Zero Waste Program Manager
The San Francisco Department of the Environment is hiring a Zero Waste Program Manager
Are you seasoned sustainability leader ready to manage San Francisco’s Zero Waste team? Are you interested in pioneering trend-setting zero waste policies and programs that get adopted far and wide by other jurisdictions? If so, we invite you to take advantage of an opportunity to utilize your abilities and zeal to build a better future for San Francisco and beyond.
The Zero Waste Program Manager will lead the Zero Waste team, evolving its vision, objectives and strategies. Through leadership of a team of zero waste professionals, the Zero Waste Program Manager will advocate for, develop and direct the implementation of leading zero waste policies and programs. They will create incentives and collaborate on outreach and with other SF Environment teams, city departments and a wide range of organizations and people to expand and increase the city’s zero waste efforts. The position also helps secure program funding and manages the budget for the team. The Zero Waste Program Manager will help cutting edge initiatives spread around the state and field inquiries from around the world.
The Zero Waste Program Manager reports to the SF Environment Director and oversees at least 10 staff plus fellows and interns.
What You’ll Do - The duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this position and are not intended to be an inclusive list.
- Manage zero waste for all sectors in San Francisco, including construction & demolition, commercial, residential and city government;
- Promote waste prevention (reducing waste at the source and reuse), recycling and composting (source separation), highest and best use of resources, and eliminating landfilling and incineration;
- Develop objectives, strategies and actions to achieve desired outcomes, measure progress, evaluate and adapt;
- Provide zero waste expertise, envision and design policies, programs, outreach, incentives, compliance measures and enforcement, and guide implementation;
- Cultivate and supervise a team of 10 or more staff, and oversee the Zero Waste budget, contracts and grants;
- Collaborate productively with senior staff to further integrate zero waste across SF Environment program areas, ensure zero waste initiatives reflect key elements of other areas and inform decisions about the direction of the department; and
- Professionally represent SF Environment, serve as the primary evolutionary agent for service providers and department lead in any rate processes, act as principal contact with state and other agencies, and promote best zero waste practices internationally.
Supervision Exercised - This position manages the Zero Waste team, including direct supervision of Class 5642 Senior Environmental Specialists in the construction & demolition, commercial, residential and city government sectors.
Minimum Qualifications
Any of the Following Combinations Are Considered as Qualifying Training & Experience
- Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, and seven (7) years of professional experience managing and implementing environmental programs. Four (4) years of this experience must be in the area of recycling; OR
- Possession of a baccalaureate degree in public administration, business administration, environmental science or other field related to zero waste (including but not limited to environmental studies, economics or geography), from an accredited college, and five (5) years of professional experience managing and implementing environmental programs. Four (4) years of this experience must be in the area of recycling; OR
- Possession of a juris doctor or a master's degree in public administration, business administration, environmental science or other field related to zero waste (including but not limited to environmental studies, economics or geography), from an accredited college of university, and three (3) years of professional experience managing and implementing environmental programs in the area of recycling; OR
- Possession of a Ph.D. degree in public administration, business administration, environmental sciences or other field related to zero waste (including but not limited to environmental studies, economics or geography), from an accredited college or university, and two (2) years of professional experience managing and implementing environmental programs in the area of recycling.
AND
Special Conditions
- A minimum of two (2) years of zero waste experience; AND
- A minimum of two (2) years of experience supervising multiple employees concurrently or leading a team on a major project.
Note:
- One (1) year is equivalent to 2,000 hours worked. 2,000 hours of qualifying experience is based on a 40-hour work week.
- Qualifying experience can be gained concurrently.
The above minimum qualifications reflect special conditions associated with the position to be filled. They may differ from the standard minimum qualifications associated with this classification. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and special condition by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.
Desirable Qualifications - The desirable qualifications may be used to select among finalists at the end of the selection process. We do not expect any one candidate to have all the qualifications listed. We highly encourage you to apply if you are interested in joining us.
- Skilled in staff leadership, development, and project management.
- Experience gaining adoption of and compliance with legislation.
- Experience navigating and working in or with large organizations.
- Fluency in Cantonese, Spanish or other languages commonly spoken in San Francisco besides English.
- An understanding of equity, inclusion and diversity concepts.
Please note, applications will only be accepted via the City and County of San Francisco applicant tracking system.