Waste & Recycle Division Director

Position Title:

Waste & Recycle Division Director

Job Description:

The Sustainability Department of Salt Lake City is looking for an energetic and innovative Waste & Recycling Division Director to join our leadership team. Under the direction of the Sustainability Director, incumbent will be instrumental in aligning the Sustainability Department's strategic direction with City goals. Specifically, the Division Director will develop and implement strategies for aggressively moving the City towards Zero Waste.

The position directs the operations of the Waste & Recycling Division, directly supervising a talented team of managers and supervisors who oversee the daily work of approximately 47 staff. The position ensures that department goals and objectives are met within established timelines and budget.

This position also coordinates with managers and directors in other City departments, external agencies, consultants and vendors while establishing and maintaining effective relationships throughout the community. The ideal candidate will be personally committed to leading a sustainable lifestyle, have strong leadership skills, experience fostering a healthy and positive workplace culture, and advanced knowledge of waste reduction, reuse, recycling and waste industry best practices.

This is an appointed, at will position without tenure and exempt from the career service system.

Salary range: $110,000 - $160,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Early application is highly recommended. Our first review of candidates will take place on or before June 14, 2026. This position will remain open until filled and may close at any time without notice.

Candidates must include both a cover letter and resume in order to be considered.

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Paid vacation and personal leave
• 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave available
• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
• A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
• Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

TYPICAL DUTIES:

• Drives ongoing division strategic planning activities. Works with and supports internal work teams and external partners to set and accomplish goals and objectives. Aligns strategic planning with operational planning.
• Plans for and directs operations associated with the delivery of citywide Waste & Recycling services, including: waste reduction; residential curbside refuse; compost and recycling collection; bulky item collection; community engagement; and compliance with City waste and recycling regulations.
• Develops and implements strategies for aggressively moving the City towards Zero Waste. Designs, implements, and monitors programs including the implementation of best management practices, environmental stewardship, operating budgets, performance measures, personnel and equipment maintenance. Recommends and initiates process
• improvements, cost saving measures, operational efficiencies and other program changes necessary to achieve Zero Waste.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures for the Waste & Recycling Division that result in transparency and accountability. Sets service delivery benchmarks, performance metrics and methodology to evaluate outcomes.
• Directs the preparation and necessary adjustments to the program budget, including the support needed for updates and revisions to the annual budget document. Monitors and manages budget, resources, and financial transactions. Ensures appropriate processes, procedures, and policies are in place and followed for all financial transactions.
• Analyzes and develops program policies, goals, and objectives to improve efficiency and effectiveness
• • Resolves complex issues involving operations and environmental stewardship. Ensures operations comply with City, State and Federal regulations to protect the environment and ensure safe work practices.
• Presents the program's policies and positions in meetings, negotiations, and communications with the public, citizen and industry groups, Mayor and City Council members, other government agencies, the media and other public forums within assigned area of authority.
• Ensures employee productivity and effective use of resources by coaching, mentoring and training supervisory staff and building an effective team. Evaluates and documents performance of staff, administers appropriate employee recognition and disciplinary actions.
• Develops technical specifications, project design and standards for procurement bids and proposals related to waste & recycling.
• Reviews bids and proposals and assists with the selection of contractors. Ensures contractor performance.
• Participates in citywide disaster and emergency preparedness program activities.
• Represents the department in public meetings and/or on various committees as directed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Management or closely related degree, plus six (6) years progressively responsible experience managing public programs including a minimum four (4) years in a supervisory capacity. Six (6) years of directly related program management experience may be substituted for the required education.
• Thorough knowledge of materials, techniques, equipment, personnel management and best management practices associated with waste reduction, recycling, resource management, composting, and landfill operations.
• Experience in budget preparation and administration, and ability to implement budget requirements into departmental operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department directors, employees, and the general public. Highly effective collaboration and communication skills.
• Possession of a valid driver's license or driving privilege card, including the ability to travel between office and external locations.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior work experience in public sector environmental or waste management agency or large private sector company managing waste and recycling services.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Moderate physical effort. Intermittent standing and uncomfortable working conditions due to climatic elements, noise, heat, dust, and dampness.
• May be required to work irregular hours and be subject to call for emergencies.
• Considerable exposure to stress as a result of human behavior and the demands of the position.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

DEPARTMENT

Sustainability

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40