Assistant Director, Austin Resource Recovery (Solid Waste)

Job Description:

Assistant 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. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. 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.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are 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 that 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.

The City of Austin is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the Assistant Director of Austin Resource Recovery position (ARR), which reports to the Director of Austin Resource Recovery (ARR).

The Assistant Director will have several exciting challenges that include leading the department in implementing recommendations from the ARR Comprehensive Plan, oversight of the Zero Waste Comprehensive plan, including updates, policy and ordinance development, and implementation strategies. The successful candidate will direct several department programs and work collaboratively across the department and city.

Job Description:

Assistant Director, Austin Resource Recovery

Purpose:

Under the general direction of the director, this position directs the activities of personnel involved in providing resource recovery, recycling, and reuse services.

• Directs activities related to the key goal area of recycling, household chemical collection, and resource recovery disposal.
  
• Plans long-range goals for resource recovery management including collection, recycling, and disposal.
  
• Selects, trains, and evaluates supervisory, technical, and administrative personnel in support of the goals of the division.
  
• Develops, implements, and maintains existing programs.
  
• Identifies the need for new programs in resource recovery management.
  
• Coordinates with other City departments on Citywide issues of concern.
  
• Directs the activities of personnel in planning the operating budget for the division, projecting needs for equipment and personnel corresponding to service requirements for resource recovery management.
  
• Provides technical expertise to other departments of the City and concerned members of the public on current developments in the area of resource recovery management.
  

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.
  

Physical Requirements:

• Light. Tasks performed with lightweight materials or using a force equal to lifting up to twenty (20) lbs.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The ideal candidate is data-driven decision-maker with a strong grasp of financial modeling and strategic planning who combines solid waste expertise with an exceptional stakeholder management ability. The next Assistant Director of Austin Resource Recovery brings proven experience in zero waste planning and circular economy initiatives, with a track record of turning ambitious sustainability goals into operational realities.

The following core competencies are essential 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.
  
• 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.
  
• Business Acumen - Demonstrates an understanding of financial drivers, cost benefit analysis, operational efficiency, and the alignment of resources with strategic goals.
  
• 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.
  
• Politically savvy: Ability to exhibit confidence and professional diplomacy and be comfortable in high-visibility public settings (e.g., council, commissions, community meetings).
  

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 offers a range of health and welfare benefits, including low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more.

Please click HERE for more information.

The salary is commensurate with experience and the approved salary range.

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.
  
• The verification of employment history dates on the resume should match those listed in the online Employment Application.
  
• Employment history dates must include the month and year.
  
• This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).
  
• To ensure consideration, candidates are encouraged to apply by December 19, 2025. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process to ensure optimal consideration.
  
• Please note that the job posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the closing date.
  
• 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.

A Cover Letter and Resume are required for this position. Please ensure that you upload these documents for consideration.

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.