POLICY AND RESOURCES SPECIALIST (SANITATION)

City of Torrance; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Torrance is seeking a proactive Policy and Resources Specialist to assist with development, implementation, and management of the City’s waste diversion and recycling programs within the Sanitation Division.

You will support budget preparation, regulatory reporting, and public outreach, while staying current on applicable laws and trends related to solid waste management and organics diversion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• 3 years of environmental resources or sanitation experience, with at least 1 year in a lead or supervisory role.
• Knowledge of budgeting, reporting, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage sanitation programs and waste diversion initiatives.
• Prepare the annual Sanitation Division budget and conduct analyses.
• Coordinate with CalRecycle; monitor SB1383/AB939/AB341/AB1826 compliance.
• Lead public outreach and create multimedia educational materials.

Skills

Sanitation program mgmt

Budgeting knowledge

Public policy analysis

Stakeholder comms

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration

Tools

California driver’s license

Job description

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.

The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.

The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Policy and Resources Specialist to be part of the Sanitation Division!

The Department

The Public Works Department is responsible for providing the essential infrastructure needs of the City. The department is made up of over 200 employees who provide service to our residents, businesses, and other City departments to improve and maintain the City's streets, sidewalks, landscaping, traffic, sewers and water system. The Department is comprised of six divisions: Engineering, Sanitation, Street Operations, Streetscape, Water and Administration.

The Division

The Sanitation Services Division handles residential and City facility trash and recycling collection, waste diversion and recycling programs, street sweeping, sewer lines, and wastewater programs.

The Position

The City of Torrance is seeking a proactive and team-oriented Policy and Resources Specialist to assist with development, implementation, and management of the City's waste diversion and recycling programs.

The Policy and Resources Specialist coordinates assigned Department enterprise-funded sanitation program activities to ensure achievement of City, Department, and Division objectives. This position develops programs and policy recommendations for the implementation of or changes to integrated waste management, municipal solid waste; street sweeping, and organics waste diversion; develops and implements wastewater and storm water programs; including all required regulatory reporting; and coordinates the City-wide household hazardous waste collection program in conjunction with other public and private agencies.

This Policy and Resources Specialist assists in the preparation of the annual budget of the Sanitation Division, conducts research and complex analyses, develops recommendations, and prepares reports for management; serves as City liaison with CalRecycle and submits annual reports to CalRecycle and LARA; analyzes applicable legislation and keeps abreast of laws, rules, regulations, trends and innovations applicable to assigned area of specialty with focus on SB1383, AB939, AB341 and AB1826; and conducts public outreach and public education activities, including public speaking and creating of multi-media educational materials.

Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree from a college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy, Environmental Planning, Biology, or a related field.

Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in environmental resources related to sanitation which includes at least one (1) year of lead or supervisory experience of at least one major environmental resources program.

Licenses and/or Certificates

A valid California driver’s license.

Successful candidates will possess the following:

• Experience in sanitation and recycling program management;
• Background and knowledgeable in California environmental compliance programs related to recycling mandates;
• Knowledge and principles of budgeting and fiscal management;
• Ability to accurately compile and maintain statistical data;
• Strong customer service skills;
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with management, staff, the public, contractors, and public agencies;
• Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components:

Performance Test: Weighted 40% & Interview Panel: Weighted 60% (Tentatively scheduled on 11/5/2026)

The performance test will be conducted first, followed by the interview panel.

As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check and a pre-employment medical examination.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s).

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

The City of Torrance Inclusion Statement

The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!