Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Waste Program Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

The Waste Program Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing waste management programs that align with organizational sustainability goals and regulatory requirements. This role focuses on waste reduction, diversion, recycling, and compliance initiatives while collaborating with internal stakeholders, vendors, and regulatory agencies to drive efficient and sustainable waste practices.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Environmental Technician / Field Inspector
Solid Waste or Recycling Coordinator
Regulatory Compliance Assistant

Advancement To:

Senior Waste Program Specialist / Lead
Waste Management Program Manager
Environmental Services Manager or Director

Lateral Moves:

Grants & Contracts Manager (Environmental Programs)
Environmental Policy Analyst
Compliance and Enforcement Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive solid and hazardous waste programs, including permitting, compliance monitoring, enforcement, and long-term planning to meet federal (EPA), state, and local requirements.
Conduct routine and complaint-driven inspections of transfer stations, landfills, recycling facilities, hazardous waste generators, and collection events to verify compliance with permits, manifests, and regulatory standards; prepare detailed inspection reports and follow-up enforcement actions.
Review, process, and recommend approval or denial of solid waste and hazardous waste permit applications, modifications, renewals, and closure/post-closure plans, ensuring completeness and technical correctness.
Evaluate facility operations and technical submittals (engineering plans, closure designs, liner systems, groundwater monitoring plans) and provide technical comments or conditions to ensure environmental protection and regulatory compliance.
Lead hazardous waste generator compliance programs, including generator classification (VSQG, SQG, LQG), generator outreach, tracking of manifests, and audits of generator records and on-site practices.
Develop and administer grant-funded programs (e.g., recycling grants, household hazardous waste collection grants), prepare grant applications, manage budgets, monitor performance, provide required reporting, and ensure contract compliance.
Plan and coordinate household hazardous waste (HHW) and electronic waste (e-waste) collection events, vendor selection, contractor oversight, logistics, and safety protocols to maximize participation and regulatory compliance.
Investigate complaints and reports of illegal dumping, open burning, illicit disposal, and other waste-related violations; gather evidence, document findings, coordinate removal actions, and support enforcement proceedings when necessary.
Maintain and update program databases, manifests, inspection records, and regulatory documentation; ensure accurate records management to support audits, legal actions, and performance reporting.
Prepare clear, technically sound environmental enforcement documents including notices of violation, consent orders, administrative penalties, and case files for legal or regulatory actions.
Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies (e.g., EPA, state environmental agencies, fire departments) on permitting, inspections, emergency response, and interagency investigations related to waste management.
Provide technical assistance and training to regulated entities, municipal staff, and contractors on waste handling best practices, regulatory requirements, manifesting, and spill response.
Develop and implement public outreach and education campaigns on recycling, waste reduction, composting, hazardous waste disposal, and community stewardship; prepare outreach materials, presentations, and web content.
Design program performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs); collect, analyze, and visualize program data to demonstrate outcomes, support continuous improvement, and inform annual or quarterly reporting.
Manage contracts and consultant relationships for environmental sampling, engineering design, waste hauling, and facility operations; develop scopes of work, evaluate proposals, monitor deliverables, and ensure compliance with procurement policies.
Support emergency response and mitigation activities for hazardous materials incidents at waste facilities or illegal dumping sites, including coordination with emergency responders and oversight of remediation contractors.
Prepare technical reports, memos, and briefing materials for management, elected officials, boards, and the public that summarize program performance, compliance trends, and recommended regulatory updates.
Participate in policy and ordinance development or revision to strengthen local waste management rules, permitting frameworks, and enforcement authorities, including drafting language and providing technical justification.
Implement waste reduction and diversion initiatives such as single-stream recycling programs, organics/composting programs, construction & demolition (C&D) recycling strategies, and producer responsibility programs.
Conduct environmental monitoring review (e.g., groundwater, stormwater, air emissions) associated with waste facility permits and closures; coordinate sample collection, laboratory selection, data review, and technical interpretation.
Maintain up-to-date familiarity with relevant laws and regulations (e.g., RCRA, CERCLA basics, state solid waste statutes), industry best practices, and emerging technologies that affect waste program operations and compliance strategies.
Serve as a subject matter resource for interdepartmental projects such as capital planning for waste infrastructure, facility siting analysis, and regional solid waste planning efforts.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior staff or seasonal inspectors, reviewing field reports, providing feedback on inspection procedures, and supporting professional development.

Secondary Functions

Provide support for program budgeting: prepare cost estimates, track expenditures, and forecast grant match requirements and budgetary impacts of regulatory changes.
Compile and respond to public records requests and prepare accessible summaries for public information releases.
Assist with GIS mapping and spatial analysis to track illegal dump sites, waste facility locations, service coverage, and program outcomes.
Participate in stakeholder working groups, advisory committees, and regional planning meetings to coordinate multi-jurisdictional waste strategies.
Support pilot projects and feasibility studies for new collection technologies, processing facilities, or waste-to-energy initiatives.
Assist in the procurement process: draft RFPs/RFQs for waste hauling/processing contracts, evaluate bids, and support contract negotiation and vendor management.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Solid knowledge of federal, state, and local waste management statutes and regulations (e.g., RCRA, state solid waste codes, local ordinances).
Experience conducting regulatory inspections and preparing inspection reports, notices of violation, and enforcement case files.
Permit review and technical evaluation skills for solid waste facilities, transfer stations, and hazardous waste handling operations.
Hazardous waste management knowledge, including manifest systems, generator classification, and hazardous waste identification and classification.
Grant writing, grant administration, and federal/state funding compliance (budget tracking, performance reporting).
Contract and vendor management — preparing scopes of work, evaluating proposals, monitoring deliverables, and enforcing contract terms.
Data management and analysis skills — database administration for manifests/inspections, Excel proficiency (advanced functions, pivot tables), and experience with environmental data systems.
Familiarity with environmental sampling oversight and interpretation of laboratory reports (groundwater, soil, air).
GIS and spatial analysis skills for mapping facilities, illegal dumpsites, and program service areas (ArcGIS or QGIS experience a plus).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience producing professional technical reports and presentations.
Emergency preparedness and response knowledge specific to waste incidents and hazardous materials (coordination with HazMat teams).
Experience with public outreach strategies, educational program development, and stakeholder facilitation.
Familiarity with recordkeeping and reporting systems for manifests, manifests tracking, and state-required electronic reporting portals.

Soft Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills — able to translate technical concepts into clear language for the public, elected officials, and regulated entities.
Project management and organizational skills — ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and budgets simultaneously.
Analytical thinking and problem-solving — interpret technical data, identify trends, and propose practical corrective actions or program improvements.
Interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills — build consensus with diverse groups including municipalities, haulers, industry, and community groups.
Attention to detail and strong documentation habits for legal defensibility of enforcement and permitting actions.
Conflict resolution and negotiation skills — handle non-compliance situations tactfully while achieving regulatory objectives.
Adaptability and resilience — comfortable shifting between field inspections, office tasks, and emergency responses.
Leadership and mentoring capability to guide junior staff and contractors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Public Administration, Natural Resources, Chemistry, or a related technical field.

Preferred Education:

Master's degree in Environmental Management, Public Policy, Environmental Engineering, or related field.
Professional certifications such as Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), Registered Environmental Manager (REM), or equivalent state certifications.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Environmental Science / Environmental Studies
Civil or Environmental Engineering
Public Administration / Public Policy
Chemistry / Geology / Natural Resources
Waste Management or Sustainability

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–7 years of progressively responsible experience in waste management, environmental compliance, permitting, inspections, or related regulatory programs.

Preferred:

5+ years of experience administering solid and/or hazardous waste programs, including permitting, inspections, enforcement, and grant management.
Demonstrated experience working with state/federal environmental agencies and familiarity with EPA programs and guidance.
Experience supervising staff or managing contractors and cross-functional project teams.
Training or certification in hazardous waste handling and emergency response (e.g., HAZWOPER 24/40-hour training) is highly desirable.