EPR Program Manager

International Executive Service Corps; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health benefits

401(k) with match

Education assistance

Commuting benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Recology in California is seeking an experienced Environmental Compliance Program Manager to lead day-to-day implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs across California, Oregon, and Washington, with a focus on SB 54. You will coordinate cross-functional teams and translate regulations into actionable plans.

The role requires strong project management, stakeholder communication, and tracking of funding and reimbursements.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in environmental compliance, regulatory affairs, project management, waste and recycling operations, or 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 with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint).

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Environmental compliance

Regulatory affairs

Project management

Waste & recycling operations

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Microsoft 365

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science/Public Policy/Business/Sustainability

Tools

Microsoft 365 Suite

Job description

Role

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.

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

Essential Responsibilities

• 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.

Recology Offers

• 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.
• Commuting benefits.
• 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.