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Solid Waste Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Solid Waste Assistant Director. This is a full-time position with all applicable benefits. Benefits include Health, Dental, Vision, Retirement ...

Solid Waste Supervisor

Enid, OK · On-site

$30.06/hr

Director of Public Utilities POSITIONS SUPERVISED: Solid Waste Personnel BLS COMPARABLE: 51-1011, First-line Supervisors of Production/Operating Workers LEADERSHIP: Supervise/manage/direct the ...

Has direct supervisory responsibility of Solid Waste Technician staff. Supervises assigned staff; prioritizes and assigns tasks and projects; counsels, coaches, trains and instructs employees as ...

Solid Waste Supervisor*

NC · On-site

$59K - $68K/yr

Solid Waste Management, NC Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 107R-2026-980 Department: Solid Waste ... An employee in this class is responsible for providing direct supervision as assigned to recycling ...

Planning, directing, and monitoring all aspects of solid waste engineering projects such as solid waste facilities, transfer stations, landfill and planning studies. Preferred Qualifications:

Planning, directing, and monitoring all aspects of solid waste engineering projects such as solid waste facilities, transfer stations, landfill and planning studies. Preferred Qualifications:

Department Solid Waste Classification Grade 8 Reports to Solid Waste Supervisor Solid Waste ... direct traffic to appropriate sites for disposal of waste, recycling, HHW, and reuse. * Charge ...

Showing results 41-60

Solid Waste Director information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solid waste director?

To thrive as a Solid Waste Director, you need expertise in environmental regulations, waste management operations, and a relevant degree in environmental science, engineering, or public administration. Familiarity with waste tracking software, landfill management systems, and certifications such as SWANA (Solid Waste Association of North America) are highly beneficial. Strong leadership, strategic planning, and effective communication skills set outstanding directors apart in managing teams and community relations. These abilities are crucial for ensuring regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and sustainable waste management solutions.

What does a solid waste director do?

A Solid Waste Director is responsible for overseeing the management, collection, disposal, and recycling of waste materials in a municipality or organization. They develop and implement waste management policies, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and supervise staff involved in waste operations. The director also manages budgets, contracts, and public education programs related to waste reduction and sustainability. Their role is crucial in promoting environmentally responsible waste practices and ensuring the community’s health and safety.

What are some common challenges faced by a solid waste director, and how can they be addressed?

A Solid Waste Director often faces challenges such as maintaining regulatory compliance, managing budgets, and coordinating with multiple departments or municipalities. Successfully addressing these requires staying up-to-date on local and federal regulations, fostering strong communication with team members, and implementing efficient waste management processes. Building solid relationships with stakeholders and investing in staff training can also help overcome operational hurdles and improve service delivery.

What is the difference between Solid Waste Director vs Waste Management Supervisor?

AspectSolid Waste DirectorWaste Management Supervisor
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, public administration, or related field; certifications like SWANA or EPA are commonUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; some certifications in waste management may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple facilities or departments, strategic planning, policy developmentSupervises daily operations at specific sites, manages staff, ensures compliance
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by municipalities, government agencies, or large waste management companiesWorks within waste management companies or municipal waste facilities

The Solid Waste Director focuses on strategic oversight, policy, and high-level management, while the Waste Management Supervisor handles daily operations and staff supervision. Both roles are essential in waste management but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Solid Waste Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Solid Waste Director jobs? Cities with the most Solid Waste Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Solid Waste jobs? The most popular types of Solid Waste jobs are:
What states have the most Solid Waste Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Solid Waste Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Solid Waste Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Solid Waste Operations Manager - Solid Waste

Polk County's Board of County Commissioners

Winter Haven, FL • On-site

$87K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

SOLID WASTE OPERATIONS MANAGER

Solid Waste

Pay Range: $42.20 - $63.30/hr.  / $87,776.00 - $131,664.00 annually

**   Internal candidates should apply via Polk One- Me Section ** 

Location:  Polk County Landfill (10 Environmental Loop, Winter Haven, FL 33830)

Employee Benefits

  • Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • FRS Retirement
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Education Incentives
  • Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Wellness Incentives
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Free Employee Gym
  • Free Employee Health Clinic

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Essential functions and job-related requirements, including physical and
cognitive demands, are described below. This job description outlines the general scope of duties and responsibilities and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be assigned.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

  • Ensures the highest standards of environmental safety and operational excellence by effectively managing the day-to-day operations of the landfill.
  • Thorough knowledge and experience maximizing landfill airspace through equipment utilization, compaction techniques, cover requirements, etc.
  • Ensures smooth operation of landfill, assists with ongoing construction, leachate/gas management as needed.
  • Manage operational costs while optimizing productivity and maintaining safety and environmental compliance.
  • Works to reduce turnaround time for trucks in and out of site.
  • Reviews daily tonnages to better allocate resources.
  • Acts as a liaison where necessary for community relationships.
  • Actively monitors ongoing permit compliance issues.
  • Complies with and ensure adherence to standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient operations.
  • Oversee personnel needs of the division including selecting, coaching, and training employees and evaluating employee performance. Provides input into termination, compensation, and promotion decisions.
  • Assists in the budget process as required.
  • Participates in the procurement of goods and services as required.
  • Ensures the cleanliness and maintenance of the physical property of the landfill through inspections and preventive maintenance programs with supervisors/employees.
  • Conducts and contributes to regular safety meetings to maintain favorable working relationships among employees and promote maximum morale, productivity, and efficiency.
  • Provides training and presentations as needed in a positive and professional manner.
  • Updates and submits required reports in a timely manner.
  • Distributes division related information regularly.
  • Works closely with other supervisors and managers regarding landfill operations. Completes and maintains a variety of reports as directed by the director or site manager.
  • Uses software tools to manage a variety of tasks, such as procurement, time and attendance, safety incidents, and contract labor.
  • Assists in the implementation of operational projects as needed.
  • Communicates with customers about service issues as needed.
  • Communicates with employees about scheduling and work assignments as needed.
  • Responds to regulatory agencies on matters associated with site operations and compliance.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

The highest level of supervisory skills required in this job is with management of supervisory employees. This includes direct supervision of 32 full-time employees. Selected candidate may be required to complete Succession Management Development Program training.
 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.) part of the workday. Able to mount and dismount heavy equipment.
  • Required to exert physical effort in handling objects less than 50 pounds on a regular basis.
  • Possible exposure to physical occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc.)
  • Exposure to physical environment which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes or similar elements.
  • Normal setting for this job is outdoors; uneven terrain typically found in a landfill setting.
     

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma and have a minimum of five (5) years of experience in solid waste operations, heavy equipment, transportation, or logistics; which included a minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience.
  • Experience with operations, customer service, community relations, health and safety, financial, and human resources functions.
  • Experience implementing safety (OSHA) programs and equipment specifications.
  • Experience assisting with budget preparation and monitoring expenditures.
  • Experience resolving labor relations issues.
  • A valid driver's license is required; a Florida driver's license must be obtained upon employment. The employee must maintain a clean driving record to operate an assigned county vehicle.
  • Knowledge of heavy equipment operations.
  • A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

SPECIAL PREFERENCES

  • Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with major course work in Business or Engineering.
  • Private industry experience - landfills, transfer stations, residential curbside collection, and recycling.
  • Landfill Operator Certification - University of Florida "TREEO", SWANA "MOLO", or similar certifications.
  • Heavy equipment knowledge includes equipment lifecycle, preventative maintenance and repair.
  • GPS hardware and software utilization for landfill compaction, cell design, and cut/fill (Carlson).
     

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
This position acts as a first responder to the North Central Landfill facility. The candidate must reside within 45-minute driving distance of the North Central Landfill or move within six (6) months of employment. Division director reserves the right to reject residence location if it is determined that response time from that location to the facility is not acceptable in emergency situations.

All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its residents.