Division Manager, Environmental Services

Division Manager, Environmental Services

Salary

$151,652.80 - $213,512.00 Annually

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Non-Classified

Job Number

P0570-26

Department

Environmental Services

Opening Date

08/18/2026

Closing Date

9/8/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

The City of Tacoma is excited to recruit for two Solid Waste Management (SWM) Division Managers within the Environment and Public Works Department. The SWM Division Managers are responsible for day-to-day management of personnel, operations, regulatory compliance, customer services and safety issues related to onsite operations or collections operations. The onsite operations include the transfer station, scale house, household hazardous waste (HHW) facility, recycling center and closed city landfill operations. Collections operations include curbside collection of garbage, organics, and recycling for residential and commercial customers; container maintenance and delivery; Call-2-Hauland special event support; long-haul operations; and waste transfer operations.

Key responsibilities for the positions include the following:

Division Manager - Onsite Operations

This position leads the teams responsible for running and maintaining SWM's onsite facilities. Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing operations at the transfer station, landfill gas collection systems, and the groundwater extraction and treatment system.
• Ensuring facility operations meet all permit and regulatory requirements, including solid waste, hazardous waste, stormwater, asbestos, and environmental compliance obligations.
• Implementing and managing the Environmental and Sustainability Management System (ESMS) to ensure facilities follow standard operating procedures, remain properly maintained, and meet environmental and operational standards.
• Planning and managing the biennial operating budget for onsite operations and working closely with Science & Engineering on long-term capital facility planning.
• Collaborating regularly with other City departments, partner agencies, contractors, and regional organizations to coordinate infrastructure, share operational information, and support regional solid waste initiatives.

Division Manager - Collection Operations

This position leads staff and programs that deliver curbside collection services throughout Tacoma. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing crews and programs responsible for residential and commercial garbage, recycling, and organics collection, container maintenance, special collection programs, and long-haul transport.
• Overseeing fleet management for the Collections Operations Division, ensuring vehicles meet permit requirements and coordinating maintenance and asset management with the Fleet & Facilities Division.
• Implementing and managing ESMS processes to ensure collection systems, vehicles, and equipment follow standard operating procedures and meet environmental and regulatory expectations.
• Planning and managing the biennial operating budget for collection operations and partnering with Fleet & Facilities on long-term planning for the rolling-stock capital program.
• Working closely with other City departments, partner agencies, contractors, and regional partners to align operations, share information, and support coordinated regional service delivery.

Our ideal candidates will exemplify the following traits and competencies:

• Service-Driven Decision Making

Makes timely and practical operational decisions that support employees, protect the public, and maintain reliable solid waste services.

• Equity & Inclusive Leadership

Identifies and addresses inequities in policies, practices, and service delivery. Ensures fair treatment of staff and the communities served by Solid Waste Management.

• Directs Work

Sets clear expectations, aligns teams, assigns responsibilities, and ensures accountability.

• Ensures Accountability

Holds self and others responsible for performance, safety, compliance, and service standards.

• Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

Promotes high performance by applying best practices, coaching staff, and using tools such as ESMS and SOPs to ensure consistent, compliant, and efficient operations.

• People-Centered Management

Recognizes and supports employees as individuals with diverse backgrounds, strengths, and needs. Creates an environment where staff feel valued, heard, and supported.

• Safety Leadership

Builds and maintains safe work environments through strong safety practices, hazard awareness, and proactive responses to physical and psychological safety needs within high-risk operational settings.

• Builds Effective Teams

Creates high performing, collaborative, engaged workgroups across diverse roles and backgrounds.

• Values Differences

Demonstrates inclusive leadership, recognizes strengths in diverse perspectives, and fosters an equitable workplace culture.

• Communicates Effectively

Shares information clearly, listens actively, provides constructive feedback, and navigates sensitive conversations with professionalism.

The Principles that Guide Us:

Tacoma, the City of Destiny, has a workforce of dedicated, talented employees with unique skills and perspectives. We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement. The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma employees, and represent the core of our work in public service. The Environment and Public Works Department believes that everything we do supports healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound, leaving a better Tacoma for all.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*

Bachelors degree in engineering, environmental sciences, business, public administration or directly related field

Minimum Experience*

7 years of experience in one or more fields of environmental sciences including 1 year prior at the supervisory level

• Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements

Washington State Drivers License

Knowledge & Skills

KNOWLEDGE:

• Climate issues and sustainability practices.
• Local government organization, operations, policies, and objectives.
• Community engagement.
• Environmental laws and regulations.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Relevant labor laws and practices.
• Change management strategies and techniques.
• Performance management and metrics.

SKILLS:

• Ability to work independently with little direction.
• Proficient in use of all office equipment including personal computers and related software applications.
• Ability to assign and review work of others; and plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines.
• Promote and maintain a culturally diverse work force and take appropriate pro-active steps to provide employees with a work environment free of harassment, intimidation, hostility, and coercion based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, and family status.
• Effectively organize multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, thorough, cost effective and on time.
• Ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment and make effective decisions quickly during stressful situations.
• Set and communicate clear expectations for staff, follow through and establish accountability for all.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and explain complex regulations, laws, codes, and policies related to environmental protection, climate action and government processes.
• Prepare and maintain various personnel and work-related records and reports; prepare the annual division budget; forecast personnel requirements and authorize purchases within established guidelines.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

City of Tacoma's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, were on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. Were committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you're passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacomas geographic area. Downtowns Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and Americas Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received for interview consideration.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $72.91 - $102.66

Annual Salary: $151,652.80 - $213,512.00

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

01

The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your application. Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your application. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a Bachelors degree in engineering, environmental sciences, business, public administration or directly related field? *Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis.

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have seven (7) years of experience in one or more fields of environmental sciences?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have one (1) year prior at the supervisory level?

• Yes
• No

05

The solid waste industry is evolving rapidly as communities adopt new technologies, regulatory expectations shift, and sustainability practices continue to advance. Please describe a significant change you anticipate in the solid waste industry over the next several years and explain how you, as a leader, would navigate that change. In your answer, include how you assess impacts, engage employees and stakeholders, and ensure continued operational excellence during the transition.

06

Solid waste operations depend on effective collaboration across multiple teams, departments, and community partners. Please describe how you build and sustain high-performing teams. In your response, explain how you empower staff, establish clear expectations, foster trust, and ensure that diverse perspectives are integrated into decision-making and problem-solving.

07

Equity and inclusion are central to our mission and essential to effective leadership. Please describe specific actions you've taken to create and sustain a work environment where employees of all backgrounds feel valued, respected, and supported. In your response, explain how you incorporated diverse perspectives into your approach, the steps you took to address barriers or inequities, and how you evaluated the impact of your efforts.

08

Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.

• Job Interest Card notification
• Internet search
• Professional organization
• Community organization
• Military organization
• Union job posting
• City of Tacoma employee
• Online job board posting
• Word of mouth
• Other

09

Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings. Thank you.

Required Question

Employer City of Tacoma

Address Human Resources Department

747 Market Street

Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone 253-591-5400

Website http://www.tacoma.gov