Recycling Program Coordinator

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Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.

Department:

GG_Public Works: Refuse Collection

Salary Range Minimum:

$52,000.00

Salary Range Maximum:

$84,052.14

Closing Date:

08/17/2026

Job Details:

This is Professional and Technical work developing, implementing and promoting the City’s waste reduction and recycling program.
Positions allocated to this class report to a designated supervisor and work is performed with moderate direction. Work in this class is distinguished from higher classes by its lack of managerial responsibility and from lower classes by its emphasis on technical knowledge of and promotion of recycling and waste reduction.

Job Description:

SUMMARY

This is Professional and Technical work developing, implementing and promoting the City’s waste reduction and recycling program.

Positions allocated to this class report to a designated supervisor and work is performed with moderate direction. Work in this class is distinguished from higher classes by its lack of managerial responsibility and from lower classes by its emphasis on technical knowledge of and promotion of recycling and waste reduction.

EXAMPLES OF WORK*

*This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position.  The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job.  Performance of lower level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify, implement, and maintain comprehensive commercial, residential and municipal programs to reduce the community’s landfill waste through programs such as recycling, composting, etc. This includes project planning, implementation, training, monitoring and modification. Develop and implement zero-waste-related educational and promotional resources, programs, ads, press releases, campaigns and events designed to promote waste reduction programs and encourage participation by residents, commercial businesses and city employees.

Respond, advise and consult with citizens and businesses on waste reduction issues by phone and in person. Conduct and/or participate in seminars, meetings and other public forums related to waste reduction and ZeroWaste.

Coordinate municipal office recycling collection program and oversee office paper recycling collection contract..

Review, monitor and administer commercial franchise application procedures and policies Prepare and maintain appropriate franchise records and reports.

Monitor local waste hauling companies to ensure compliance with franchise regulations.

Seek funding for ZeroWaste initiatives including materials, equipment, programming and services through preparation of business cases, grant writing and other means.

Research and evaluate recycling technologies to assess environmental and financial impact on waste reduction, waste diversion and recycling programs.

Prepare reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations on expanding and/or improving waste reduction programs.

Compile, develop and present information and programs related to integrated waste management and recycling /waste diversion programs to citizen and business groups, City management, and Boards and Commissions.

Prepare quarterly and annual reports on residential and commercial collection and disposal data and any in-house performance measures.

Administer Solid Waste Division’s web page and social media content and design, as well as responding to all inquiries generated form those platforms.

Develop and review focus groups, surveys and other programmatic evaluations for solid waste. Specify and coordinate outreach goals, strategies, tactics and messages.

Work with Public Information Officer on communication with media, businesses, schools, civic groups, and other entities promotion solid waste management concepts, and create outreach materials, and advise others on outreach strategies, tactics and materials.

Perform municipal, commercial and residential waste audits and review billing for solid waste/recycling services provided.

Develop, edit and review recycling and solid waste ordinances, standard operating procedures, public information, marketing materials and contract specifications.

Draft and prepare contracts, requests for proposals, ordinances, agenda items and divisional policies.

Coordinate with Alachua County, University of Florida, Alachua County School Board and local recyclers on recycling and waste reduction issues. Participate in special events such as Earth Day, Great American Clean-Up, America Recycles Day recycling fairs and other events designed to promote residential and commercial waste reduction efforts and encourage knowledge of and participation in the City’s ZeroWaste goals.

Coordinate recycling for special events such as the Medieval Fair and downtown arts festivals.

Manage the City’s Adopt-A-Street Program, including program promotion, documenting participation by volunteer groups, and conducting safety briefings to volunteers.

Provide expert knowledge and training of proper legal and environmentally responsible recycling collection, waste diversion, waste reduction and waste disposal practices.

Attend work continuously and on a regular basis.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Coordinate record keeping and filing systems and destruction of records.

Respond to inquiries from persons or agencies outside the City seeking information about recycling programs.

Assist with training of hauler’s employees regarding solid waste collection programs & ordinances.

Remain current with Federal and State legislation affecting solid waste & recycling.

Supervise, plan and coordinate work of any subordinates or volunteers.

Will be required to attend meetings and events outside regular business hours.

Will be required to respond outside regular business hours under emergency conditions.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily.  Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from college with major coursework in public relations, marketing, environmental studies or related field and three (3) years experience in the management of a major recycling program; or high school graduate or equivalent with five (5) years experience in the management of a major recycling program (experience must have been at least at the level of an assistant coordinator or assistant manager);or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Licenses

Valid driver’s license. 

Certifications

Certifications in Managing Recycling Systems; Composting; Construction & Demolition   Management; and/or Zero Waste Principles and Practices from organizations such as the Solid Waste Association of North America and the National Recycling Coalition are preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Overall knowledge and understanding of sustainability concepts connecting environmental, economic, and social concerns and opportunities.

Strong written and verbal communication skills and presentation skills, as well as a willingness and proficiency with speaking publicly and to the media.

Knowledge of management principles coordinating and managing solid waste & recycling collection programs and processing methods; educational and community outreach programs, and related state laws and city ordinances.

Knowledge of the issues and considerations involved in the establishment of organics and composting programs.

Knowledge of the construction and administration of solid waste contracts, and the contractual obligations of haulers.

Knowledge of solid waste & recycling equipment, methods and procedures, as well as their pros & cons.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and communication through various social media platforms.

Ability to work effectively with elected officials, charter officers, department heads, representatives of other agencies, business owners/managers and the general public.

Ability to tactfully interact with people of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints and maintain successful working relationships.

Ability to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of various waste and recycling collection and waste diversion programs.

Ability to plan and implement solid waste and recycling pilot programs.

Ability to complete any desired SWANA or NRC recycling certifications within one year of employment.

Ability to plan, schedule and organize effectively.

Ability to design effective presentations and public messaging materials and maintain public education programs.

Ability to exercise reasonable initiative, independent judgement and to work independently.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work requires physical strength and agility sufficient to safely perform all essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work requires performance of tasks both inside and outside under various weather conditions.

Note: 

May Require Assessment(s).

May fill multiple positions.

May establish an eligibility list.

Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.

If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at [email protected] or by calling 352-334-5077.