Environmental Resource Specialist (Recycling & Waste Reduction)

County of Napa; Napa (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Napa is seeking an Environmental Resource Specialist in the Public Works Department to develop and monitor recycling and solid waste programs in Napa County. The role requires coordinating presentations, managing grants, and ensuring compliance with CalRecycle regulations while engaging with residents, schools, and agencies.

The ideal candidate has three years of experience in recycling or conservation, a four-year degree in a relevant field, and a valid California driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Three years of work experience in recycling, solid waste management, natural resource conservation, environmental restoration, pollution prevention, or similar programs or projects.
• Bachelor's degree and coursework in natural sciences or environmental studies; master's preferred.
• Valid California driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and monitor solid waste reduction and recycling programs.
• Coordinate presentations and provide technical assistance on recycling regulations.
• Manage CalRecycle payment programs and grants.
• Plan household hazardous waste events and programs.
• Prepare reports and lead meetings with elected officials.

Skills

Communication

Public speaking

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science

Master’s degree (environmental field)

Job description

140,000 residents who share a strong sense of community and a legacy of preserving and protecting our rich agricultural heritage.

Located in the heart of California's preeminent wine region, the Napa Valley is also part of the dynamic San Francisco Bay Metropolitan Area. With its sunny Mediterranean climate and proximity to the mountains and ocean, the Valley offers residents easy access to virtually unlimited shopping, dining, cultural and recreational opportunities.

The Napa Valley's strategic location, natural and cultural resources, history of responsible land use planning and attractive quality of life provide the ideal mix of small-town living and big city amenities.

As an organization, the County is dedicated to improving the lives of our citizens and reflecting the best of the community's values: Respect, Accountability, Dedication, Integrity and Innovation. Learn more HERE.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill one (1) full-time vacancy for the position of Environmental Resource Specialist for the Public Works Department at Napa County.

The eligibility list established by this recruitment may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, limited term, and extra help vacancies for up to one year.

About the Position:

• Hourly Rate Pay Range: $49.69 (Step 1) - $59.36 (Step 5)
• View the Summary of Benefits HERE.
• *View the job description, including the examples of duties, HERE. *This class specification is currently in the process of being modified.

The Public Works Department at Napa County is dedicated to sustaining health, safety, quality of life and protection of natural resources by providing and maintaining public facilities and services in partnership with the community and other public agencies for current and future residents, workers, animals, and visitors of Napa County.

The Recycling and Waste Reduction Team is a part of the Solid Waste subdivision of the Public Works Department at Napa County. This team implements programs to reduce the volume of waste destined for landfills in order to conserve valuable natural resources and protect public health. The division oversees contracts with recycling and waste services companies that serve Lake Berryessa, Upper Napa Valley and unincorporated South Napa County.

The Environmental Resource Specialist will develop, implement and monitor a variety of solid waste reduction and recycling programs for the County. The position will coordinate and deliver presentations and provide technical assistance regarding recycling regulations to businesses, schools, government agencies and residents, manage CalRecycle payment programs and grants, plan and implement household hazardous waste events and programs, communicate with CalRecycle and franchised waste haulers, research, write and manage contracts for services, complete required reports to the State of California, write agendas for and lead meetings, write reports for and present information to elected officials, and perform other duties as assigned. Assignments will be received from the Supervising Environmental Resource Specialist. Our ideal candidate will be someone who can communicate well with a diverse set of audiences, is a team player, has a solid grasp of current recycling regulations in California and has three years of experience in the field of recycling or resource conservation.

Position Requirements:

• Experience:Three years of work experience in the fields of recycling, solid waste management, natural resource conservation, environmental restoration, pollution prevention, or similar programs or projects. Experience with outreach, education, publicity and advertising, budgeting, and grant management is desirable.
• Education:Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with coursework in the natural sciences, environmental studies, public health, or similar areas of study. Coursework in hazardous materials management, public education, public administration, or advertising and marketing is desirable. A master’s degree in an environmental field may be used to meet the minimum work experience.
• License or Certificate*:Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

*Any license, certification, registration, or appointment required for this position shall be maintained (i.e., active and in good standing) at all times during employment with Napa County. For continued employment with Napa County, you must maintain such license, certification, or registration to meet the minimum qualifications of this position.

The Recruitment & Selection Process:

• Online Application Deadline: By 5:00 pm PST on Friday, September 11, 2026
• Supplemental Question Scoring: Tentatively the week of September 14, 2026. Supplemental questions will be scored by subject matter experts. Only the most qualified applicants from the scoring of the supplemental questions will be invited for an Oral Exam (Panel Interview).
• Oral Exam (Panel Interview): Tentatively the week of September 28, 2026
• Establish Eligibility List: Tentatively the week of September 28, 2026. Only the most qualified candidates from the interview process will be placed on the eligibility list and may be considered to fill positions for up to one year.

The Human Resources Department reserves the right to change the recruitment process at any time.

View the full job description including the example of duties for this position HERE.

*This class specification is currently in the process of being modified.

Disaster Service Workers

Napa County employees automatically become Disaster Service Workers. This means that when Napa County experiences emergencies (earthquake, wildfire, power outage, etc.) you may be asked to pivot from your regular duties to provide critical services to those affected by the emergency (CA Govt Code § 3102).

ADA Accommodation

Applicants requiring accommodation during the application and/or selection process pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act should contact County of Napa Human Resources at [phone].

Napa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.