Waste Reduction Policy Lead for Equitable Climate Action

City of Richmond; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 101,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Richmond's Office of Sustainability seeks a Waste Reduction Policy Advisor to lead the development, coordination, and implementation of Richmond's waste reduction strategy. This full-time role collaborates with Public Works, Procurement, and community partners to reduce landfill use and advance a circular economy while supporting RVAgreen 2050 goals.

Reporting to the Deputy Director, you will design programs, analyze data, and monitor progress toward citywide targets, engaging

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in sustainability, environmental science, public administration, urban planning, engineering, materials management, or field directly related to assignment
• Six years of progressively related experience that includes significant management and supervisory experience
• Minimum of three years of professional experience in waste reduction, recycling, circular economy, sustainability, or public sector program administration
• Experience managing multi-stakeholder projects and partnerships
• Knowledge of solid waste systems, recycling and commodities markets, composting operations, or extended producer responsibility policy
• Familiarity with municipal rate-setting, hauler contracts, and solid waste cost-of-service analysis
• Experience working with historically underserved communities and applying equity-centered program design

Responsibilities

• Review City operations across departments and facilities to identify waste generation patterns, gaps in diversion infrastructure, and opportunities for waste reduction.
• Identify, propose, and implement operational efficiencies that reduce waste, materials costs, and disposal costs across City government.
• Develop educational materials and curriculum content for waste reduction programming, including materials for schools, businesses, and community groups.
• Review solid waste and recycling rate analyses, cost-of-service data, and hauler contract terms to inform policy recommendations and support the transition toward more sustainable, cost-effective practices.
• Lead adoption of more sustainable organizational practices across City departments, including procurement standards, internal recycling and composting programs, and reduction of single-use materials.
• Develop policies, procedures, and performance metrics related to waste diversion, disposal reduction, and circular economy initiatives and report on those publicly where appropriate.
• Monitor, create, implement and support enforcement mechanisms of waste-related ordinances, including the Disposable Plastic Bag Tax and the polystyrene (EPS) food service container ban.
• Research best practices from peer local governments regarding municipal waste reduction, extended producer responsibility, and circular economy policy.
• Establish and facilitate cross-departmental coordination among the Office of Sustainability, Department of Public Works, Procurement Services, Parks and Recreation, and other relevant agencies.
• Analyze and maintain waste generation, diversion rates, tonnage data, and program performance metrics to track progress toward citywide waste reduction goals.
• Collect, analyze, and present data designed to ensure operational and cost efficiencies related to solid waste management.
• Develop and prepare reports, policy memos, presentations, and communication materials to disseminate program and policy information, including briefings for City leadership and City Council standing committees.
• Develop annual program targets and implementation benchmarks for waste diversion and reduction.
• Support website content development related to waste reduction programs and public-facing resources.
• Manage public education, communications, and outreach related to waste reduction, recycling, and composting (may include engagement events, workshops, and business outreach).
• Coordinate development of community partnerships with organizations supporting reuse, repair, and materials recovery.
• Identify opportunities to integrate waste reduction and circular economy principles into existing City initiatives, including capital projects and special events.
• Support alignment between waste reduction goals, procurement practices, and broader RVAgreen 2050 climate strategies.
• Develop strategies to leverage and braid funding sources, including waste tax revenue, grants, and state/federal circular economy programs.
• Identify and manage external funding opportunities and report on grant-related deliverables.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Waste reduction

Data analysis

Project management

Communication

Equity-centered design

Education

Bachelor's degree in sustainability/environmental science/public administration/urban planning or related field

Six years of progressively related experience with management

Three years in waste reduction/recycling/circular economy/public sector programs

Experience managing multi-stakeholder projects

Knowledge of solid waste systems and policies

Familiarity with municipal rate-setting and hauler contracts

Equity-focused program design experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The City of Richmond's Office of Sustainability seeks a Waste Reduction Policy Advisor to lead the development, coordination, and implementation of Richmond's waste reduction strategy. This full-time role collaborates with Public Works, Procurement, and community partners to reduce landfill use and advance a circular economy while supporting RVAgreen 2050 goals.

Reporting to the Deputy Director, you will design programs, analyze data, and monitor progress toward citywide targets, engaging