Environmental Resources Division Manager (Solid Waste)

City of Oxnard•Oxnard, CA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Oxnard’s Public Works Department, Environmental Resources Division, is currently hiring for an Environmental Resources Division Manager. The Manager provides leadership and strategic direction across all customer-facing functions, including customer experience, regulatory compliance, and operational performance. Reporting directly to the Public Works Assistant Director, this role is critical in aligning customer satisfaction, revenue growth, industry requirements, and operational excellence to drive success. The ideal candidate is a dynamic and results-oriented leader who excels at cross-functional collaboration, building high-performing teams, and translating strategic goals into actionable plans. The ideal candidate will be a visionary and transformational leader who understands the importance of being a leader, team player, and strives for excellence, and will build and maintain a departmental culture of open and honest communication, creatively working together while implementing practical process improvements and enterprise solutions. A comprehensive Cost of Service Study was completed to evaluate the financial requirements of the Solid Waste utility. Based on the study’s findings, the City Council adopted a revised schedule of Solid Waste Rates and Fees in March 2024. The new rate structure took effect on July 1, 2024, and will be in place through Fiscal Year 2028-2029. The study includes detailed projections of system revenues, operational and capital expenditures, and long-term financial sustainability through Fiscal Year 2028. The Environmental Resources Division manages all business and operational aspects of full-service solid waste for the City of Oxnard’s Public Works Department. Management duties will include budget development and administration, capital projects, a vehicle replacement plan, staff management for 190 FTE’s, public information and outreach, market expansion, and responsibility for daily operations of residential and commercial collections and the Material Recovery Facility (MRF). This position will perform difficult professional and technical administrative work leading and managing a solid waste system including disposal, organic waste, and recycling operations. They will also develop and carry out policies, procedures and programs as related to both daily and long-range management of the division, manage and ensure regulatory compliance and permits related to solid waste operations, and facilitate community outreach and education on regulatory mandates and solid waste issues.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration or a field related to this assignment
Six (6) years of journey-level professional experience in solid waste operations or a related combination of public works experience, including two years of supervisory experience
Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both orally and in writing
Candidates who hold a foreign degree will be required to provide official documentation verifying degree equivalency or matriculation upon hire, depending on the position’s requirements
Proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all positions.
Employees are required to participate in the City's direct deposit plan and are paid on a bi-weekly basis.
This position requires a 12-month probationary period.
All public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them.
This position is not governed by the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay.
New employees must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended.
The City participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

A successful track record implementing improvements and procedures to meet customer demand and satisfaction.
A willingness to try new things is imperative.
A background of leadership in a busy, public-sector organization with strong writing and communication skills.
Demonstrated expertise in solid waste management systems, including in-depth knowledge of equipment such as compactors, balers, shredders, collection vehicles, and waste-to-energy technologies.
Strong knowledge of recycling technologies and equipment used for separating recyclables, including conveyor systems, optical sorters, magnetic separators, eddy current separators, and manual/material recovery facility (MRF) processes.
Thorough understanding of local, state, and federal solid waste regulatory mandates, including compliance with environmental regulations governing waste handling, disposal, and recycling.
A willingness to invest in staff development, employee growth, and to build a results-oriented, high-performing, collaborative work culture.
Be detail-oriented and ensure high-quality work product
Exceptional public acumen to build trust, confidence, and credibility with all stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills with in-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local ordinances and laws.
An effective manager of projects and people.
A team builder and collaborator who exhibits leadership and a positive presence while building and maintaining effective relationships with a diverse staff and the public.
Demonstrates financial acumen in managing a $75 million budget encompassing operating expenses and Capital Improvement Projects, with a proven ability to identify issues, implement procedural changes, and drive effective resolutions.
Demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering collaboration between management and labor organizations, with the skill and confidence to effectively navigate employee disputes, including grievances and disciplinary actions.

Responsibilities

Research state and federal regulations in relation to solid waste operations, determine the impacts of new or modified regulations or state policies and develop or assist in modifying operations or facilities to comply with these regulations.
Oversee and participate in the development of the annual budget, Capital Improvement Plan and equipment replacement plans; participate in the forecasting of necessary funds for staffing, materials, and supplies; discuss and resolve budget issues with appropriate management and staff; implement adjustments as necessary.
Evaluate data, plans, trends and issues concerning solid waste disposal, recycling and the operations.
Respond to and resolve sensitive and complex community and organizational inquiries and requests; investigate and resolve solid waste issues with residential and commercial accounts.
Assist in the preparation of new City ordinances and the revision of existing ordinances.
Develop and provide educational programs and outreach on solid waste, organics and recycling.
Prepare, coordinate and present reports, and presentations on solid waste issues for committees, commissions, City Council, community groups and regulatory agencies.
Oversee the selection, training and evaluation programs for solid waste and technical personnel; provide and/or coordinate staff training; identify and resolve staff deficiencies and provide solutions.
Attend technical training sessions to improve knowledge of state and federal regulations and solid waste management.
Perform other duties as assigned