Recycling Processing Specialist

Role Overview

The Recycling Processing Specialist leads key aspects of Circular Action Alliance’s (CAA) recycling operations in California by managing relationships with recycling service providers, including material recovery facilities (MRFs), transfer stations, organic processors, and downstream service providers. The role is accountable for driving contract lifecycle activities, data integrity, operational assessments, and documentation required for SB 54 program implementation and reimbursement.

This position is responsible for leading service provider outreach, reimbursement application readiness, and initiatives to improve recycling processing, strengthen material quality and acceptance, reduce contamination, and move recyclables to responsible end markets. Working closely with internal teams and external partners, the Specialist evaluates facility and material flow data, develops actionable recommendations, and drives execution in support of program implementation and continuous improvement. The role requires sound judgment, strong organization, clear communication, and the ability to independently manage operational priorities, onsite facility audits, cross-functional follow-through, and make decisions that are aligned with CAA material strategy and regulatory objectives.

The Specialist serves as CAA’s primary operational liaison with recycling service providers, ensuring clear communication, informed decision-making, accurate information exchange, and accountability across program, contract, and reimbursement activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead assigned recycling processing work streams by synthesizing service provider and facility input, preparing concise recommendations, and driving follow-up actions to keep priorities on track.
• Own ongoing engagement and relationship management with service providers, including MRF operators, transfer station operators, and downstream processing partners.
• Schedule, lead, and document service provider and facility interviews, virtual meetings, and onsite visits.
• Oversee the collection, validation, and organization of operational data with recycling service providers, including inbound material streams, throughput, contamination rates, recovery rates, residue management, and staffing.
• Lead assigned service provider participation in reimbursement activities by defining information needs, confirming completeness and accuracy, and managing required follow-up actions.
• Maintain accurate records, trackers, and documentation to support reporting and reimbursement activities.
• Prepare recommendations on service provider feedback, operational constraints, risks, and improvement opportunities for leadership review and decision-making.
• Lead recycling operations input into service provider contracting to shape contract terms, service standards, and performance requirements.
• Manage coordination between CAA internal departments and recycling service providers during contract negotiations, including tracking redlines, questions, and open items to resolution.

• Ensure contract language reflects facility realities such as throughput, contamination, material quality, residue management, and staffing constraints.
• Track contract status, negotiation milestones, and compliance documentation in coordination with internal teams.
• Monitor recycling service provider compliance with contracted service standards by identifying operational risks, data gaps, and performance concerns and driving corrective follow-up.
• Own performance monitoring for assigned providers by compiling key metrics, identifying trends and risks, and recommending corrective actions.
• Drive coordination with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent information flow, aligned messaging, timely issue resolution, and execution against commitments.
• Own special projects, including pilot documentation, market research, and internal process improvements related to processing capacity and end-market development as required.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Skills & Competencies

• Working knowledge of recycling processing systems and terminology, including residue, bale quality, contamination, and end markets, with the ability to quickly learn site-specific process flows.
• Ability to lead relationship-based contract discussions and iterative redlining by synthesizing feedback, recommending positions, documenting changes, and maintaining clear accountability across stakeholders.
• Familiarity with plastics and polymers, including resin codes, polymer families, common packaging formats, and the effects of contamination and moisture on bale quality and end-market specifications.
• Ability to collect,validate, and document operational data such as throughput, downtime drivers, inbound and outbound streams, contamination, recovery, and residue disposition, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to organize and interpret recycling service provider and facility data, identify trends and gaps, escalate issues appropriately, and make informed operational recommendations.
• Understanding of core performance metrics and continuous improvement concepts, such as KPIs, root-cause thinking, and standard work, as applied to processing operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical information into clear recommendations, decision-ready summaries, and updates for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with common productivity and data tools, including spreadsheets, documents, and presentations, and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Professional, service-oriented approach when working with service providers, jurisdictions, and vendors, with the ability to build trust and follow through consistently.
• Strong time management skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple workstreams, meet deadlines, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Commitment to safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement in all service provider and facility interactions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Environmental Studies, or a related field relevant to recycling processing, industrial operations, or material flow systems.
• Five or more years of relevant experience in recycling processing, solid waste, manufacturing or industrial operations, data analysis, or program administration.
• Experience working in or with equipment-intensive processing environments, such as material recovery facilities (MRFs), transfer stations, manufacturing plants, or similar industrial operations, with familiarity with facility equipment, process flow, and operational constraints.
• Ability to travel for facility visits and meetings.

Compensation & Other Information

Location: Remote (California)

Reports To: Senior Recycling Processing Manager