Environmental Specialist

We value the time and effort you invest as you consider a career with the City of El Cerrito, and we look forward to connecting with you as we move forward in the hiring process. This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference in our community, and we’re excited to share more about the role and what it offers.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

The City is seeking a collaborative, enthusiastic, flexible and creative Environmental Specialist to join the Public Works Department! The position is based at the Recycling + Environmental Resource Center, which is a dynamic location that serves as a hub within the community. The Environmental Specialist performs a variety of tasks to support the City's recycling, waste reduction, and other environmental programs and operations.

The incumbent will play a pivotal role in the department's functions by researching, analyzing, developing and implementing the City's programs to meet City and State environmental goals and regulatory requirements, particularly SB 1383. In addition, this position provides technical assistance and education to residents, businesses, schools, and City staff; conducts field surveys, inspections, and data analysis; develops public outreach and educational materials;

and prepares reports and recommendations. In this role, the Environmental Specialist will help support with processing grants, contracts, and other administrative tasks associated environmental program administration in the department. Furthermore, this role works with community members, regional partners, haulers, and other agencies, while also representing the City at meetings and events.

The Environmental Specialist is a hands‑on position that combines community engagement, program development, fieldwork, research, and problem‑solving. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a direct impact on the City's environmental programs while working closely with the Operations + Environmental Services team. This position will report to the Senior Program Manager within the Public Works Department.

• CalPERS Retirement: CalPERS Classic members 2.7% @ 55 and PEPRA members 2% @ 62 retirement formula integrated with Social Security; 8.5% employee contribution.
• Medical/Dental Insurance: Fully paid medical coverage (up to Kaiser family rate) and dental coverage (up to Family coverage) for employees and their dependents. (This is a total value of up to $38,064 annually). Cash in lieu option available at $500 per month.
• Life Insurance: The City pays for basic life and AD&D insurance coverage each up to $100,000.
• Short-Term/Long-Term Disability Insurance: 2/3rds of salary up to the maximum monthly.
• Voluntary Benefits: Supplemental life insurance, deferred compensation plans and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) offered.
• Holidays: 13 paid holidays per year, plus 3 floating holidays and 1 birthday holiday.
• Vacation: Vacation ranging from 11 to 33 days per year based on years of service.
• Sick Leave: Accrued at 8.75 hours per month.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Cost reimbursement up to the maximum of $3,500/fiscal year for work related studies.
• Bilingual Pay: The City pays $2,600 per year to employees who are bilingual and who have passed a proficiency test provided by the City.
• Alternating
  
  Work Schedule:
  
  This position typically works 37.5 hours per week with every other Friday off.
• Wellness Program: Access to an array of wellness programs offered by the City such as massage days, fitness and meditation classes, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• You are passionate about sustainability, waste reduction, recycling, organics, and environmental stewardship.
• You enjoy analyzing challenges, thinking creatively, and developing practical solutions, even when there is no clear answer.
• You are adaptable and take initiative. You can manage changing priorities, work independently, and follow through on projects from start to finish.
• You have strong interpersonal skills and enjoy providing patient, compassionate assistance to community members and businesses through education and outreach.
• You can manage multiple projects and priorities while keeping track of important details.
• You enjoy developing and improving programs. You are excited to plan and implement environmental programs and…