Innovation Program Lead

New York City

Apply to this job
New York, NY, us on site Until 8/31/2026 3+ years exp First posted July 2, 2026 Last posted July 2, 2026
Job description

The Resource Recovery Division (RRD) in the Bureau of Solid Waste Management directs waste reduction and diversion programs and develops and administers policies to support the Department’s sustainability goals. RRD is currently seeking an experienced policy researcher with specific experience in applied research & data analysis and an understanding of the application of technology to innovate towards a circular economy. This position will also work with program managers to analyze, report, and improve operational performance. The successful candidate will be integral to the implementation of the City’s 2026 Solid Waste Management Plan.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Research waste management policies and programs across the US and internationally to identify new innovations.
- Prepare documentation, statistics, and analyses for reporting and program improvements.
- Manage the execution of waste composition research studies, including field operations potentially in outdoor environments
- Monitor and provide frequent updates and analyses of local, state, and federal circular economy and resource recovery policies.
- Prepare comprehensive presentations on the status of Bureau programs (including charts, graphs and tables), and the results of research studies.
- Participate in the implementation and tracking of the city’s Solid Waste Management Plan

- Support for other Bureau functions as needed. May require occasional evening or weekend work.

CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744

1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.

NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

Compensation (from employer):
87743 – 100904 USD

About this role

Summary

Research, report, and improve waste programs; analyze policies and support sustainable waste management.

Job title

Innovation Program Lead

Experience level

3+ years

Minimum experience

3+ years exp

Industry

government

Location requirements

Candidates in New York, NY, with remote work allowed.

Salary

$88k–$101k

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

data analysispolicy researchreport writingprogram management

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

waste managementcircular economydata analysispolicy researchprogram management
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

New York, NY, USA

Remote City