The Solid Waste & Recycling (SW&R) Division within Washington County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is searching for a
Solid Waste & Recycling Manager. If you are a mission-driven leader with an equity mindset and passionate about making our community clean and sustainable through recycling and waste prevention, this is a great opportunity for you!
Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are core values of Washington County Health and Human Services. Employees are expected to honor the life experiences of all individuals with whom they come into contact and recognize the impact of past injustices, microaggressions, and trauma.
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Solid Waste & Recycling About the Opportunity: We are seeking an innovative and experienced leader to manage the Solid Waste & Recycling division. In this role, you will apply a visionary mindset backed by your leadership skills to manage and successfully operate the division. This division is responsible for managing and enforcing private-sector service providers for collection, storage, transfer, and disposal of solid waste in a franchised system, as well as enforcement of the County's nuisance and noise ordinances in the unincorporated area. You will also utilize your extensive knowledge and experience working with waste management and recycling processes, regulations, and best practices. Additionally, you will be an advocate for the Solid Waste & Recycling division, while also supporting the priorities and strategic initiatives of the larger HHS department as a member of the HHS leadership team.
Under the general supervision from the Assistant Director of HHS, this leadership role helps oversee the daily operations of the Solid Waste & Recycling division, which is comprised of 16 devoted staff members. This position oversees unincorporated Washington County's $42 million garbage and recycling system and prudently manages the division's consolidated operating budget of roughly $2.9 million.
In this position, it is essential to have the ability to proactively navigate complex issues in a highly political environment and lead others through changes. Also, the ability to thrive both internally and externally while supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts is critical in this role. HHS vision for Washington County is a healthy, equitable, and supportive community!
This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
Who we are looking for: The ideal candidate for this position is a people-centric leader with exceptional communication and problem-solving skills. They are also passionate and dedicated to leading a trauma-informed organization with a strong racial equity lens. Additionally, they have:
The ability to:
- Learn quickly, collaborate with all stakeholders, and stay open to new ideas and feedback.
- Unify staff around a shared vision.
- Build collaborative relationships with people across all levels - direct service staff, supervisors, leadership, executive-level (County Administrative Office), elected officials (Board of Commissioners), and community partners.
- Think big picture while also having strong attention to detail.
- Identify problems and find creative solutions with people who may have differing perspectives.
- Empower staff and trust the subject matter experts.
- Communicate in a way that is transparent, proactive, and break down complicated information into easy-to-understand content.
Experience with:
- Applying knowledge of public sector solid waste & recycling industry.
- Working in a fast-paced political environment, while also managing a highly technical and policy-driven program.
- Utilizing strong analytical and problem-solving skills to tackle operational challenges, optimize processes, and improve service efficiency.
- Leading, engaging, and empowering staff.
- Managing and balancing budgets.
- Navigating and supporting effective change management.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all the hiring criteria described above.
Why Washington County? Are you interested in challenging, meaningful, and rewarding work? Join Washington County in our commitment to advancing racial equity. Our Board of Commissioners worked closely with various community stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop an
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Resolution . Adopted in February 2020, this resolution commits to the equitable delivery of Washington County's services, resources, and opportunities for growth and development to every county resident.
SSENTIAL JOB DUTIES Washington County organizes its positions into classifications and classification descriptions are typically written broadly. To review this classification including full duties, please use this link:
Solid Waste & Recycling Manager .
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience: Must meet one of the following criteria to be considered.
- A Master's Degree in environmental science, public administration, natural sciences, or a related field; AND Four (4) years of experience in solid waste management, recycling, or a related field, which includes at least two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience. OR
- A Bachelor's Degree in environmental science, public administration, natural sciences, or a related field; AND Six (6) years of experience in solid waste management, recycling, or a related field, which includes at least two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience.
