California leads the nation in protecting the environment and minimizing the effects of climate change. As a state department, CalRecycle addresses how Californians use, manage, and dispose of resources—and the environmental impacts of those actions. This is an exciting time to join the team. Over the next several years, CalRecycle is implementing new recycling programs statewide that will revolutionize how materials are managed, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the volume of materials discarded in landfills. A key priority is equipping Local Education Agencies (LEA) and Non-Local Entities (NLE) with the guidance needed to implement and strengthen organic waste and edible food recovery (EFR) programs in accordance with SB 1383. These efforts are critical to meeting California’s mandate to reduce methane emissions and other short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP) by diverting organic material from landfills. Through education and outreach on preventing organic waste generation, recycling organic waste, composting, and edible food recovery, participants will help establish and strengthen compliant programs statewide. Responsibilities include leading waste-sorting school events to educate future generations on climate action, collaborating with CalRecycle staff to identify areas of need, and helping customize technical assistance tools and resources. Engagement in peer-matching and statewide technical assistance efforts will support LEAs and NLEs in building strong foundations for organic waste and EFR programs grounded in best management practices. This experience provides valuable insight into state government operations and positions participants to pursue careers within state service, local government, recycling haulers, and non-profits. Mentorship and professional connections are integral components of the experience, supporting pathways into long-term environmental careers. Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Research successful organic waste management programs in LEAs and NLEs to establish best practices to lay the foundation for comprehensive organic waste and EFR initiatives
- Cultivate peer-to-peer relationships with LEAs and NLEs statewide to foster knowledge exchange on the importance of climate action, volunteerism, and collaboration on sustainable waste management strategies
- Provide outreach and education to LEAs and NLEs on organic waste management and EFR programs, and support the implementation of effective organic waste reduction and EFR programs
- Assist LEAs and NLEs in developing and implementing institutionalized organic waste management and EFR programs, driving adoption in educational institutions throughout California
- Develop, plan, organize, and attend waste-sort school events
- Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact