Salary : $84,580.00 - $105,725.00 Annually
Location : Pasadena City Yards, CA
Job Type: Full -Time
Job Number: 27-030
Department: Public Works
Division: Resource Recovery andRecycling
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 9/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
The City of Pasadena is currently seeking a dependable, proactive, and team-oriented Program Coordinator I to perform a variety of complex specialized functions in the administration of the Resource Recovery & Recycling Division of the Public Works Department.
The goal of the Resource Recovery & Recycling Division is to promote recycling within the City. This position will play a vital role in assisting with the administrative oversight functions and planning of various environmental programs such as the used motor oil collection program, sharps container collection program, large venue event recycling, and the coordination of special events such as e-waste, household hazardous waste, and paper shredding.
IDEAL CANDIDATEThe ideal candidate will have previous experience working in environmental recycling programs. This person will have a background in environmental compliance and will be knowledgeable and up to date on recycling mandates in the state of California. This person shall be proactive, solution-oriented, flexible, and have excellent written and verbal communication skills. A strong customer service focus and ability to prioritize and work independently in a fast-paced environment is crucial.
Please note: This examination is authorized as Promotional and Open Competitive, with the promotional eligibility list taking precedence.
Essential FunctionsThe major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the
- Plan, organize, coordinate and evaluate the activities of new and existing programs contained in the City's Zero Waste Strategic Plan, such as the City's Pay As You Throw Program, backyard composting, business recycling, organics recycling, and special events such as e-waste and paper shredding.
- Write, implement, and recommend modifications to the City's recycling programs as necessary.
- Facilitate public meetings, coordinate contractors, gather data, review work product.
- Develop meeting agendas, tasks, and budget information associated with environmental programs.
- Work and supervise large special events including coordination of staff schedules and obtaining any necessary permits and site plans.
- Conduct paraprofessional program/process research, evaluation, measurement and analysis; prepare, analyze and submit recycling data, participant and program activity reports for distribution within the City and to other agencies and interested parties.
- Responsible for grant development and administration functions including grant writing, collecting program data and generating performance reports; monitor grant compliance with State performance standards and expenditures; research and resolve grant related problems and disputes.
- Recommend ordinance amendments; act as liaison between the City and citizens.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures that govern waste reduction and recycling; disseminate knowledge and ensure compliance on a continuous basis.
- Develop and distribute public education information for waste reduction and recycling; create informational flyers, brochures, and newsletters.
- Update and maintain Division website; participate in media and outreach education; responsible for print and social media.
- Prepare and present written and oral reports to the City staff, community and business groups, schools and neighborhood groups; communicate clearly and concisely with the public.
- Respond to phone calls, letters, and e-mails regarding City environmental programs.
- Prepare written correspondence and may draft agenda reports or presentations.
- Compile and enter data of various recycling programs including amounts collected, dates of collection, locations, etc. for compliance and reporting purposes.
- Prepare and manage RFP solicitations, purchase requisitions, purchase orders, manage contracts and track revenues and expenditures according to budget.
- Work and train interns and volunteers and perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualification GuidelinesCOMPETENCIESThe following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.
- Action & Results Focus - Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment.
- Professional Integrity & Ethics - Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability.
- Oral Communication - Engaging effectively in dialogue.
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing.
- Relationship Building - Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships.
- Teamwork - Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
- Professional & Technical Expertise - Applying technical subject matter to the job. Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local Environmental Laws.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEAny combination of education and/or experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for acceptable job performance would qualify. Example combinations include: bachelor's degree in business or public administration, liberal arts, public relations, social science, sociology, psychology or a closely related field and two years of professional experience in the area of resource recovery & recycling or environmental compliance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Well versed on applicable Assembly and Senate Bills including AB 939, AB 1826, AB 341, and SB 1383.
SELECTION PROCESSThe selection process will consist of an evaluation of training and experience, and the most highly qualified candidates may be invited to participate in either a written, oral, or performance examination, and a department level interview.
VACANCY INFORMATIONThere is currently one vacancy for Program Coordinator I - Recycling Operations in the Resource Recovery & Recycling Division of the Public Works Department. The resulting eligibility list from this recruitment may be used to fill these vacancies and similar vacancies in the future.
Candidates selected for this position are subject to a one-year probationary work period.
Special RequirementsPossession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record at the date of hire and as a condition of continued employment.
May work weekends for special events or holidays including New Year's .
Retirement: The City of Pasadena contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to offer a defined benefits program for eligible employees.
"New" CalPERS members are subject to the provisions of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and receive the following benefit formula: 2% at 62
"Classic" members of CalPERS receive the following benefit formula: 2.5% at 55
Deferred Compensation:* The City offers a 457(b) deferred compensation plan to help employees save for their retirement and supplement their CalPERS pension. Employees can defer salary with pre-tax or Roth after-tax deductions.
Health Insurance: *The City contracts with CalPERS to offer several comprehensive health plans that include Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO).
Other Benefits include: *- Dental Insurance (HMO and PPO plans offered)
- Paid leave (holidays, sick leave, vacation leave)
- City-paid Life and Long-Term Disability insurance
- Voluntary vision, life, accident, and critical illness insurance
- Medical & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Professional Development Allowance
- Free Employee Assistance Program
*These benefits may vary for employees whose FTE is less than .75 or work less than 30 hours per week.
01
What is your highest level of education completed?
- High school diploma or GED
- Some college coursework
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's or other advanced degree
02
Select the option that best describes the years of experience you have in resource recovery & recycling or environmental compliance.
- Less than 2 years
- 2 years
- 3 years
- 4 years
- 5 years
- 6 years
- 7 years
- 8 years or more
03
Describe your experience working in resource recovery & recycling or environmental compliance. If applicable, describe the environmental programs you have experience managing. Please include the name of the organization, your role, and dates of employment.
04
Are you well versed on applicable Assembly and Senate Bills including AB 939, AB 1826, AB 341, and SB 1383?
05
If you answered yes to the previous question, please briefly explain your experience working with Assembly and Senate Bills including AB 939, AB 1826, AB 341, and SB 1383. If you answered no, type "N/A".
06
Please list your experience with grant applications and grant management of environmental programs.
07
As a condition of employment, you must possess a valid Class C California Driver's License at the time of appointment and as a condition of continued employment. Are you willing to participate in this process?
08
I understand that I may be required to work weekends for special events or holidays including New Years.
Required Question