Title: Sustainability, Waste & Beautification Director
Reports to: City Manager
Department: Sustainability, Waste & Beautification Department
Employee Type: Full-time
Exempt Status: Exempt
Position Summary:
The Sustainability, Waste & Beautification Director leads solid waste operations, recycling, and beautification programs, ensuring compliance with regulations and long-term sustainability. This role manages budgets, oversees capital projects, supervises staff, and coordinates with external agencies. The Director drives efficient waste management, enhances public spaces, and ensures environmental compliance, contributing to the health and environmental well-being of the community.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Oversee and manage all solid waste operations, including disposal, recycling, and transportation, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Develop and enforce departmental policies, procedures, and goals to optimize operations and ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.
- Coordinate with external agencies and regulatory bodies on permit renewals, compliance, and inspections related to landfill operations and hazardous waste management.
- Prepare and manage the department's annual budget, monitor capital projects, and implement long-term financial planning to ensure cost-effective operations and future sustainability.
- Supervise, train, evaluate, and, when necessary, discipline staff, ensuring an efficient and well-trained workforce to meet operational goals.
- Lead the development of capital projects, including the planning, design, permitting, and implementation of new facilities, equipment, and upgrades. Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes to adjust programs, improve efficiency, and forecast future needs.
- Manage public outreach programs to inform and educate the community on solid waste disposal, recycling initiatives, and environmental impacts.
- Evaluate solid waste programs and facilities to determine capacity, develop improvements, and recommend fee schedules based on financial projections and operational demands.
- Serve as the department’s representative at meetings, conferences, and hearings, reporting regularly to senior management and the City/County leadership on department activities and progress.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities:
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Sustainability, Waste & Beautification Director position and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position. Additional duties may be assigned by the City Manager.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field, or a combination of equivalent experience an education.
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in solid waste management, sustainability, public administration, or a related field.
- Experience in budget preparation and financial management related to sustainability
- initiatives.
- Experience in public outreach and engagement strategies to involve community members and various stakeholders.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Extensive knowledge of current principles, practices, methods, and equipment in solid waste management, including composting operations, material recovery facilities, and landfill operations.
- Thorough understanding of federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations related to solid waste, environmental protection, hazardous materials management, and procurement.
- Strong foundation in environmental, biological, and chemical processes, particularly in relation to air, water, and soil contamination, as well as sustainability and climate change science.
- In-depth knowledge of public administration, municipal finance, budgeting, and intergovernmental relations, including the impact of utility rate structures and return on investment for solid waste operations.
- Familiarity with organizational change management strategies, modern management practices in public administration, and personnel administration, including labor relations.
- Proven ability to manage comprehensive solid waste and recycling programs, including directing operations, overseeing personnel, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Expertise in developing and analyzing sustainability policies, solid waste management operations, and program effectiveness, with a focus on continuous improvement and long-term planning.
- Strong skills in negotiating and administering contracts, preparing budgets, and overseeing financial controls related to solid waste management operations.
- Capacity to lead and motivate teams, supervise staff, and ensure the effective coordination of solid waste operations, from residential and commercial collections to disposal and recycling initiatives.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including delivering presentations to various stakeholders and building cooperative relationships with engineers, contractors, public officials, and the general public.
- Ability to evaluate technical information, environmental regulations, and complex statutes, translating them into actionable recommendations and clear, concise reports
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or relevant certification (e.g., LEEDaccreditation)Track record of implementing innovative sustainability programs. Proven ability to lead and motivate teams, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
Scope and Impact: The Sustainability, Waste & Beautification Director leads the city's waste management, recycling, and sustainability initiatives, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. By managing key projects and collaborating with city officials and the community, the director drives innovative programs that reduce waste, promote recycling, and enhance environmental stewardship. Their work ensures a cleaner, more sustainable city, positively impacting the community's health
and well-being.
