Solid Waste and Recycling Manager - Paso Robles

This recruitment is open until filled and may close at any time. · To be considered with the next pull of applications, apply today · The City of Paso Robles is seeking a Solid Waste and Recycling Manager to lead and innovate the City's solid waste programs within the Utilities D ...

Job description

This recruitment is open until filled and may close at any time.

To be considered with the next pull of applications, apply today

The City of Paso Robles is seeking a Solid Waste and Recycling Manager to lead and innovate the City's solid waste programs within the Utilities Department.

This high-impact role drives regulatory compliance, operational improvements at the Paso Robles Landfill, and community recycling initiatives while serving as the City's expert on integrated waste programs.

The position involves complex, politically sensitive work that demands strategic thinking, sound judgment, and strong community awareness.

The Solid Waste and Recycling Manager will cultivate key relationships with regulatory agencies, service providers, local businesses, and community organizations, while developing creative programs to expand recycling and materials re-use.

We're looking for a self-motivated, results-oriented professional with strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills who can communicate complex information clearly.

This is your chance to make a real difference in the community and the environment while shaping the future of solid waste management in Paso Robles.

About Paso Robles

Nestled in the heart of California's scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or "The Pass of the Oaks"—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity.

Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community.

The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation.

With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.

Paso Robles' central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions.

Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation.

This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool.

To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views.

Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo.

From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers' markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life.

Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals.

But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene.

Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round.

A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work.

Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm.

The Organization

The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government.

As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.

The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents.

These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs.

The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.

The governing body consists of a five-member

City Council:
the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan.

The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.

The City operates with a total annual budget of $145.7 million for fiscal year and employs full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager's Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

Typical Duties

The following duties are typical of this classification.

Incumbents may not perform all of the duties set forth below and/or may be required to perform additional related duties to address City needs and changing business practices.

Manage the City's solid waste program activities to protect public health, safety, and the environment.
Monitor and ensure that solid waste sites and program operations comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

Oversee the City's contract waste hauler and maintain the exclusive franchise agreement, ensuring compliance with service levels and regulatory requirements.

Collaborate with the landfill operator on major improvements, including partial final closure, and with the contract hauler on planning, financial analysis, and solid waste rate studies.

Administer SB 1383 regulations and provide periodic updates to the City's solid waste ordinance.
Lead contract processes, including RFP development, bidding, provider selection, negotiation, policy development, contract administration, and performance monitoring.
Prepare and manage the program's budgets, including special funds and grants, monitoring expenditures, and compiling operational and financial reports.
Pursue and administer county, state, and federal grants to support program initiatives.
Plan, organize, and implement programs to promote recycling, composting, waste reduction, and pollution prevention in the community.
Establish and maintain relationships with the press, community groups, organizations, and agencies to publicize and promote programs.

Collaborate and coordinate with the San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA) on inspections of food service establishments and other organic waste generators, as needed.

Serve as the City's representative to IWMA task forces and provide technical support to the City's elected representative to the IWMA board.

Conduct data analyses of waste streams, program costs, and compliance with State and regional mandates.

Participate in the development and revision of solid waste, recycling, and waste reduction policies to comply with changing regulatory requirements.

Analyze proposed regional, state, and federal legislation affecting solid waste management.
Work with landfill contractor to expand material recovery, re-use, and processing at landfill.
Explore advance technologies for material processing at landfill to expand recovery.
Collaborate throughout the organization to advance solid waste programs and initiatives.
Work with the Community Development Department to ensure proper recovery of solid waste for new development.

Employment Standards & Special Requirements

Knowledge Of

Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations affecting solid waste, recycling, composting, and pollution prevention programs.

Current and emerging policies, procedures, rules, and regulations relating to solid waste, recycling, household hazardous waste, and source reduction programs.

Solid waste and recycling operations, collection, disposal, transfer, and recovery methods, and related technologies.

Principles and practices of effective program and project management, including goal setting, work plan development, budgeting, execution, tracking, evaluation, and reporting.

Permitting, contract negotiation, and administration principles.
Occupational safety and health rules, including safe handling of hazardous materials.
Municipal governance and the function and organization of City departments and services.
Public agency budget development, administration, and accountability.
Effective technical report preparation, presentation, and English usage.
Computer applications, including Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).


Ability To:
Interpret, apply, and explain complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
Create community outreach materials.
Analyze solid waste and recycling issues, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions.
Track and analyze program costs, usage patterns, and operational data.
Develop, implement, and adjust strategic plans to respond to emerging trends and changing conditions.
Manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet critical deadlines.
Prepare and present clear, concise, and persuasive written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, and procedures.
Communicate effectively on politically, socially, and culturally sensitive issues, both verbally and in writing.

Build and maintain effective working relationships with regulatory agencies, franchised service providers, other municipalities, City staff, elected officials, community groups, business leaders, media, and the public.

Collaborate with City staff to coordinate efforts that promote solid waste and recycling programs and keep the community informed through social media, press releases, and the City website.

Apply tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Apply customer service skills, including identifying customer needs, responding to complaints professionally, and ensuring commitments are met.
Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations and plan complex projects, including use of materials and resources efficiently.

Education/Experience

Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be equivalent to:

Graduation from a four-year college or university; and
Minimum of six years of progressively responsible, related professional experience. Experience in municipal recycling and solid waste management is highly desirable. A background in solid waste hauling and disposal is preferred.

A concentration in Environmental Science, Public Administration, Sustainability Studies, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

Experience working with regulatory agencies is highly desirable.

Additional experience as outlined above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the educational requirement up to a maximum of two years.

Licenses And Certifications

Must possess a valid California class C driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.

Selection Procedure & Application Process

This recruitment is open until filled and may close at any time.

To be considered with the next pull of applications, apply today Please submit a completed employment application, resume, and cover letter.

Responsibilities

Your cover letter (3 pages maximum) must demonstrate how your direct professional experience aligns with the core responsibilities of the Solid Waste and Recycling Manager role.

Using specific examples from your work history, address the following:

Regulatory Compliance & Program Leadership Describe a time you successfully managed compliance with state or local waste regulations (e.g., SB 1383, CalRecycle reporting, or similar mandates).

Include the scope of the program, your role, and measurable outcomes (e.g., diversion rates, audit results).

Contract & Franchise Management Provide a concrete example of overseeing a waste hauling, recycling, organics processing, or regional waste authority contract.

Detail your involvement in RFP development, negotiation, performance monitoring, or rate analysis—and the financial or operational impact achieved.

Community Impact & Innovation Share a real initiative you led to expand recycling, reduce contamination, or engage the public (e.g., education campaign, business partnership, grant-funded project).

Quantify results (e.g., tons diverted, participation increase, cost savings).

This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

Applications received by the filing date will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness and job related qualifications.

A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams.

All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.

Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment background and criminal history check.

Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States and a DMV driving record.

The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at ). Following appointment, a twelve-month probationary period may be required as the final phase of the appointment process.

The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment.

If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at , or by email at

All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "Disaster Service Workers" as defined in the California Government Code Section 3100 and 3101.

The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.

Photos by @brittanyapp

Leave Benefits

Vacation:
Accrual of hours per year based on years of City service

Sick:
Accrual of 96 hours per year

Holidays: 14 days per year

Administrative Leave: 80 hours per year

Health And Wellness

Medical:

The City contributes up to $956.28 per month for employee-only coverage, $1,721.30 for employee plus one, and $2,113.38 for family coverage.

Under the lowest-cost PPO plan, current employee monthly premiums are $0 (employee only), $ employee + one), and $ family).

Employees who waive coverage may be eligible for a $300 monthly cash-in-lieu payment.

Dental:
The City pays 100% of employee coverage and partial family coverage

Vision:
The City pays 100% of employee and family coverage

Life Insurance:
$200,000 employee-only coverage paid by the City

Long Term Disability Insurance:
City pays the full premium for coverage of 66.67% of the employee's monthly salary up to a limit of $12,000

Flexible Spending Account:
Allows you to pay for dependent care and unreimbursed medical expenses on a pre-tax basis.

Employee Assistance Program:
$200,000 employee-only coverage paid by the City

Retirement


CalPERS:
Tier 1: 2.5% at 55; employee contribution of 10% (8% member contribution plus 2% cost sharing)
Tier 2: 2% at 60; employee contribution of 10% (7% member contribution plus 3% cost sharing)


PEPRA:
2% at 62; current employee contribution of 10.75% (one-half of the normal cost, currently 7.75%, plus 3% cost sharing)
457

Deferred Compensation:
The City contributes $192.31 per pay period. Employees may contribute pre-tax, Roth (post-tax), or both to maximize retirement savings.

Social Security:
Both the City and employee contribute to Social Security
Additional Benefits

Bilingual Pay:
Spanish verbal services: $46.15 per pay period; written services: $11.54 per pay period

Education Reimbursement:
Up to $3,000 per fiscal year for job-related coursework

Retiree Health Reimbursement:
Up to $500 per month until the age of 65 for employees who retire from the City with at least 20 years of service

For additional details, please refer to the MGMT Wage and Benefit Summary available on the City's website here.

01

A resume and cover letter are REQUIRED. Failure to do so may disqualify you from proceeding in the application process.

Your cover letter (3 pages maximum) must demonstrate how your direct professional experience aligns with the core responsibilities of the Solid Waste and Recycling Manager role.

Using specific examples from your work history, address the following: 1.

Regulatory Compliance & Program Leadership Describe a time you successfully managed compliance with state or local waste regulations (e.g., SB 1383, CalRecycle reporting, or similar mandates).

Include the scope of the program, your role, and measurable outcomes (e.g., diversion rates, audit results). 2.

Contract & Franchise Management Provide a concrete example of overseeing a waste hauling, recycling, organics processing, or regional waste authority contract.

Detail your involvement in RFP development, negotiation, performance monitoring, or rate analysis—and the financial or operational impact achieved. 3.

Community Impact & Innovation Share a real initiative you led to expand recycling, reduce contamination, or engage the public (e.g., education campaign, business partnership, grant-funded project).

Quantify results (e.g., tons diverted, participation increase, cost savings). Have you uploaded both a resume and cover letter?

Yes
No
Required Question