Chief of Solid Waste Management

Position Summary

Position oversees the daily operations of the Solid Waste Management Division including the landfill, transfer stations, recycling programs, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and permits.  Position reports to Deputy Director, Public Works for general direction.  Work of this class involves supervisory duties and responsibilities.

 

Position Responsibilities

1. Directs the daily operations of Solid Waste Management Division, including landfill, scale house, transfer stations, and recycling programs; develops and implements policies, procedures, and management controls for the safe, efficient, and effective operation of the division in fulfilling its assigned mission.
2. Assists Director of Public Works and Finance with managing the Landfill Enterprise Fund, which is to provide solid waste management and recycling programs and services which are to be self-sustaining through service fees and other revenue sources.
3. Prepares and manages the annual operating budget; assists the Director, Public Works in presenting budget request to County Executive and Council.
4. Provides input to Director, Public Works and Chief, Engineering & Construction in development of the solid waste component of the County’s Capital Improvement Program budget.
5. Ensures division programs and facilities are in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and/or permits, including ensuring records, reports, and other documentation is properly prepared, submitted and maintained; maintains the County Solid Waste Management Plan.
6. Oversees the recycling program; oversees the development and execution of public education and outreach programs to promote solid waste management and recycling programs.
7. Assists in the procurement and management of Architect-Engineer (AE) and other professional service contracts supporting the County’s solid waste management and recycling programs; reviews and approves requests for proposals, scopes of work, cost and fee proposals, contract terms, recommendations for contract awards, and other contracting actions; chairs or serves as member of Source Selection Panel responsible for reviewing bids and proposals and making recommendations regarding contract awards; participates in design reviews.
8. Oversees management of small, non-capital projects for minor repairs or upgrades to facilities and/or supply/service contracts; oversees the procurement of supplies and management of service contracts.
9. Manages the division’s fleet of vehicles and equipment, in conjunction with Fleet Manager.
10. Represents the County to other government agencies and general public during meetings and other forums; makes presentations to regulatory agencies, community groups, etc.
11. Responds to complaints and inquiries regarding projects and activities that are outside the scope of subordinate staff to resolve and resolves them to maximum extent possible; responds to media inquiries pertaining to division projects and activities.
12. Hires, trains, develops, evaluates, and disciplines employees as required.
13. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with regulators and other appointed officials, agencies, refuse haulers, contractors, general public, and other stakeholders.

 

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental science, public administration, business administration, or related field.  Master’s degree preferred.

 

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in municipal solid waste management and recycling preferred with a minimum of  three (3) supervisory experience.

 

*An interested candidate with an equivalent combination of education and experience as listed above may be considered.

 

Certificate(s) and/or License(s)

1. Possession of a valid Class “C” non-commercial driver’s license with no more than three (3) points.
2. Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) certification in one (1) or more disciplines preferred.

 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

1. Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal solid waste management and recycling, specifically, the operation and maintenance of sanitary landfills, transfer stations and recycling facilities.
2. Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, standards, permits, and reporting requirements as they relate to municipal solid waste management and recycling.
3. Knowledge of construction materials, means, methods, and techniques pertaining to the construction, operation, and maintenance of sanitary landfills including erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, landfill gas collection and control, earthwork, and related best management practices.
4. Knowledge of project management, including the development of project budgets, and development of project scopes, schedules, and budgets.
5. Knowledge of procuring and managing professional services and construction contracts.
6. Knowledge of the principles and practices of human resources management, including recruitment, hiring, disciplining, training, developing, and otherwise leading and managing a diverse workforce.
7. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, maps, reports, and other technical materials related to solid waste management and recycling.
8. Ability to investigate and analyze complex operational and public policy issues and to use engineering, scientific, economic, and other data to formulate policies, procedures, and solutions; ability to resolve complex personnel, regulatory, and administrative disputes, and problems.
9. Ability to communicate ideas effective, both orally and in writing; ability to prepare accurate and effective reports and correspondence; ability to speak to community and other groups to promote solid waste management and recycling programs; ability to address issues of concern.
10. Ability to effectively deal with regulators, officials, consultants, contractors, refuse haulers, and the general public; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; ability to work with customers to resolve problems; ability to lead and/or work as a member of a team.

 

Miscellaneous Position Information

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

This role is primarily sedentary in nature but may involve occasional strenuous effort, such as handling moderately heavy boxes, tools, equipment, or other materials; walking or climbing over uneven surfaces; and sitting/standing in fixed position for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift 50 pounds unassisted on a regular basis.  General conditions involve working at a computer, using telephonic equipment, and interfacing regularly with internal and/or external stakeholders.  Work environment involves moderate risks or discomforts, which require special safety precautions, such as working around moving parts or machinery.  Employees may require protective equipment including but not limited to boots, goggles, gloves, or shields. Employees may be exposed to inclement weather.

 

Work is normally performed Monday through Friday during normal business hours, however, may require alternate work hours 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

 

Individuals appointed or promoted to a position in this class will be required to serve a probationary period of six (6) months. Performance will be carefully evaluated during the probationary period. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

 

Conditions of Employment

1. Prior to appointment, employees are subject to pre-employment medical history review and drug testing, extensive background investigation (which may require CJIS and NCIS clearance), including but not limited to reference checking, and driving history, and an evaluation of training or experience.
2. Employees in this classification are essential as defined by the County’s Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual and are required to report to work during inclement weather or other designated emergencies.

 

Benefits (*Not all positions may be eligible for these programs.)

Cecil County Government offers a full complement of benefits including medical, dental, life, disability, and AD&D insurance programs as well as a generous time off benefits.  We understand that finding the right balance between home and career is a challenge and offer the following programs: employee assistance program, flexible work arrangements/compressed schedule and telework/remote office opportunities.

 

This position description is representative of the general and most important components of this role and does not characterize every aspect of the job; other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as warranted and deemed appropriate.  This document does not constitute a contract of employment, nor a guarantee of continued employment.  Cecil County Government is an equal opportunity employer.