Deputy Director, Austin Resource Recovery (Solid Waste)

Job Description:

Deputy Director, Austin Resource Recovery (Solid Waste)

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) provides essential services that protect people and our planet. We collect recycling, composting, trash, large brush, bulk items, and dead animals. We also clean the streets, recycle and safely dispose of household hazardous waste, and provide community outreach and education. ARR is driving the global transformation of traditional waste management to sustainable resource recovery.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under general direction of the director, this position is accountable for day-to-day operations of resource recovery, recycling, and reuse services. Directs work in development, planning, and implementation of technical, clerical, and administrative employees. This position executes policies included in City ordinances, resolutions, administrative regulations, and State law.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Directs, develops, implements, and maintains activities related to the key goal areas of recycling, garbage, litter abatement, household chemical collection, landfill operations, management support services, and sustainability.
  
• Represents Austin Resource Recovery’s (ARR) interests and positions before National and Local governmental officials, boards, commissions, associations, and community organizations.
  
• Plans and directs long-range goals for current and new programs in resource recovery management.
  
• Ensures all activities are carried out in compliance with departmental policy; Local, State, and Federal regulations and laws governing activities.
  
• Directs the activities of subordinate personnel in planning the operating budget for the department.
  
• Coordinates with other City departments to provide technical expertise to concerned members of the public on Citywide and current developments in resource recovery management.
  
• Fosters and develops excellent working relationships with key staff, division and departmental employees, other governmental organizations, and with external services, such as consultants, legal counsel, boards and commissions, and the Austin City Council.
  
• Prepares policies; reviews agendas, reports, and policy statements for presentation to boards and commissions and the Austin City Council.
  
• Prepares annual reports, trend analysis, and budget estimates for ARR; makes presentations to City management on ARR issues.
  
• Leads special studies and projects to improve the provision of services within the City.
  
• Directs and evaluates professional staff engaged in carrying out the work of the department.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of management principles and practices.
  
• Knowledge of planning and budgetary processes.
  
• Knowledge of regulations, systems, and equipment used in waste collection and disposal.
  
• Knowledge of relations and the promotion of recycling programs.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Skill in analyzing problems related to service delivery.
  
• Skill in conducting presentations on behalf of a public entity.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in directing the activities of a large and complex organization.
  
• Skill in evaluating bids and making recommendations.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in preparing and analyzing budgets, reports, and studies.
  
• Skill in projecting needs for equipment and personnel and formulating operating budgets.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Ability to maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a closely related field, plus eight (8) years of management experience in Resource Recovery, Utilities, Municipalities, or in leading and managing a large budget and division, including two (2) years of experience which were in a supervisory or management capacity.
  
• Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for non-supervisory/management experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader who can take an already high performing team to the next level of excellence. Working in Austin Resource Recovery requires unique skills and operating procedures based on the services and customers being served. In general, a strong knowledge and understanding of solid waste systems, waste minimization, and the behavioral science aspects of resource recovery management are fundamental to success in this position.

The following core competencies are important for this role:

• Planning Priorities - Recognizes, plans, focuses upon, and works toward what is most important or critical.
  
• Communicates Effectively -Ability to work with diverse communities and populations to build constructive and effective relationships and convey and receive information.
  
• Exercises Leadership - A cohesive leader with the ability to build quality interpersonal relationships throughout the City with diverse communities and populations.
  
• Thinks Strategically - Enables others to better understand and implement the vision and strategy while being the aligned forward thinker, has the ability to formulate and communicate sound business strategy and implement in a clear and concise manner.
  
• Customer Focused - Strives to deliver high quality results and superior service that exceeds expectations while remaining mindful of the needs and perspective both of our internal and external customers.
  
• Community Collaborator - Experience presenting complex information strategies to public stakeholders, management, City Manager’s Office, Board and Commissions, and City Council.
  
• Achieves Results - Has the ability to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
  
• Equity Lens - Ability to use an equity lens and framework to create inclusive, diverse, and safe workspaces and programs.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The salary range for this position is $208,000 to $218,000.

To view the detailed Recruitment Profile for this position, please click here .

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Working with Austin Resource Recovery provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Resume and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application.
  
• Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application.
  
• Employment history dates must include month and year.
  
• This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).
  
• To ensure consideration, candidates should apply by August 25, 2025. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process for optimum consideration.
  
• This position is subject to the Texas Open Records Act.
  

If you are selected as a top candidate:
Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution and proof of your professional licenses or certifications.

The s alary is commensurate based on experience and the approved salary
range.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-10-09