Solid Waste Manager in Sonora, California at County of Tuolumne

Under general direction, plans, organizes, manages and provides direction and oversight for the operations and activities of the Solid Waste division; oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of staff performing difficult and complex professional, technical, and administrative support related to all programs and activities of the Solid Waste Division, including assisting with long and short-term planning and overseeing solid waste collection and disposal, and implementing the County Wide Integrated Waste Management Plan; coordinates assigned activities with other County departments and outside agencies;provides complex and responsible support to the Public Works Director in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction of the Public Works Director or designee. Exercises direct and general supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

This is a management classification responsible for the operational oversight and management of administrative and technical functions and activities of the County’s Solid Waste Division. Responsibilities include the preparation and implementation of solid waste management plans, landfill monitoring, future site development of alternatives to out of county disposal of solid waste, technical studies, procurement and contract administration, and the coordination of departmental work with that of other County departments and public agencies. This class is accountable for accomplishing division goals and objectives, for furthering department goals and objectives within general policy guidelines, and for assuring that disposal sites comply with State and Federal safety and operational laws, regulations, standards and accepted engineering practices.
(Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Solid Waste Division, including the implementation of the programs identified in the County Wide Integrated Waste Management Plan including solid waste collection and disposal, recycling, and source reduction programs and hazardous waste collection and disposal.
• Ensures maintenance, monitoring, environmental testing, and submittal of state reporting for all County maintained facilities including closed landfill, hazardous waste collection facility and transfer stations.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Division; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures; prioritizes and allocates available resources.
• Completes the annual report and 5-year review of the County Wide Integrated Waste Management Plan.
• Participates in the development and administration of and oversees division budgets.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to the Deputy Director.
• Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel ensuring adherence to County policies and best practices; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Recommends and administers policies and procedures such as procedure guidelines and standard plans and specifications while ensuring that operation and maintenance, financial, regulatory, and legal requirements are met.
• Reviews legislative proposals that may impact County or department operations.
• Ensures environmental testing systems are maintained and monitored, including systems for methane recovery, leachate extraction and disposal, and air and water quality testing.
• Provides complex staff assistance to the Deputy Director; provides technical expertise and support for employees and consultants.
• Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Prepares a variety of periodic and special reports and correspon­dence.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations regarding alternatives to prolong useful life of County Integrated Waste Management facilities.
• Oversees and ensures that Franchise Agreements for solid waste collection and disposal are followed per operations plans, policies, and standards.
• Recommends updates or revisions to Tuolumne County Ordinance Codes and Franchise Agreements.
• Manages a variety of existing grants and agreements; ensures that rules and regulations are followed.
• Coordinates assigned services and activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations.
• Prepares Solid Waste Committee documents and provides Committee with specific background information to the issues presented.
• Prepares Board documents and makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors; represents the department and division in meetings with governmental agencies, professional, business and community organizations, and the Public regarding solid waste issues.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings and conferences; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of solid waste collection, disposal and management; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to County needs.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes upon approval.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to questions, problems, complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, project management, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Principles and practices of public agency procurement and contract administration.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision and performance management, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and methods of solid waste management including recycling, resource recovery, and source reduction.
• Principles, methods and regulations of collection, storage, packaging, transportation and disposal of household and conditionally exempt small quantity generator waste.
• Principles, methods and regulations governing design and operation of active and closed solid waste and hazardous waste facilities.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned functional area.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to County solid waste facilities and related operations.
• Practices of researching operations and maintenance issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of a major Solid Waste Division.
• Safety principles and practices.
• Record-keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the County in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer serviced by effectively dealing with the Public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

Ability to:

• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services.
• Administer complex and technical operations, maintenance, and related programs in an independent and cooperative manner.
• Plan, organize, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff; train staff in work procedures.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Candidates may demonstrate possession of the skills and competencies required to qualify for the position by meeting all components of at least one of the following options; the Personnel Officer or designee may approve substitutions as appropriate:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in planning, public health, environmental science, public administration, or a related field ANDthree (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in solid waste management at a level equivalent to the County’s Solid Waste Specialist.Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in planning, public health, or environmental science AND two (2) years of formal supervisory experience within a public agency or solid waste industry company. Equivalent to graduation from an accredited two-year college with major coursework in environmental or public health, natural sciences, planning, public administration or a related field, AND five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience performing Solid Waste system program activities within a public agency or solid waste industry company, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory capacity

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.
• Ability to complete 24-Hour Hazardous Waste Operator and Emergency Response Training and yearly refresher.

Technical Skills or "Hard Skills" needed to be successful in this position:

Understanding of transfer station operations, recycling program management, understanding of federal, state, and local regulations, permitting processes and reporting requirements, budget tracking and cost analysis

Interpersonal Skills or "Soft Skills" needed to be successful in this position:

Leading by example in safety and performance, clear written and verbal communication, managing multiple projects and deadlines, addressing resident complaints and concerns professionally, working with government agencies, contractors, and stakeholder.

Leading by example in safety and performance, clear written and verbal communication, managing multiple projects and deadlines, addressing resident complaints and concerns professionally, working with government agencies, contractors, and stakeholders

The County of Tuolumne Department of Public Works is committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents and travelers by ensuring safe and reliable infrastructure. With a dedicated team of 60 professionals, the department operates with a focus on public service and efficiency.

Tuolumne County, nestled in the Sierra Nevada, offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the stunning landscapes of Yosemite National Park, hike scenic trails in the Stanislaus National Forest, or enjoy water activities at Pinecrest Lake. The area is also a haven for camping, fishing, and rock climbing, while winter months bring excellent skiing and snowboarding at Dodge Ridge. With charming Gold Rush towns, historic railways, and vibrant arts and culture, Tuolumne County is a year-round destination for adventure and relaxation.

The department manages a comprehensive range of responsibilities through its 13 distinct budgets, totaling approximately $30 million for the current fiscal year. Its divisions include:

• Engineering: Oversees planning and execution of infrastructure projects, including securing millions in grants annually for bridge and roadway improvements.
• Road Maintenance: Maintains 610 miles of County roads including routine maintenance, emergency response, seasonal work, and safety and signage.
• Fleet Services: Provides maintenance and repair services for all County vehicles except those used by Fire services.
• Business: Manages the administrative and financial aspects of the department.
• Survey/GIS: Handles surveying and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support planning and development.
• Solid Waste: Oversees the management of two closed landfills and three transfer stations, ensuring proper waste disposal and environmental compliance.
• Airports: Manages two airports, including three runways and 83 hangars, covering over 400 acres of land.
• Facilities: Maintains and cleans all County buildings and infrastructure.

Together, these divisions work to maintain and improve the county’s infrastructure, supporting both local needs and broader regional development.