Solid Waste Management Director - Sign-on Bonus up to $5,000

About the Role

This position provides executive-level leadership for county-wide Solid Waste Management. It involves significant coordination with municipalities, public agencies, and private organizations within Wake County that may have their own collection and hauling operations. The successful candidate will supervise a team of professionals to protect public health and the environment while ensuring the long-term capability to meet the needs of our growing community in a cost-effective manner. This is an exciting opportunity to influence waste diversion locally and develop world-class strategies for future waste management.

Office/work location varies based on need; may be the Waverly F. Akins Office Building, South Wake Landfill field office, or other facilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of 20+ solid waste facilities
• Ensure regulatory compliance
• Administer service and engineering contracts
• Evaluate, develop, and implement innovative services
• Maintain effective communication with partners, colleagues, and residents

About Our Team

Our Solid Waste Team provides waste disposal and recycling drop-off services to residents and businesses in Wake County, along with award-winning education programs. Last year, the South Wake Landfill accepted 530,741 tons of garbage, and our Waste & Recycling facilities recycled 40,751 tons of materials. Our motivated team consistently receives praise from residents for the education, recycling, and disposal services we provide to the community.

Requirements

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, public or business administration, or related field
• Six years of experience in solid waste management, construction engineering, utilities management, or public administration, including at least two years of supervisory experience
• Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Project management and leadership experience in solid waste management, construction engineering, and/or public administration
• Licensure as a professional engineer is a plus but not required

Qualifications

• You demonstrate cooperative leadership by developing a common vision and fully participating in creating a unified leadership team that delivers results.
• You ensure alignment between the plans and operations of the Solid Waste Division and Wake County’s mission and vision.
• You see the big, long-range picture and lead staff and partners accordingly.
• You are skilled at facilitating challenging conversations and building consensus to advance objectives.
• You confidently manage large projects that impact all Wake County residents.

About Wake County

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature, and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county.

Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. In Fall 2026, two at-large seats will be added for nine total commissioners. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2026 General Fund budget is approximately $2.1 billion, and the County has over 5,100 full-time employees.

Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.

Pay

The anticipated salary for this position is $101,817 - $162,903, but will ultimately be based on the selected candidate’s experience and education, as well as considering equity within Wake County. Market range: $101,816 - $183,263.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM, with weekends and on-call as required.