Director of Solid Waste

Pittsylvania County•Pittsylvania County, VA

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the County Administrator or designee, the Director of Solid Waste manages the County’s solid waste collections and landfill operations. The position plans, organizes, and directs the County’s solid waste collection and landfill programs and is responsible for staff supervision, training, and work assignments. The work involves applying established policies, rules, and regulations and is classified as essential to business operations. The Director oversees the solid waste program as an enterprise, maintaining service levels and financial viability. The role manages budgets, rates, fees, permits, contracts, programs, and long-term strategies; directs landfill operations, collection, recycling, waste reduction, and public information efforts; and ensures compliance with applicable federal and state requirements. The position also oversees environmental monitoring and post-closure care, engages with public and private stakeholders, and pursues opportunities with other jurisdictions and businesses. Work is generally performed in an office, with some outdoor work. The position may involve exposure to machinery, hazardous materials, and extreme weather. Physical requirements include speaking, hearing, and using hands; frequent standing, walking, and repetitive motions; and occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting. Duties may also involve operating machines, motor vehicles, or equipment and working near moving mechanical parts or in other potentially hazardous conditions.

Requirements

Business management experience.
At least five years of experience in a solid or hazardous waste leadership role.
At least five years of supervisory experience.
Ability to perform physical labor and follow written and verbal directions.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
Ability to interpret and properly execute policies and procedures.
Knowledge of landfill environmental requirements and solid waste management principles, practices, and techniques.
Knowledge of recycling principles, practices, and markets.
Knowledge of business practices related to cost-effectiveness and profitability.
Ability to effectively supervise, lead, and delegate tasks and authority.
Ability to understand, interpret, and apply relevant statutes, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
Ability to work within deadlines, assess problems, analyze them, and recommend solutions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, County departments, and the public.
Ability to work independently or as a team member and manage budgets.
Valid State of Virginia driver’s license.
Virginia DPOR Class II Waste Management Facility Operator License, or ability to obtain one within one year of hire.
Successful completion of pre-employment screening, including a drug screen, background check, and motor vehicle report.

Nice To Haves

Education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Direct the County’s solid waste program as an enterprise, maintaining effective service levels and financial viability.
Evaluate and recommend service levels, operating hours, facility locations, collection schedules, and other program components based on citizen demand, operational and regulatory requirements, and financial sustainability.
Manage assigned staff, including assigning and prioritizing work, training, disciplining, counseling, coaching, instructing, developing skills, and conducting performance evaluations.
Develop and monitor the solid waste budget; prepare and distribute reports, budgets, grants, proposals, and contracts; and recommend and implement policy and procedure changes.
Develop, monitor, and recommend adjustments to solid waste rates, fees, and charges to maintain financial sustainability.
Develop long-term strategic goals and strategies for growth, efficiency, sustainability, and financial performance of the County’s solid waste enterprise.
Monitor solid waste management trends and recommend operational and policy improvements.
Plan, organize, implement, and oversee landfill operations, waste collection, waste reduction, recycling, and public information programs.
Maintain landfill permits, approvals, and post-closure plans with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
Administer local programs not contracted out, including illegal dumping abatement and community clean-up.
Meet with public- and private-sector federal, state, and local stakeholders as needed.
Identify and pursue business opportunities with other local jurisdictions and private businesses.
Oversee long-term post-closure environmental monitoring, including leachate management, groundwater protection, and landfill gas mitigation systems, in accordance with state mandates.
Perform related tasks and special projects as directed by the County Administrator or designee.