Waste & Recycle Division Director

About the role

The Sustainability Department of Salt Lake City is seeking a Waste & Recycling Division Director to lead the department's efforts towards Zero Waste. Reporting to the Sustainability Director, the Division Director will develop and implement strategies for waste reduction and recycling, ensuring alignment with city goals.

Responsibilities

• Drives ongoing division strategic planning activities.
• Works with and supports internal work teams and external partners to set and accomplish goals and objectives.
• Aligns strategic planning with operational planning.
• Plans for and directs operations associated with the delivery of citywide Waste & Recycling services, including waste reduction, residential curbside refuse, compost and recycling collection, bulky item collection, community engagement, and compliance with City waste and recycling regulations.
• Develops and implements strategies for aggressively moving the City towards Zero Waste.
• Designs, implements, and monitors programs including the implementation of best management practices, environmental stewardship, operating budgets, performance measures, personnel and equipment maintenance.
• Recommends and initiates process improvements, cost-saving measures, operational efficiencies, and other program changes necessary to achieve Zero Waste.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures for the Waste & Recycling Division that result in transparency and accountability.
• Sets service delivery benchmarks, performance metrics, and methodology to evaluate outcomes.
• Directs the preparation and necessary adjustments to the program budget, including the support needed for updates and revisions to the annual budget document.
• Maintains budget, resources, and financial transactions.
• Analyzes and develops program policies, goals, and objectives to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Resolves complex issues involving operations and environmental stewardship.
• Ensures operations comply with City, State, and Federal regulations to protect the environment and ensure safe work practices.
• Presents the program's policies and positions in meetings, negotiations, and communications with the public, citizen and industry groups, Mayor and City Council members, other government agencies, the media, and other public forums within assigned area of authority.
• Ensures employee productivity and effective use of resources by coaching, mentoring, and training supervisory staff and building an effective team.
• Evaluates and documents performance of staff, administers appropriate employee recognition and disciplinary actions.
• Develops technical specifications, project design, and standards for procurement bids and proposals related to waste & recycling.
• Reviews bids and proposals and assists with the selection of contractors.
• Ensures contractor performance.
• Represents the department in public meetings and/or on various committees as directed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Management, or closely related field, plus six (6) years progressively responsible experience managing public programs, including a minimum four (4) years in a supervisory capacity.
• Six (6) years of directly related program management experience may be substituted for the required education.
• Thorough knowledge of materials, techniques, equipment, personnel management, and best management practices associated with waste reduction, recycling, resource management, composting, and landfill operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department directors, employees, and the general public.
• Highly effective collaboration and communication skills.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license or driving privilege card, including the ability to travel between office and external locations.

Qualifications

• Prior work experience in public sector environmental or waste management agency or large private sector company managing waste and recycling services.
• Desired qualifications include experience in budget preparation and administration, and ability to implement budget requirements into departmental operations.

Skills

• Strong leadership skills.
• Experience fostering a healthy and positive workplace culture.
• Advanced knowledge of waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and waste industry best practices.

Benefits

This position offers full City benefits, including health insurance, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation and personal leave; up to 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave; retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k); a robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP); up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually; and discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services.

Pay

$110,000 - $160,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week.