Solid Waste Manager

City of TulareTulare, CA
Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Tulare is seeking a high-performing environmental champion to step into the pivotal role of Solid Waste Manager. In this vital mid-management position, you will have the ability to modernize our infrastructure, lead a dedicated workforce, and advance the city’s environmental goals. You will manage robust public works resources, direct field staff, and act as the vital bridge between frontline operations, the Public Works Director, and state regulatory agencies. The City of Tulare Solid Waste Division operates as a financially self-sustaining Enterprise Fund under the Public Works Department. The division provides comprehensive collection, recycling, and resource recovery services to our steadily growing population of residents and local businesses.

Requirements

  • Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in environmental science, public administration, business administration, environmental studies, or a closely related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in solid waste collection and disposal operations or commercial fleet management, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or lead capacity.
  • In lieu of the required bachelor's degree, four (4) years of additional progressively responsible, high-level solid waste collection and disposal operations or commercial fleet management experience may substitute for the degree (9 years total experience required, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or lead capacity).
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California's driver's license.
  • Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, project management, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
  • Principles and practices of budget administration.
  • Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
  • Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations concerning the operation of the Solid Waste Division.
  • Federal EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle D guidelines and California waste diversion statutes (such as AB 939 and SB 1383 organic waste mandates).
  • Principles and practices of contract administration and evaluation.
  • Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned Division.
  • General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
  • Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of a major Solid Waste Division.
  • Safety principles and practices.
  • Record keeping principles and procedures.
  • Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
  • Computer applications related to the work.
  • English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
  • Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
  • Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
  • Techniques for effectively providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
  • Ability to recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services.
  • Ability to manage and monitor complex projects, on-time and within budget.
  • Ability to plan, organize, schedule, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff.
  • Ability to train staff in work procedures.
  • Ability to evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
  • Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
  • Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
  • Ability to analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
  • Ability to interpret, explain, and ensure compliance with City policies and procedures, complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
  • Ability to conduct research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
  • Ability to effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals.
  • Ability to establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet time deadlines.
  • Ability to operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
  • Ability to use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
  • Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Nice To Haves

  • Possession of, or ability to obtain within eighteen (18) months of appointment, the Managing Integrated Solid Waste Management Systems certificate issued by the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA).

Responsibilities

  • Plan, coordinate, and review the day-to-day efforts of our technical, professional, and office support teams.
  • Recruit, train, and mentor operational staff while maintaining rigorous safety protocols.
  • Supervise outside contractors, vendors, and consultants to keep projects on time and within budget.
  • Maintain stringent compliance frameworks and ensure all field logistics meet state mandates.
  • Handle public inquiries masterfully and lead environmental outreach initiatives for residents.
  • Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Solid Waste Division.
  • Ensures safe, cost-effective, and efficient solid waste collection, transfer, disposal, recycling, and environmental resource recovery.
  • Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to the Director.
  • Manages and coordinates the work plan for the Solid Waste division; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
  • Participates in selecting, training, motivating, and evaluating assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
  • Prioritizes and allocates available resources; reviews and evaluates service delivery, makes recommendations for improvement, and ensures maximum effective service provision.
  • Develops and reviews staff reports related to solid waste collection and disposal operations activities and services; assists with reports presented to the City Council and other commissions, committees, and boards; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities.
  • Manages and participates in the development and administration of the Division budget; oversees the budget for the Division.
  • Develops, monitors, and administers the Division’s annual enterprise fund budget.
  • Establishes fee schedules, reviews capital improvements, and authorizes heavy equipment acquisitions.
  • Ensures operations adhere strictly to California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 27 (Environmental Protection) and Title 5.
  • Leads reporting and updates with regulatory enforcement agencies, including CalRecycle, the State Water Resources Control Board, and regional Air Quality Management Districts (AQMD).
  • Represents the agency at community meetings and regional board briefings.
  • Provides complex staff assistance to the Public Works Director; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
  • Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
  • Implements adopted solid waste collection and disposal operations plans, policies, and standards.
  • Inspects and approves new construction and new development for proper refuse service and location.
  • Coordinates assigned services and activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations.
  • Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of solid waste collection and disposal; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
  • Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
  • Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
  • Responds to operations, maintenance, and repair emergency situations as required.
  • May act as the Public Works Director in his/her absence.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
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