Communications Specialist

Job Description and Duties

Under the direction of the Information Officer II, the Packaging Producer Responsibility Communications Specialist helps Californians and stakeholders understand and participate in the state’s transition to a circular economy for single-use packaging. This position plays a key role in explaining California’s landmark packaging law (SB 54) and ensuring businesses, local governments, and communities have access to clear, accurate, and actionable information.

The role turns complex policy requirements into speech materials, talking points, presentation slides, social media content, web copy, and other communications that help stakeholders understand what the law means, how to comply, and how it benefits California’s environment and public health. This position supports a statewide communications strategy, produces creative and accessible content, and provides copyediting to ensure clarity and consistency across materials.

This position is ideal for a communications professional who wants to make a meaningful difference helping reduce packaging pollution, support circular systems, and advance California’s move toward a cleaner, healthier future. Excellent written communication skills and strong project management abilities are required.

Beginning July 1, 2026, CalRecycle staff will be office centered, requiring employees to report to the office at least four days per week. This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under Government Code 14200, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program needs. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the positions designated headquarter location, as reflected on the duty statement and at their own expense.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

When submitting application in hard copy, applicants are required to submit a standard state application (Form Std.678) with an original signature, and clearly indicate RPA 25-298 & Position #835-251-5601-004 in the “Job Title(s)” section of the Standard State Application or you will not be considered for the position.

If you would like to use education in conjunction with experience to satisfy the minimum qualifications, you must attach a copy of your degree and/or transcripts (unofficial or official) to your application to ensure the educational requirements have been met for this position. Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Experience producing professional written and visual communication materials, including but not limited to speeches, talking points, and presentation slides.
• Experience translating complex technical information into accessible, plain-language content.
• Experience in copyediting and/or editorial quality control for grammar, clarity, ADA accessibility, and plain language.
• Responses to supplemental questions are answered thoroughly, clearly, and address each point required.
• Work samples demonstrate concise writing, strong command of plain language, and effective use of visuals to convey information.

Benefits

In addition to a compelling vision for California, CalRecycle offers competitive pay, benefits, and features for its workforce. To review the pay and benefits offered to California civil service staff, please review CalHR's website at CalHR Benefits Website - CalHR

Statement of Qualifications

Applicants must complete a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. The SOQ is a narrative discussion prepared by the applicant describing how the applicant's skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience qualify them for the position. Applications received without this information will not be considered for this position. SOQ should include your name and be no more than two pages using 12-point font.

Your SOQ must address each of the following:

1. Describe your experience turning complicated information into easy-to-understand speeches, talking points, presentation slides, or other materials. Answers should address as many of these items as you have performed.
2. In your experience, what communication and outreach methods work best to capture attention in today’s media landscape?
3. Describe your experience contributing to communication planning, coordinating messages across teams, and copyediting for clarity and accuracy.

Please note Resumes, letters, Supplemental Questionnaire, transcripts, degrees, your state application, cover letters and other materials will not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications. Simply copying and pasting your resume will also not be accepted. Responses must be numbered and submitted in the same order. Applications received without an SOQ may be rejected.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications -

  Applicants must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. Please see "Statement of Qualifications" section below for instructions.

• Other - A document with links to three to five work samples (e.g., talking points, speeches, presentations, videos, published writing, social media posts, infographics)