Director of Waste & Renewables

Dane County • Madison, WI

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Dane County is recruiting a full-time Director to lead its Department of Waste & Renewables in Madison, Wisconsin. The department manages and operates the County’s landfills, renewable natural gas facilities, Clean Sweep, construction and demolition recycling facility, Food Scrap Stops, and other recycling programs. Its mission is to provide environmentally sound and sustainable waste management and renewable energy solutions for current residents and future generations, including turning waste into renewable fuels and conserving landfill air space through diversion, recycling, and efficient operations. The position is primarily onsite at 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI.

Under the general administrative direction of the County Executive, the Director leads the Department of Waste & Renewables. This managerial contract position starts at $155,000 annually; the successful candidate will negotiate an Employment Services Contract that includes compensation and other benefits. The Director develops department policies, works with County officials, represents the department in meetings and public forums, oversees budgets and finances, manages personnel, oversees safety and training programs, and prepares reports for regulatory agencies. The role requires professional relationships with customers, neighbors, regulators, vendors, employees, the public, and other stakeholders.

The position is mainly in a professional office environment, with some outdoor and landfill work. It may involve exposure to chemicals, landfill leachate, and landfill gas. Weekend work may be needed for particular projects or issues, and the Director must be available on-call during nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies.

Requirements

• Education, training, and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in civil engineering or business administration.
• Five years of progressive experience in solid waste management, including at least two years of management or supervisory experience.
• Obtain a WDNR Solid Waste Facility Manager certification within 12 months of hire.
• Have a valid driver’s license, access to reliable personal transportation, or an equivalent arrangement.
• Be available for some weekend work when necessary and be on-call during nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies.
• Demonstrate multicultural competence: the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work meaningfully, relevantly, and productively with people who are culturally different.
• Knowledge of methods, materials, and equipment used in sanitary landfill construction and operation.
• Knowledge of WDNR, EPA, and other regulatory rules affecting solid waste operations.
• Ability to read plans and work from blueprints or sketches.
• Business analysis skills.
• Ability to supervise and train professional, technical, and supervisory field employees working in engineering, maintenance, construction, surveying, and inspection across landfill, Clean Sweep, and gas utilization operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with waste haulers, customers, contractors, vendors, elected officials, County departments, regulators, and the public.
• Ability to organize and delegate work and develop and implement plans for employees’ continuing growth and development.
• Sufficient computer skills to prepare reports, complete forms, and perform general office work using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and CAD.
• Ability to maintain comprehensive records and prepare reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Working knowledge of financial planning and reporting and governmental financial accounting practices.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds with or without assistance; sit or stand for extended periods; view a computer screen for long periods; and see, hear, speak, and be heard within normal ranges, with or without corrective devices.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) license; preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Department of Waste & Renewables under the general administrative direction of the County Executive.
• Develop department policies.
• Work with County officials and represent the department at intradepartmental meetings, County Board meetings, and other public forums.
• Develop the department’s annual budget request and oversee all departmental financial matters.
• Manage department personnel, including hiring, performance evaluations, and discipline.
• Oversee the development and implementation of safety and training programs.
• Compile and present reports to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and other agencies.
• Establish and maintain positive professional working relationships with customers, neighbors, regulatory agencies, vendors, employees, members of the public, and other interested or affected parties.
• Perform other work as directed by the County Executive.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director