practices, and techniques as related to the environment, energy conservation, and the economy
• Local environmental, political, and planning issues related to solid waste disposal
• Current trends and statistics affecting solid waste and recycling facility and program planning
• Municipal, commercial, and industrial solid waste and recycling programs
• Materials, equipment, and methods used in solid waste and recycling operations
• Principles and practices of outreach program and educational materials development
• Local environmental, political, and planning issues of concern to solid waste and recycling
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other specialized applications related to area of assignment
• Principles and practices of mentoring and training
• Principles and practices of budget development and monitoring

Abilities

• Collect, analyze, interpret, and evaluate data relating to planning for solid waste facilities and program development
• Make effective presentations, both verbally and in writing
• Use applicable computer programs and systems to prepare narrative and statistical reports, to enter, maintain, and extract information, to perform research, etc.
• Monitor and interpret budgets and other financial documents
• Read, write, and speak English at a level necessary for satisfactory job performance
• Organize and coordinate the activities of public and private recycling groups
• Write logical, comprehensive, and concise reports and correspondence
• Represent the County in dealings with other agencies, the news media, and the general public on solid waste and recycling issues
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other agencies, contractors, co-workers, and the public

Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university.
• Two years of full-time, paid experience with primary responsibilities related to technical support, planning, outreach, or promoting solid waste and/or recycling/recovery programs.

Note: Additional full-time paid experience with primary responsibilities related to technical support, planning, outreach, or promoting solid waste and/or recycling/recovery programs may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis. (2080 hours = 30 units)

Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Note: If the word “experience” is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

General Qualifications

• Driver's License: A valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, is required at the time of appointment. Failure to obtain or maintain the appropriate California Driver License may constitute cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining agreement. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Physical Requirements: Positions in this class require the incumbents to be able to:
  • Stand and walk for extended periods of time.
  • Lift up to 25 pounds without assistance.
  Individuals who do not meet these requirements due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Working Conditions: Positions in this class require the incumbents to:
  • Work non-routine hours, including attending meetings and participating in community and public relations events at night, on the weekends, and on holidays.
  • Work in all neighborhoods within Sacramento County, including potentially dangerous or high crime areas.
  • Work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
  • Be exposed to hazardous or dangerous environmental conditions including loose animals, insects, and traffic.
• Criminal History and Background Checks: The County may access criminal history information on candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment for this class. The County shall not consider for employment any candidate who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that relates to or impacts the candidate’s ability to perform the job duties of this class unless mitigating circumstances exist. Background checks may include personal and professional reference checks, credit history checks, Social Security Number verification, professional license/registration verification, military service information, and driving history.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is six (6) months.