Waste Reduction Assistant en City of Santa Cruz, CA
City of Santa Cruz, CA · Santa Cruz, Estados Unidos De América · Onsite
- Oficina en Santa Cruz
About the Department
The current vacancy is for Waste Reduction Assistant in the Public Works Department. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other full-time and part-time Waste Reduction Assistant vacancies during the life of the list. The eligibility list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.
Under general supervision, assists in the planning, organization, publicizing and conducting of public education and promotional programs for waste reduction, recycling, household hazardous waste disposal, pollution prevention and related areas; works with staff and the public to assist them in identifying waste reduction and recycling problems and opportunities; and performs other related work as assigned.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
- On Thursday, 11/06/25 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:
- Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.
- Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.
- Week of 11/10 and 11/17/25: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 11/28/25.
- Week of 12/08/25 and/or 12/15/25: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and a short oral presentation. Candidates invited to interview will receive instructions for the oral presentation prior to their interview.
Position Duties
- Schedules, plans and makes presentations related to waste reduction and recycling to schools, businesses and community groups; sets up meetings to identify appropriate methods and needs for outreach; develops presentation materials and displays; schedules and conducts tours of resource recovery facilities for various groups.
- Identifies creative and effective methods to assist businesses, schools and residents including multi-family complexes in identifying waste reduction and recycling opportunities; assists in identifying target businesses and groups for outreach efforts; assists in developing strategies for outreach to targeted groups; develops presentations and materials for outreach.
- May work with collections staff and Resource Recovery Facility staff to identify routes and customers with high potential for contamination in carts and containers.
- May conduct field inspections of customer carts and containers to identify contamination problems and improper use; maintains records and prepares notices and correspondence related to improper use; contacts customers in person, by phone or by sending information to educate them and change behaviors.
- Develops display materials for special events; assists in identifying potential locations for educational/informational displays on waste reduction and recycling; plans and prepares displays ensuring age and interest appropriateness; may staff display booths to answer questions and distribute information.
- Prepares or assists in the preparation of a variety of written materials, including brochures, advertisements, surveys, newsletters, web pages, social media posting, reports, and correspondence; researches and writes outreach and promotional articles and press releases; distributes informational materials and educational brochures related to waste reduction and recycling to the public; assists in gathering information for, and writing portions of, grant applications.
- Provides clerical support; answers phones; responds to public inquiries; makes meeting arrangements; assists in the coordination of special events, including the scheduling of presenters.
- Provides direction, coordination and training to volunteers and interns.
- Assists with presentations to the Public Works Commission or City Council.
- May represent the Management Analyst - Waste Reduction at meetings.
- Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting; standing and walking on level and uneven surfaces; reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping; and working indoors and outdoors. This position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written materials and a computer monitor. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag and push display boards, folding tables, presentation materials, files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds also is required. This position requires giving tours outdoors at the resource recovery facility and inspecting refuse and recycling containers which involve being around heavy equipment, tools and machinery and may expose the incumbent to fumes, hazardous materials, odors, dust, rain, mud and slippery conditions. Incumbent may be required to climb ladders to reach stored supplies and put up displays. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation
Minimum Qualifications
The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:
Education and Experience:
- High school graduation or equivalent; and
- Two years of experience providing public information and/or public education. Successful completion of one year of college-level coursework in marketing, public administration, education, environmental studies, journalism or a related field OR one year of experience in environmental education or resource management may substitute for one year of the required experience.
- Standard office practices, procedures and equipment.
- Proper grammar, spelling, punctuation and business correspondence format.
Abilities:
- Effectively assist in the planning and coordination of programs and events.
- Plan, prepare and present educational programs appropriate to specific audiences.
- Learn about regulations, services and programs related to waste reduction and recycling.
- Use computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, desktop publishing programs and presentation software.
- Understand, interpret, apply and explain policies and procedures.
- Interpret and communicate technical information to non-technical groups and individuals.
- Make effective oral presentations.
- Prepare written reports, correspondence, procedure manuals, brochures and educational materials.
- Proofread for spelling and typographical errors.
- Make sound decisions within established guidelines
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Work cooperatively as a member of a team.
- Work independently, within established guidelines.
- Follow written and oral directions
- Operate a camera to take photos for publications.
- Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends, as required.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- Principles and practices of environmental education and/or resource management.
- Principles and practices of integrated solid waste management.
- Skill to type 45 words per minute.
- Ability to speak Spanish.
Other Qualifications
- Superintendent of Resource Recovery
- Management Analyst- Waste Reduction assignment
- Waste Reduction Assistant
