Senior Specialist - Recycling, National in Remote at Circular Action Alliance

Role Overview

The Recycling Specialist will be a critical, hands-on member of the Collections & Processing Recycling Operations team, supporting the design, implementation, and optimization of national recycling programs and material recovery initiatives. The primary focus of this role is to drive execution of key initiatives that increase the collection, recycling, and recovery of materials in the waste stream.

Reporting to the Director of Recycling Operations, this role provides dedicated program management, vendor oversight, and analytical support across a portfolio of initiatives. The position plays a key role in ensuring projects are effectively coordinated, executed on schedule, and translated into actionable insights that support strategic decision-making and state program implementation within an evolving Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) environment.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management & Execution

• Manage and oversee multiple concurrent recycling programs, pilots, and technical initiatives from planning through execution and completion
• Track timelines, deliverables, budgets, and risks across workstreams to ensure successful execution
• Ensure programs are delivered in alignment with defined scopes, contracts, and performance expectations
• Identify and resolve operational issues to maintain project momentum and quality

Vendor & Procurement Management

• Support development of scopes of work (SOWs), requests for proposals (RFPs), and procurement materials
• Assist in evaluation, scoring, and selection of vendors
• Manage vendor relationships and performance, ensuring deliverables are completed on time and meet quality standards
• Track contracts, invoices, and budgets to ensure financial accountability and alignment with approved scopes

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Collect, organize, and analyze operational and program data, including pilot results and technical studies
• Translate technical findings and data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations
• Develop dashboards, summaries, and reports to inform internal decision-making and program design
• Ensure data quality, consistency, and accessibility across projects

Technical Program Support

• Support execution of technical studies and operational assessments related to material recovery, waste characterization, and system performance
• Coordinate logistics, track study deliverables, and ensure alignment across internal and external stakeholders
• Contribute to development of standardized templates, tools, and processes to support program implementation

Strategy Development & Continuous Improvement

• Identify trends, gaps, and opportunities to improve recycling system performance and diversion outcomes
• Support development of program design recommendations, operational improvements, and investment strategies
• Drive continuous improvement through evaluation of program performance and incorporation of lessons learned
• Contribute to building internal capabilities and best practices in collection and processing systems

Stakeholder Management & Communication

• Collaborate with internal teams, vendors, municipalities, service providers, and industry partners
• Serve as a key coordination point across stakeholders to ensure alignment and effective communication
• Develop and deliver presentations summarizing program results, findings, and recommendations for internal leadership and external stakeholders
• Maintain clear and organized documentation of decisions, risks, and outcomes
• Other role related duties as assigned.

Skills & Competencies

• Experience working on diversion-related initiatives and implementing programs to achieve recycling, recovery, or waste reduction goals
• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects and vendor-supported work
• Familiarity with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, including state requirements, reporting frameworks, and performance goals
• Experience working with operational systems such as collection, processing, or material recovery infrastructure preferred

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in sustainability, environmental science, engineering, business, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in recycling, sustainability, waste management, consulting, or program management

Compensation & Other Information

• Location: Remote from the United States of America
• Pay Rate: Based on a variety of factors in accordance with applicable law including the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and experience.
• Reports To: Director – Recycling Operations

Circular Action Alliance is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you require accommodation as part of the application process, please contact careers@circularaction.org.