Director Solid Waste - Amended

Position Description

The Division of Solid Waste and Recycling (SW&R) provides customer focused and environmentally protective services to keep Minneapolis clean, safe, and attractive for residents. The division oversees collection of solid waste, recycling, organics, yard waste and large item pick-up for approximately 107,000 residential customers in buildings with four or fewer dwelling units and performs graffiti management and abatement among other Clean City initiatives. The Division is a key partner in the city's Zero Waste efforts.

To accomplish these goals, the SW&R Director leads a high-performing team of approximately 150 field operations, call center, and office staff and an operating budget of over $45,000,000.

AMENDED June 26, 2024 to reflect the change of minimum education qualification and insert equivalency statement.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• The Director of the Solid Waste & Recycling division plans, organizes, directs and coordinates management of solid waste from residential units in Minneapolis, including garbage, recyclables, problem materials and yard waste. The director will negotiate contracts, oversee management functions, and advise City Council on solid waste policy issues.

• Direct, manage, supervise, and administer all functions, activities and employees of the Solid Waste and Recycling Division.

• Manage the handling of municipal solid waste stream including collection and disposal of municipal solid waste, collection and marketing of recyclable materials and collection and disposal of yard waste.

• Develop and implement promotional and educational programs to build strong community involvement in the proper handling of solid waste, recycling and composting throughout the city.

• Negotiate and administer contracts with vendors to provide services related to the municipal solid waste stream.

• Oversee the hiring, promotion and discipline of all division staff.

• Serve as the Public Works Department liaison for homeless encampment efforts: collaborate with other departments on planning and problem solving and direct Solid Waste and Recycling field staff in the maintenance, clean-up and securing of homeless encampment sites.

• Keep the Director of Public Works and elected officials informed on all new ideas and technological changes in the solid waste field.

• Manage the Solid Waste and Recycling Division budget, including setting of solid waste rates, and represent the division before City Council Committees and other concerned agencies or bodies.

• Serve as the department liaison to all other governmental agencies regarding solid waste issues.

• Establish neighborhood demonstration projects and school programs to promote composting, recycling and anti-littering with a focus on collaboration with City neighborhood and community engagement programs.

• Resolve day to day problems with an emphasis on good customer relations and quality, cost-effective service.

• Coordinate with other division directors and provide input into the running of the department as part of the management team.

Working Conditions: Normal

Required Qualifications

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Experience: Six years experience in managing large solid waste management operations, contract administration, and recycling operations

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

Background Check

The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of solid waste management, including collection and disposal techniques, recycling collection and marketing techniques, contract management, public relations and research.

• Considerable knowledge of applicable local, state and federal legislation regarding the collection and disposal of solid waste.

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public works administration in general.

• Familiarity with the equipment used in municipal solid waste collection and disposal.

• Ability to develop long range plans and programs.

• Ability to make judgments on technical options presented.

• Ability to effectively deal with the public, special interest groups, elected officials, and organized labor groups.

• Ability to present constructive technical advice to supervisors.

• Good oral and written communication skills.