Waste Operative Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $84,149.52 - $134,638.66 Annually
Location : City of Roanoke Public Works - 1802 Courtland Road NE Roanoke, VA
Job Type: Full Time Non-Exempt
Job Number: 03288
Department: General Services
Division: Solid Waste Mgt - Refuse/Recycle
Opening Date: 05/13/2026
Closing Date: 6/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
The Solid Waste Management Division of the Public Works Department in the City of Roanoke, Virginia is seeking an energetic team-player with strong communication skills to lead the City's customer-focused solid waste management programs serving approximately 42,000 households and small businesses. The successful candidate will manage a robust, fully-automated collection process for its solid waste and recycling programs as well as an innovative downtown collection system.
The Solid Waste Manager oversees a diverse division of fifty-five employees with an annual operating budget of $3 million plus. This position directs and coordinates the operation of the division of solid waste management. Responsibilities entail accountability based on measurable cost effective results for the substance, efficiency, productivity and quality of activities performed by the division. Analyzes resource utilization and identifies potential areas of improvement by implementing new improved solid waste collection and disposal systems. Works closely with vendors, residents, governmental officials and other representatives of the solid waste industry to provide effective services. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with a major in business, public administration, environmental management, engineering or related field is preferred. 5 years of increasing supervisory responsibilities. Considerable experience in a management position, preferably coordinating or supervising solid waste collection, recycling, code enforcement, recycling and disposition or combination of experience and education.
The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.
To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.
This is an exempt position.
Examples of Duties
SUMMARY
Directs and coordinates the operation of the division of solid waste management. Responsibilities include customer service, contract management, budget preparation, public meetings, council presentations, training, accountability based on measurable cost effective results for the substance, efficiency, productivity and quality of activities performed by the division.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Plans, coordinates, and directs all facets of solid waste management for the City
Oversees projects in process and evaluates completed projects for compliance with laws, regulations, and ordinances
Analyzes resource utilization and identifies potential areas of improvement by implementing new improved solid waste collection and disposal systems
Assists in the development of specifications for purchase of solid waste vehicles and equipment
Contract, development, management with oversight from the Purchasing Division to ensure that the contract meet the legal requirements of the City of Roanoke & the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Determines standards and equipment necessary to ensure operational efficiency
Conducts cost/benefit analysis of current and proposed solid waste collection systems
Works closely with vendors, residents, governmental officials and other representatives of the solid waste industry to provide effective services
Advises/communicate with the public on issues concerning solid waste programs
Prepares division budget and administers same
Prepares reports, investigates complaints and assists with media relations as needed
Develops and implements policies on matters pertaining to solid waste activities and safety
Monitors the work of staff for conformance with city and division policies and practices and provides assistance when problems arise
Attends meetings and provides technical assistance covering solid waste programs
Prepares long-range plans for the division that include financial analysis and project review
Administers City refuse collection, bulk collection, brush collection, commercial collection, compactor program, call center, code inspections and recycling programs
Prepares ordinance revisions
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervises a total of 50-60 employees in the Residential/Commercial/Bulk and Recycling Units. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the division. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Typical Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with a major in business, public administration, environmental management, engineering or related field is preferred. 5 years of increasing supervisory responsibilities. Considerable experience in a management position, preferably coordinating or supervising solid waste collection, recycling, code enforcement, recycling and disposition or combination of experience and education.
Supplemental Information
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from citizens, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community orally and in writing. Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. Ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret and deal with an extensive variety of variables.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
This is a job description and not an individualized position description. A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.
Overview of Benefits for Full-Time Employees:
Paid leave is time off from work available for use by an employee upon approval by supervisor. The first 24 consecutive leave hours for any illness must be charged to paid leave with additional time charged to extended illness leave. Paid leave for employees of the city shall accrue as follows:
Years of Service Hours Per Month Fire 24-hr shift Employees
0 - 4 12 19.75
5 - 9 14 22.75
10- 14 16 25.50
15 - 19 17 26.75
20 - 24 18 28.75
25 + 20 32
Extended Illness Leave: shall accrue at the rate of six (6) hours per month. Fire suppression employees shall accrue extended illness leave at nine (9) hours per month.
Funeral Leave: for family, up to three consecutive days.
Military Leave: Twenty-one work days per Federal fiscal year.
Holidays: The City provides 96 hours of annual paid holiday time.
Mental Health & Well-Being Leave: Employees receive 24 hours (Fire Suppression receives 34 hours) of Mental Health & Well-Being Leave upon hire. Certification of mental health diagnosis is not required and leave will not be paid out upon separation.
Shared Leave Bank (effective 1/1/2023): Voluntary membership for full-time Employees who will be out for an extended period of time and has exhausted all other forms of leave. Members are required to provide 8 hours of their Extended Illness per fiscal year and at least 8 hours per assessment. Assessments will be limimted to 4 times per fiscal year (max of 40 hours per fiscal year).
Health Insurance: Four coverage types are available: Employee only, Employee + 1 Child, Employee + Spouse and Family. Coverage is available through payroll deduction.
Additionally, the city offers the following three Aetna Health Plan Options:
PPO 750 - Provides 100% coverage for preventive care; lower deductible and out-of-pocket maximums than other medical plans; and has higher employee premiums. This is comparable to the current insurance program.
PPO/HRA 1500 - Provides 100% coverage for preventive care; has higher deductible and out-of-pocket maximum than the PPO 300 plan; has lower employee premiums than the PPO 300 plan; and the employer makes contributions to an account through a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). The City of Roanoke contributes $500 for employee only coverage and $1,000 for all other tiers. Contributions are pro-rated dependent upon enrollment date.
PPO/HDHP-HSA - Provides 100% coverage for preventive care; has higher deductible and out-of-pocket maximum than other medical plans; has lower employee premiums; and both the employer and the employee make contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for medical expenses which apply to the deductible. The City of Roanoke contributes towards the Health Savings Account (HSA), $1,600 for employee only coverage and $3,100 for all other tiers. Contributions are pro-rated dependent upon enrollment date.
Optum RX (Pharmaceutical Benefits Manager) - Manages pharmacy benefits, processes employee pharmacy claims and answers employee pharmacy benefit questions.
Aetna Health Plan 2026 Monthly Rates
PPO 750
Employee Only: $81.94
Employee + Child: $306.26
Employee + Spouse: $718.38
Family: $785.44
PPO/HRA 1500
Employee Only: $53.06
Employee + Child: $260.06
Employee + Spouse: $660.64
Family: $669.94
PPO/HDHP-HSA
Employee Only: $25.10
Employee + Child: $195.72
Employee + Spouse $547.88
Family: $550.56
Dental Insurance: Four coverage types are available: Family, Employee and Spouse, Employee and Child, and Employee only. Coverage is available through payroll deduction.
Delta Dental 2026 Monthly Rates
Employee: $2.80
Employee/Child: $18.88
Employee/Spouse: $18.88
Family: $49.36
Life Insurance: Paid by the City at no cost to employees. Coverage is equal to the annual salary rounded to the next highest thousand and then doubled. For an accidental death, the coverage would be twice this amount.
Optional Life Insurance: Paid by the employee. Various amounts of coverage, including family members, available through payroll deduction.
Long Term Disability Insurance: Designed to provide a monthly benefit to assist employees with bills and maintaining a standard of living when disabled as a result of a covered sickness or injury. Coverage is available through payroll deduction. Annual cost is your annual salary multiplied by .00255. This amount is half of the total premium and the City pays the other half.
Retirement: Employees contribute 5% of salary and choose between participating in a traditional defined benefit plan or a hybrid program. Employees vest in the employer component of either plan upon completing five (5) years of service.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Normal retirement after 55th birthday, and when combination of age and creditable service equals 85; or, 65th birthday if completed at least five years of creditable service. For sworn officers in Police and Fire/EMS, normal retirement after 50th birthday, and when combination of age and service equals 75; or, 65th birthday or older with 5 years of creditable service. An annual retirement benefit equals 2.0% of salary (based on an average of the highest five years) times the number of creditable years with a maximum of 63%. Early retirement options are available and reductions may apply based on age and service.
Hybrid Program: Provides the characteristics of the traditional pension plan with that of a deferred compensation plan. The pension plan provides an annual benefit equaling 1% of salary (based on an average of the highest five years) times the number of creditable years with a maximum of 63%. The deferred compensation component provides for the employee contribution to ...