Recycling Specialist Fieldworker

ReCREATE Waste Collaborative LLC is hiring a Recycling Specialist Fieldworker in California to conduct inspections of residential and commercial waste containers for contamination. The role is field-based, requiring travel within a 35-mile radius of San Diego, with meetings held remotely. The position is temporary, offering up to 24 hours per week, and candidates must have a personal vehicle. Shifts typically run from 6 AM to 12 PM, Monday through Friday.
Company Background


ReCREATE Waste Collaborative is a 15 person team based in Long Beach, California that supports municipal clients and waste haulers with implementing waste and recycling legislation and programs. ReCREATE specializes in educating businesses and residents about recycling contamination, establishing food donation programs in large grocery stores and chains, and reducing single-use plastic waste in business operations.


Our team consists of passionate waste and recycling consultants that have helped communities across the country with their waste programs. The job described below is a great opportunity to join a growing team that is at the forefront of behavior change in the meaningful field of environmental sustainability.


Job Description


ReCREATE is seeking to hire a Recycling Specialist I to assist with conducting inspections of curbside residential and commercial landfill, recycling, and organics containers to educate customers on the requirement to properly separate their waste. Inspectors visually inspect the contents of a resident’s containers to assess for contamination, record observations into a custom mobile application (the data collection tool), and leave an educational “cart tag” on the container when contamination is found. Inspectors do not touch or move any contents.


This position is 100% field based and the candidate is not required to come into an office. This position is being hired as a temporary non-exempt employee on an as-needed, project basis. .


Meetings with managers will be held remotely. The work locations vary and work will occur in an area of a roughly 35 mile radius and/or 1 hour drive time of the City of San Diego, CA. Start of day and end of day commute time in excess of 1 hour or will be compensated at the position’s regular rate of pay. Mileage will be reimbursed for the portion of travel in excess of 35 miles.


Multiple work locations may be visited in the course of a shift. Time and mileage are compensated for travel incurred between the first and last job location of the shift. The work environment is outdoors in residential neighborhoods. The candidate will meet other ReCREATE staff in the field at the beginning of the shift.


Shifts are typically 6 AM to 12 PM. Candidates can expect to work up to 24 hours per week, with varying days worked each week. Monday through Friday availability is required and schedules will be assigned at least two weeks in advance.


We are interested in applicants living in or near San Diego.


Candidates must have a personal vehicle as driving between work sites is required for the job.


For more information visit www.recreatecollab.com


Specific work tasks of the Recycling Specialist I position may include, but are not limited to, the following:


● Receives overview of SB 1383 contamination monitoring requirements

● Receives training on completing a route review inspection, including usage of the data collection tool

● Conducts in-person inspections of customers’ landfill, recycling, and organics containers to assess for contamination and leave cart tags as needed

● Accurately records inspection results into the data collection tool

● Tracks and records the number of inspections completed per route

● Maintains a high level of professionalism when interacting with members of the public, the team, and the client


Qualifications


● Waste and recycling industry experience

● Knowledge of California solid waste and recycling regulations, including SB 1383

● Knowledge of zero waste principles and practices

● Ability to work independently and to problem solve

● Strong time management and ability to meet deadlines

● Grasps concepts quickly and has good follow through skills

● Excellent written, public speaking and communication skills


Requirements


● Ability to be standing and walking the entirety of a 6-8 hour shift

● Ability to walk up to ½ mile at a time

● Candidate must possess personal vehicle

● Candidate must possess a mobile device with high speed internet


Compensation


● Based on experience and ability to demonstrate qualifications listed above ($28-$34/hr.)

● Full mileage reimbursement at federal rate from starting location to ending location

● Mobile data allowance when use of personal mobile device is required

● Flexible unpaid time off policy


How to Apply


For more information visit www.recreatecollab.com


Interested candidates are required to submit a brief statement describing why you are interested in this position and your availability to perform the duties within the dates provided, and a resume to info@recreatecollab.com. The deadline to apply is April 24, 2026.


For more information visit www.recreatecollab.com


Job Types: Part-time, Temporary


Pay: $28.00 - $34.00 per hour


Benefits:



Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person