Solid Waste Director - Solid Waste

Polk County, FL•Winter Haven, FL

29d•$155,000 - $170,000

About The Position

Performs high-level administrative and executive leadership in directing the operations of Polk County's comprehensive solid waste management system, including Class I landfill, leachate treatment, residential collections, transfer stations, recycling and post-care for two remote landfills. Responsible for ensuring operational efficiency, environmental compliance, financial integrity, and long-term planning in alignment with local, state, and federal regulations.

Requirements

In-depth understanding of federal, state, and local regulations, including 62-701 F.A.C., Chapter 403 F.S., OSHA, EPA, and DOT requirements.
Expertise in solid waste management engineering, including landfill design, construction, and operations.
Familiarity with landfill heavy equipment operation, optimization, and maintenance (yellow iron).
Understanding of FEMA disaster guidelines and debris management protocols.
Ability to interpret and apply permitting regulations and prepare the required documentation.
Proficiency in budgeting, cost forecasting, and rate structure development for disposal and collection.
Ability to interpret economic and regulatory data from federal bureaus such as the Department of Labor, FTC, and DOE.
Skilled in preparing financial models and evaluating capital project feasibility.
Ability to manage complex financial systems for large-scale public programs.
Demonstrated ability to lead large, diverse teams in a high-volume operational environment.
Capacity to plan, organize, and direct work across multiple functions and sites.
Strong decision-making abilities in personnel, policy, and program management.
Effective planning and execution of long-range infrastructure and service delivery goals.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and public speaking.
Ability to communicate technical and regulatory concepts to diverse audiences.
Skilled in stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and maintaining productive relationships with agencies, vendors, and the public.
Strong organizational skills and time management in a fast-paced setting.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Working knowledge of Microsoft applications and landfill monitoring systems (e.g., SCADA).
Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor's degree in engineering, Environmental/Geological Sciences, Business Administration or Industrial Engineering or a related field.
Have a minimum of ten (10) years of management and supervisory experience directing a comprehensive solid waste program which includes long-range planning for landfill, collections, recycling and/or refuse derived fuel operations and programs.
Working knowledge of Microsoft programs.
A valid driver's license is required; a Florida driver's license must be obtained upon employment. The employee must maintain a clean driving record to operate an assigned county vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Graduate-level degree in engineering or business.
Five (5) years of direct management of solid waste systems to include 2,500 tons per day of Class I material, waste collection services for 163,000- residential customers, and disposal services for approximately 881,000 residents (in addition to education requirements and other work experience).
Special preference for registered professional engineers/geologists (If the applicant's professional registration is not held in the State of Florida, the applicant must be able to acquire this registration within one (1) year of the effective employment date.).
Solid waste private industry experience - (recycling, disposal, collections, transfer stations)
Knowledge and experience with the in-cab monitoring system, Sonrai.
Documented continuous executive learning from accredited universities.

Responsibilities

Plans, directs, and supervises short- and long-term activities of the solid waste and recycling program.
Develops and implements regulatory policies, operational procedures, and strategic initiatives.
Establishes goals, objectives, and future development programs to meet county growth projections.
Directs performance evaluations and operational reviews to ensure efficiency and goal alignment.
Oversees an annual operating budget of approximately $149 million and manages reserves exceeding $127million.
Performs financial analyses, including pro forma statements and net present value (NPV) calculations.
Oversees procurement activities, budgetary allocations, and fiscal accountability of equipment and services.
Directs preparation of financial and program monitoring reports.
Ensures financial stewardship and compliance across all solid waste functions.
Ensures landfill and collection operations comply with federal, state, and local laws.
Oversees preparation and submission of permits, grant applications, and compliance reports.
Makes recommendations for improvements to landfill, leachate treatment, transfer, recycling, and litter control programs.
Supervises, trains, and evaluates management, technical, and administrative staff.
Plans and executes staff development sessions and meetings.
Oversees administrative and personnel-related decisions within the division.
Serves as liaison to the Board of County Commissioners and coordinates with franchise owners and citizens.
Prepare reports, memos, and presentations for county leadership and external stakeholders.
Represents the division at public events and speaking engagements.
Communicates policies and program objectives effectively to internal and external audiences.
Directs the 150-year development plan for landfill site operations.
Coordinates disaster debris management in collaboration with relevant agencies.
Performs other related duties as assigned.