EPR Program Lead: Regulatory & Cross-State Rollout

Recology; California; Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off and holidays

Health and wellness benefits

Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)

401(k) with company match

Educational assistance

Job summary

Recology is seeking a program-focused professional to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs across California, Oregon, and Washington, with emphasis on California SB 54. The role covers day-to-day project management, regulatory monitoring, reporting, and reimbursement coordination in a cross-functional setting.

The position is hybrid, expecting three days in the Sacramento office and two days remote, with collaboration across Operations, Finance, Legal, and Government Affairs

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in environmental compliance, regulatory affairs, project management, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Environmental Science, Public Policy, Business, Sustainability, or related field.
• Knowledge of regulatory programs and compliance requirements.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable business processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates implementation of packaging EPR programs across CA, OR, WA; plans for new programs.
• Tracks milestones, timelines and deliverables across workstreams.
• Translates regulatory requirements into actionable business, operational, and compliance plans.
• Identifies risks, gaps, dependencies, and emerging issues; escalates as needed.
• Monitors regulatory developments, rulemaking activities, and evolving EPR requirements.
• Participates in industry and stakeholder meetings to support compliance efforts.
• Coordinates cross-functional teams and develops processes, guidance, and tools for EPR execution.
• Synthesizes regulatory updates and communicates impacts to stakeholders.
• Aligns EPR strategies and compliance across programs and states.
• Manages relationships with PROs and oversees funding activities and forecasting.
• Maintains tools, trackers, dashboards, and performance metrics for EPR programs.

Skills

Regulatory affairs

Project management

Environmental compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Public Policy, Business, Sustainability, or related field

Tools

Microsoft 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint)

Job description

Location: 1074 - Recology Service Center - Sacramento office

This is a hybrid position, expected to come into the office 3 days per week, the rest from home.

Role of and EPR Program Manager

Under general direction, supports the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws and programs across California, Oregon, and Washington, with a primary focus on California’s SB 54. This role is responsible for day-to-day project management, regulatory monitoring, reporting and reimbursement coordination, and cross-functional execution to ensure successful program implementation and compliance.

• Coordinates implementation of packaging EPR programs across California, Oregon, and Washington and plans for new and emerging EPR programs, including batteries, textiles, and other covered product categories.
• Tracks milestones, timelines, deliverables, and implementation progress across workstreams.
• Translates regulatory requirements into actionable business, operational, and compliance plans.
• Identifies risks, gaps, dependencies, and emerging issues; escalates as needed.
• Monitors regulatory developments, rulemaking activities, and evolving EPR program requirements.
• Participates in industry working groups, regulatory workshops, stakeholder meetings, and advisory processes to support Recology's implementation and compliance efforts.
• Coordinates cross-functional implementation teams and develops internal processes, guidance, and tools to support EPR program execution.
• Synthesizes regulatory updates and communicates impacts, action items, and business implications to stakeholders.
• Aligns EPR strategies, processes, and compliance approaches across multiple programs and states.
• Manages relationships and coordination with Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), including responses to program requests and updates.
• Oversees EPR funding activities, including eligible cost tracking, reimbursements, reporting, financial documentation, and forecasting of anticipated funding impacts.
• Maintains tools, trackers, dashboards, and performance metrics related to EPR programs and funding.
• Reviews program plans, technical updates, agreements, compliance requirements, and jurisdictional exemption requests.
• Partners with Operations, Finance, Legal, and Government Affairs to assess impacts and ensure compliance.
• Coordinates reporting activities, data collection, required submissions, and cross-functional stakeholder engagement.
• Prepares leadership updates, implementation materials, meeting documentation, and follow-up actions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in environmental compliance, regulatory affairs, project management, waste and recycling operations, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Public Policy, Business, Sustainability, or related field preferred.
• Knowledge of regulatory programs, compliance requirements, and project implementation practices.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable business processes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information to diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and work independently under general direction.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and coordinating stakeholders to achieve business objectives.
• Experience managing complex projects involving regulatory, operational, financial, or compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs (including California SB 54, Oregon RMA, and Washington RRA) recycling systems, or producer responsibility organizations (PROs) strongly preferred.
• An ecologically innovative company that finds and mentors people committed to protecting the environment and sustaining our communities.
• The largest employee-owned resource recovery company in the industry with terrific benefits to help you prosper.
• A creative and caring culture that values community, diversity, altruism, accountability, collaboration, and learning by doing.
• An inspired company mission driven to use and return resources to their best and highest use through the practice of the 4R’s: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, and Recologize.
• Distinct professional challenges to connect with, care for, and grow community that sees a world without waste.

Recology Benefits May Include

• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, and vision.
• Retirement plans (Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with match).
• Annual wellness incentives.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Educational assistance.
• Employee referral program.

Supplemental Information

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job; and pursuant to applicable law, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal records. It is important that you provide accurate information on the job application, inaccurate information may cause delays in the processing of your application and/or may disqualify you as a candidate.

Recology is an equal opportunity employer committed to supporting an inclusive work environment where employees are valued, heard, and provided development opportunities. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis that is prohibited by law.

This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort, work conditions, and benefits associated with the job.