Host: Solano County
Region: Northern California
Openings: 1
Project Focus: Climate Mitigation, Waste Management
Skills Needed: Project Management, Data Analysis, Communication

Service Needs & Plans

Solano County’s Department of Resource Management includes the Division of Planning Services which is responsible for the County’s Climate Action Plan and Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan. Separately, these plans require implementation of policy activities through mandated and non-mandated programs and services. Together, they address the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions at the local level that contribute to statewide efforts to mitigate climate change.
The most significant of California’s efforts is the enactment of the Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Bill of 2016 (SB 1383). It was designed to reduce the global warming gas – methane – that results from the anaerobic breakdown of organic waste in landfills. Organic waste is comprised of green waste, wood waste, food waste, but also fibers, such as paper and cardboard. The disposal of these combined materials makeup two-thirds of the waste stream and thereby contribute to landfills being the third largest producer of methane.

SB 1383 establishes regulatory requirements for jurisdictions to support achievement of a statewide organic waste disposal reduction target of 75% by the year 2025 beginning January 1, 2022. These regulations aim to divert organic waste to recycling. The resulting benefits to Solano County are a reduction in local air quality emissions, redirection of edible food to those in need, and an extension to landfill capacity.

Project Description

The Fellow will lead the coordination of the County’s capacity planning for organic waste recycling as required by SB 1383. This requires coordination with the County’s seven incorporated cities on tasks including:

1. Establish a collaborative approach to this planning, including setting a timeline, identifying tasks, and determining the tasks for each city and the county that serves the unincorporated areas
2. Collect organic waste recycling tons and capacity information from each of the cities and county
3. Identify the amount in tons of existing, new, or expanded organic waste recycling infrastructure capacity, located both in the county and outside of the county, that is verifiably available to each city and the county
4. Estimate the amount of new or expanded organic waste recycling facility capacity that is necessary to process the estimated amount of organic waste that will be disposed by organic waste generators
5. Identify the jurisdictions that do not have enough organic waste recycling capacity and inform the cities of their requirement to submit an implementation schedule to CalRecycle within 120 days following the date the county submits the report to CalRecycle
6. Submit an organic waste recycling capacity report to CalRecycle

Additional tasks and/or special projects related to Climate Action Plan or SB 1383 will be assigned at Supervisor’s discretion if the Fellow demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are commensurate with current assignment.”

Desired Outcomes:

1. Collaborative working group of County and cities and plan to implement.
2. Collect and compile database of organic waste recycling volume and available capacity for the County and all inlying cities
3. Identify the amount in tons of existing, new, or expanded organic waste recycling infrastructure capacity, located both in the county and outside of the county, that is verifiably available to each city in the County.
4. Write and submit an organic waste recycling capacity report to CalRecycle
5. Development of a multi-media public education campaign around SB1383

Capacity planning for organic waste recycling is to identify and determine whether there is an adequate amount of organic waste processing facility infrastructure and capacity to meet the demand for organic waste that is currently projected to be disposed, but must be diverted as a result of the SB 1383 disposal reduction targets. SB 1383 is intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane, and address food insecurity in California.

The resources provided by the Fellow, listed above, will allow the County to fully assess the current capacity and need for organic waste processing in the cities and County of Solano. The Fellow will not only allow for County advancement toward Climate Action Plan goals, but also remain in compliance with State regulations around assessment, planning and implementation of organic waste processing.

Desired Skills

The ideal Fellow will be analytical, highly organized, resourceful, and flexible, and can communicate respectfully (in writing and orally) and effectively with people throughout the community with enthusiasm and professionalism.

Preferable majors include Business, Communications, Economics, Environmental Science, Marketing, Planning, and Public Policy.

For physical requirements and working conditions, the Fellow must possess the ability to:

• work in a standard office setting in all types of weather
• operate a computer, telephone, copier/scanner, other office equipment, and motor vehicle
• lift and carry equipment and/or materials weighing up to 35 pounds
• smell to detect changes in odor
• vision to read printed materials and a computer screen
• hearing and speech to communicate in-person and over the telephone

Organization & Community Highlights

The America’s Promise Alliance has named Solano County as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People for six straight years—the only California community with that distinction. Solano County, as well as cities within the county have ranked in the top 15 hottest markets across the country and within the Bay Area due to location and affordability. The blend of agricultural corporate business and pleasant lifestyle enhance the attraction of Solano County. Blessed with a thriving agricultural economy, the county is also home to biotechnology and other growth industries and Travis Air Force Base. Located midway between San Francisco and Sacramento, Solano County is home to rolling hillsides, waterfronts, fertile farmlands, and recreational areas.

The County of Solano Department of Human Resources’ vision is to provide County departments with a well qualified, trained workforce that reflects the diversity of the community.

The Fellow will gain professional experience in the following areas:

• Supporting development of policy through research and writing draft language
• Leading implementation of a program and/or special project as assigned
• Developing and coordinating multi-media public education campaigns
• Managing prescribed budgets, follow reporting procedures, maintain accurate records; prepare clear, concise reports.

Remote or On-Site Placement

The Fellow will be located within the Department of Resource Management on a full-time basis. Access to supervising staff, engagement with colleagues, and documented resources will further the Fellow’s learning of divisions and the inner workings of local government. A designated cubicle within the Planning Division has been identified and is equipped with a desk, chair, computer, monitor, and telephone.