Zero Waste Program Director

About the San Jose Conservation Corps (SJCC+CS):

One of the first urban conservation corps in the country, the San Jose Conservation Corps + Charter School was founded in 1987 to empower young adults aged 18 to 27 (“Corpsmembers”) to upskill themselves and advance their career in conservation and green spaces. Today, SJCC+CS continues to operate its 1-year-long paid workforce development program, while also functioning as a WASC-accredited charter high school, allowing those who have aged out of the traditional education system to earn their high school diploma.

SJCC+CS offers an engaging work environment focused on growth, teamwork, and making a positive impact. We value collaboration, respect diverse perspectives, and provide opportunities for employees to contribute their skills to create a hopeful and sustainable community. Whether you’re passionate about education and development, environmental conservation, or community engagement, joining our team means embracing a shared commitment to service and the chance to make a meaningful difference. Be a part of our mission to create transformational change and learn more at www.sjcccs.org.

Position Summary:

The Zero Waste Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the SJCC+CS recycling and Zero Waste social enterprise. This role combines strategic leadership, operational management, and workforce development to ensure the program meets its goals for job training, revenue generation, and environmental impact.

Key responsibilities include developing and implementing recycling and waste diversion projects funded through government grants and customer contracts, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and high-quality service delivery. The Director will lead efforts to expand the program’s reach by identifying and developing new revenue streams and creating additional training opportunities for corpsmembers.

The position also includes oversight of SJCC+CS disaster response deployments, which currently fall under the Zero Waste program. While the Director manages the planning, coordination, and professionalism of these deployments, they are not required to deploy personally each time.

Overall, the Zero Waste Director is responsible for maintaining excellence in program operations, fostering innovation, and expanding SJCC+CS’s Zero Waste initiatives into new markets while upholding the organization’s mission of environmental stewardship and workforce development.

Benefits of Working at SJCC+CS

• Health: SJCC+CS offers group health insurance through Kaiser, and Dental / Vision insurance through Principal. The organization covers 100% of the premium for staff member’s dental, vision, Long Term Disability, Life, and AD&D insurance.
• Financial: Retirement savings plan with up to 3% employer match after 1 year of service, credit union membership and benefits, Tuition Reimbursement program for associate or bachelor’s degree, and FSA
• Time Off: Paid holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave, Bereavement Leave, and Jury Duty leave. Other unpaid leave of absence options are available, such as Medical, Military, Parental, and Family Care Leave.
• Other: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Pet Insurance, and Supplemental insurance plans available (Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Short Term Disability, and more).

Minimum Qualifications:

• One of the following must apply:
  • High School Diploma or GED + 6 years of relevant work experience and/or training in recycling/zero waste management programs
  • Associate’s degree in related field + 5 years of relevant work experience and/or training in recycling/zero waste management programs
  • Bachelor’s degree in related field + 4 years of relevant work experience and/or training in recycling/zero waste management programs
• 4 years of experience managing personnel, leading teams, or overseeing the work of others.
• Knowledge of recycling policies, laws and requirements.
• Experience with public and/or private grant development; business and/or contract development.
• Commitment to environmental stewardship and working with urban youth.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in the United States. Please be informed that San Jose Conservation Corps + Charter School will NOT sponsor, represent, or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

Medical Verification: State law requires all employees working with youth to provide medical verification of negative tuberculosis test results within the last year. Employees will also be required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Background Check and Fingerprinting: If the position is offered and accepted, candidates will be required to undergo Live Scan Fingerprinting as well as a background check, which includes a state and federal criminal history record check.

Drug Screen: If the position is offered and accepted, candidates will be required to undergo and pass a 5-panel drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in Environmental Studies, Sustainability, or related field from college or university;
• Three years of program management experience involving training young adults;
• Public and/or private grant development;
• Business and/or contract development.