ZERO WASTE COORDINATOR

ZERO WASTE COORDINATOR
DEPARTMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Zero Waste Coordinator for the Sustainability and Resilience Department. Under the direction of the Director of Sustainability Projects and as part of the interdisciplinary team, the position will play active role in implementation of the City’s first Zero Waste Master Plan and will be guided by the Green Worcester Sustainability and Resilience Strategic Plan (GWP). The Zero Waste Coordinator plays an integral part in the City’s commitment to a more sustainable future through programs and projects focused on promoting waste reduction citywide. This position will work closely with the Department of Public Works, Worcester Public Schools, and other departments. This is an on-site position.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Coordinate the implementation of Zero Waste Master Plan strategies, many of which are complex, multi-year projects requiring collaboration across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Initiate and/or expand new programs to divert waste and increase awareness of recycling requirements to ensure compliance with state and local laws, in collaboration with residents, public schools, institutions, businesses and community groups.
• Organize and participate in waste collection events.
• Manage existing programs such as WooBins Pilot, Clean Streets Collective, and more.
• Collaborate with other departments and partners (such as Keep Worcester Clean and Quality of Life Team) and assist with resolution of operational issues related to zero waste strategies.
• Prepare and distribute educational and outreach materials for the Pay-as-You-Throw program and other zero waste strategies, using a variety of formats and platforms. Educate the public at community events about the City’s zero waste initiatives.
• Develop project summaries, research and policy memos for internal and external stakeholders.
• Pursue applicable MassDEP grants and other grant opportunities to advance zero waste goals.
• Prepare and submit required annual MassDEP reports on solid waste, recycling rates, etc.
• Review and propose changes to the policies, practices, ordinances and laws governing the collection, recycling and disposal of household solid waste.
• Lead student projects on topics of interest, including developing and piloting behavior change cam­paigns to promote waste reduction and reduce contami­nation of recyclables.
• Attend trainings, conferences, seminars, and meetings to remain knowledgeable of sustainable resource management practices.

 REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices and objectives of various aspects of Integrated Solid Waste Management.
• Ability to read, interpret, understand and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures, related to Integrated Solid Waste Management.
• Ability to understand and communicate complex sustainability issues in a simple manner to gain support for projects.
• Strong project planning and management skills.
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proficient with standard productivity software (MS-Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, etc.).
• Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adapt communication styles to different audiences.
• Willingness and ability to learn and think creatively.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for community events as necessary.
• Ability to travel to off-site locations for events and transport materials to and from events.
• Regular onsite attendance is required.

 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate’s Degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Community Development, Natural Resources, Public Health, or related field.
• One (1) year of experience working for a public agency.
• Two (2) years of experience in project management.
• Three (3) years of professional experience related to waste management.
• One (1) year of community outreach or public engagement experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and/or access to reliable transportation.

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Community Development, Natural Resources, Public Health, or related field
• Three (3) years of relevant professional experience related to waste management in the public sector
• Two (2) years of community outreach or public engagement experience.
• Waste management work experience in the New England area, particularly with an emphasis on waste management laws and regulations.

SALARY RANGE: $75,199 - $98,283 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.