POLICY AND RESOURCES SPECIALIST (SANITATION)

City of Torrance, CA

• $108K — $146K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in relevant fields such as Public Administration or Environmental Planning.
  • Minimum 3 years of professional experience in environmental resources related to sanitation.
  • At least 1 year of lead or supervisory experience in a major environmental resources program.
  • Knowledge of California environmental compliance programs and recycling mandates.
  • Strong customer service skills and ability to maintain positive relationships with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in developing and managing waste diversion and recycling programs.
  • Coordinate sanitation program activities to meet departmental objectives.
  • Develop policy recommendations for integrated waste management and organics waste diversion.
  • Implement wastewater and stormwater programs, including regulatory reporting.
  • Conduct public outreach and educational activities, including public speaking.
  • Analyze legislation and regulations related to environmental sustainability.
  • Assist in preparing the annual budget for the Sanitation Division.

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance options for employees and dependents.
  • Life insurance and various voluntary benefits available.
  • Retirement benefits through CalPERS with varying formulas based on employment.
  • Flexible working hours and a supportive work environment.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
Full Job Description
Salary : $9,075.73 - $12,168.00 Monthly
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number:
Department: PUBLIC WORKS
Opening Date: 09/29/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

DESCRIPTION
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.

The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Policy and Resources Specialist to be part of the Sanitation Division!

The Department
The Public WorksDepartment is responsible for providing the essential infrastructure needs of the City. The department is made up of over 200 employees who provide service to our residents, businesses, and other City departments to improve and maintain the City's streets, sidewalks, landscaping, traffic, sewers, and water system. The Department is comprised of six divisions: Engineering, Sanitation, Street Operations, Streetscape, Water and Administration.

The Division
TheSanitation ServicesDivision handles residential and City facility trash and recycling collection, waste diversion and recycling programs, street sweeping, sewer lines, and wastewater programs.

The Position
The City of Torrance is seeking a proactive and team-oriented Policy and Resources Specialist to assist with development, implementation, and management of the City's waste diversion and recycling programs.

The Policy and Resources Specialistcoordinates assigned Department enterprise-funded sanitation program activities to ensure achievement of City, Department, and Division objectives. This position develops programs and policy recommendations for the implementation of or changes to integrated waste management, municipal solid waste; street sweeping, and organics waste diversion; develops and implements wastewater and storm water programs; including all required regulatory reporting; and coordinates the City-wide household hazardous waste collection program in conjunction with other public and private agencies.

This Policy and Resources Specialist assists in the preparation of the annual budget of the Sanitation Division, conducts research and complex analyses, develops recommendations, and prepares reports for management; serves as City liaison with CalRecycle and submits annual reports to CalRecycle and LARA; analyzes applicable legislation and keeps abreast of laws, rules, regulations, trends and innovations applicable to assigned area of specialty with focus on SB1383, AB939, AB341 and AB1826; and conducts public outreach and public education activities, including public speaking and creating of multi-media educational materials.

For more information about the duties of the position,
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree from a college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy, Environmental Planning, Biology, or a related field.

Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in environmental resources related to sanitation which includes at least one (1) year of lead or supervisory experience of at least one major environmental resources program.
Licenses and/or Certificates:
A valid California driver's license.

Successful candidates will possess the following:
  • Experience in sanitation and recycling program management;
  • Background and knowledgeable in California environmental compliance programs related to recycling mandates;
  • Knowledge and principles of budgeting and fiscal management;
  • Ability to accurately compile and maintain statistical data;
  • Strong customer service skills;
  • Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with management, staff, the public, contractors, and public agencies;
  • Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS

Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. The application filing period will remain open until a sufficient number of qualifying applications have been received. First Review of applications will be those received by 10/15/2026 at 11:59pm.

Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components:

Performance Test: Weighted 40% & Interview Panel: Weighted 60%(Tentatively scheduled on 11/5/2026)

The performance test will be conducted first, followed by the interview panel
SPECIAL NOTES

Visit to find out more information about our community.

As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check and a pre-employment medical examination.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s).

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.

To view the current benefits for Torrance Professional and Supervisory Association bargaining unit, visit:

For additional information about the City's benefits, visit:

RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
01

The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?
  • Yes
  • No

02

Do you have a valid California driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

03

What is your highest level of education?
  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent
  • Vocational School
  • Some College Coursework
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree or Higher

04

State your major field of study for any college coursework or degree received. If none, please type "N/A".
05

Do you have at least three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in environmental resources related to sanitation which includes at least one (1) year of lead or supervisory experience of at least one major environmental resources program?
  • Yes
  • No

06

Do you have experience with implementing waste diversion/recycling programs as it relates to AB 939 and SB 1383?
  • Yes
  • No

07

Describe your experience in the development, implementation, or administration of public or private recycling and waste diversion programs as it relates to AB 939 and SB 1383. If no experience, please type "N/A".
08

Do you have experience with applying for, monitoring, and delivering grant funded programs?
  • Yes
  • No

09

Describe your experience with applying for, implementing, and monitoring grant funded programs. If no experience, please type "N/A".
10

Knowledge of the refuse industry, state-mandated waste reduction/recycling goals, composting, current technologies, trends, and legislation related to environmental issues is required for this position. Please describe in detail your knowledge and/or experience as it relates to the aforementioned. If no experience, please type "N/A".
11

Describe any experience you have with preparing presentations and/or speaking to an audience. If no experience, please type "N/A".
Required Question

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