Solid Waste Manager

Job Description:

Solid Waste Manager

Description

Position Description

Where Policy Meets the Pavement: Directing field operations for a cleaner, compliant tomorrow.

RECRUITMENT OVERVIEW

The City of Tulare is seeking a high-performing environmental champion to step into the pivotal role of Solid Waste Manager. If you are an experienced leader who thrives at the intersection of operational excellence, regulatory strategy, and community impact, we invite you to apply!

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.

ABOUT THE CITY & DIVISION

The City of Tulare is a vibrant and steadily growing community with a population of 70,693 located in the heart of California's Central Valley. The organization, staffed with 414 full-time employees, enjoys a culture of fiscal conservatism, collaboration, teamwork and dedication to public service and our community.

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.

DIVISION SCALE & IMPACT

• Financial Autonomy: Direct a robust Enterprise Fund with independent revenues of $15.1 million and an operating budget of $14.6 million.
• Frontline Leadership: Manage and mentor a dedicated operational division of 40 specialized staff members, championing workforce safety and professional growth.
• City-Wide Collaboration: Serve as a major pillar within a stable, proactive municipal organization of 414 full-time employees.

THE IMPACT YOU WILL MAKE

• Direct Environmental Stewardship: Protect public health by ensuring flawless collection, transfer, and cutting-edge resource recovery.
• Control the Enterprise Fund: Command the financial strategy by managing the division budget, establishing fee schedules, and planning capital improvements.
• Navigate Complex Regulations: Serve as the chief compliance strategist, masterfully navigating CCR Title 27, CalRecycle, and regional Air Quality Management District frameworks.
• Champion Organic Waste Initiatives: Lead the local execution of critical California mandates like SB 1383 and AB 939.
• Manage Fleet Operations: Direct the strategy for heavy equipment acquisition, technical upgrades, and division logistics.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Division Leadership: Plan, coordinate, and review the day-to-day efforts of our technical, professional, and office support teams.
• Growth and Safety: Recruit, train, and mentor operational staff while maintaining rigorous safety protocols.
• Contract Administration: Supervise outside contractors, vendors, and consultants to keep projects on time and within budget.
• Regulatory Reporting: Maintain stringent compliance frameworks and ensure all field logistics meet state mandates.
• Community Relations: Handle public inquiries masterfully and lead environmental outreach initiatives for residents.

APPLICATION & INTERVIEW PROCESS

To be considered for this position applicants must submit an application with detailed information in each section of the application: Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills.

In addition to submitting a detailed application, applicants are required to respond to the supplemental questions associated with the application. Your responses to the supplemental questions will be used to help us evaluate your qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application or in lieu of detailed responses to the supplemental questions.

Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the interview process. Additional details will be sent via email once our screening process is complete (on or before August 3rd at 5:00 p.m.).

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of staff performing difficult and complex professional, technical, and office support related to all programs and activities of the Solid Waste Division; administers current and long-range planning activities; manages the effective use of the appropriate City's public works maintenance resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex and responsible support to the Public Works Director in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Public Works Director. Exercises direct and general supervision over solid waste collection and disposal operations staff. Coordinates and monitors the work of outside contractors, vendors, and consultants as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a mid-management classification that manages a division of the City’s public works maintenance and operations activities, including solid waste collection and disposal operations. Responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day activities and is responsible for providing divisional-level support to the Public Works Director in a variety of areas. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive background as well as skill in coordinating departmental work. This class is distinguished from the Public Works Director in that the latter has overall responsibility for all functions of the Department and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.

Examples of Essential Functions

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Division; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• 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.

Qualifications / Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• 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 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.
• Manage and monitor complex projects, on-time and within budget.
• Plan, organize, schedule, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff.
• Train staff in work procedures.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Interpret, explain, and ensure compliance with City policies and procedures, complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Conduct research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• 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.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• 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.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

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).

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class CCalifornia's driver's license.
• 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).

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, as well as to work in the field; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone. This is partially a sedentary office, partially a field classification, and standing in and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees partially work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to potentially hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and may be exposed to hot and cold temperatures, inclement weather conditions, loud noise levels, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

• Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the City of Tulare will offer the following retirement benefit (2.0% at 62) to new PERS members beginning January 1, 2013 with three (3) years final compensation. Existing PERS members with no break in service will receive the 2.5% at 55 formula with single highest year.
• City pays a portion of the employee and dependent coverage costs of group medical, dental and vision insurance. An opt-out plan is also available.
• Life insurance - Based on salary.
• Short and long term disability insurance.
• 10 working days vacation per year. Additional days based on years of service.
• 12 days sick leave per year.
• 15 holidays annually: 12 city observed holidays, plus birthday credit and 2 in-lieu holidays.
• Management leave - 64 hours per year.
• Flexible benefit program - IRS Section 125 Plan.
• Deferred compensation plan - 457 Plans available.
• City sponsored clinic - Opening March 1, 2025. Services to include: general medical care and health and wellness coaching. No deductibles, co-pays, or out-of-pocket expenses.

Closing Date/Time: 8/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$96,778.44 - $117,635.16 Annually