Associates Degree and five (5) years' experience of increasingly responsible experience in solid waste or collection activities, including at least two (2) years of experience in a lead or supervisory role. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, engineering, business administration or related field is preferred and may substitute for two (2) years of the general experience.  Two (2) years additional experience with a high school diploma may substitute for required education.  Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Certifications or similar accredited organization for: Collection, Landfill, Municipal Solid Waste Management Systems and Recycling is preferred. 

Exercising considerable independence under the general supervision and direction of the Director of Public Works, this is a division management position responsible for the management administration of the City's solid waste management and recycling programs by planning, organizing, directing and supporting the work of the division staff.
 
This position is responsible for the design and implementation of City-wide waste management programs including recycling, waste collection, storage, transportation, and disposal.  Position is also responsible for budgeting, public education, development and management of short and long range plans, rules, regulations, and specific policies for the operation of the division in conformance with general policies set forth by the City Manager and/or City Council.
 
The employee occupying the position directs and supervises the work of division personnel, facilitating and coordinating the division's programs and projects.  Duties include the responsibility and oversight of the operational functions within the division. Supervision is exercised over a staff of operational, technical and/or clerical personnel. 

Directs and coordinates the activities of the Solid Waste and Recycling Division; develops annual work program objectives; assigns planning projects and evaluates performance of division personnel. Designs and implements a City-wide program to promote efficient solid waste reduction and recycling. 
 
Serves as administrator of the Solid Waste and Recycling Division with responsibility for maintenance of public records; development and preparation of the division budget; and analyzes rate structures.  Recommends necessary rate adjustments.
 
Plans collection routes, organizes and schedules work projects, determines priorities and makes adjustments as necessary. Reviews collection routes to determine that proper service is being provided.  Determines solid waste needs in areas annexed into the City of Yakima and incorporates those areas into established collection routes.  Reviews complaints and complaint handling to guarantee adequate response to the public.  Oversees maintenance of an inventory on refuse and yard waste containers. 
 
Administers and monitors landfill contracts and other related contracts promoting recycling and waste reduction.  May review and evaluate proposals and recommend contract awards as part of a team.  May negotiate contract provisions.
 
Researches, writes, and submits grant applications and administers grant contracts.  Writes requests for proposals.
 
May design and implement a municipal household hazardous waste and/or recycling collection programs. Works conjointly with other divisions or departments to support rules and regulations pertaining to health and sanitation, (unlawful accumulation of refuse, containers required, etc.)
 
Supervises and participates in the work of the division, providing guidance and direction to subordinate staff. Leads, oversees and reviews the work of division; hires, trains, and develops staff providing professional leadership and ongoing development opportunities to staff; evaluates individual performance including taking or recommending disciplinary action as necessary. Provides assistance to staff in resolving difficult or unusual situations and problems.  Responsible for performance of subordinates; ensures compliance with all applicable laws, State and Federal regulations, City ordinances, policies, procedures and sound financial practices.
 
Maintains a current awareness of pending or new federal, state, and local waste management legislation and regulation.  Analyzes impact on City waste management activities and prepares reports as necessary for management and Council.
 
Develops materials and provides consumer education for refuse related subjects.  Responsible for media coverage of the division. Serves as staff representative and liaison with government agencies, citizen and professional organizations, and the public to provide continuing community involvement and input. Prepares reports of project and program progress and presents reports to the City Manager, City Council and/or advisory committees as necessary.
 
Contributes to the effective administration of City government by fostering an attitude among staff that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
 
Performs related work as required.
 
Requires regular and reliable attendance.

Knowledge of federal, state and city laws and ordinances, and City of Yakima policies and procedures. Knowledge of   current collection and disposal practices; recycling procedures and best practices; best principles and techniques of management, supervision and leadership; practices and principles of work flow and systems analysis; record keeping systems, processes, and practices; best principles and practices for project and financial management; municipal records retention procedures, and techniques. Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.
 
Knowledge of the operational characteristics and standard practices used in the solid waste industry  as related to service development and scheduling; specialized automated scheduling and routing  software used to develop Refuse routes and schedules; Refuse labor contract rules, and state and federal regulations as they apply to scheduling and service development; Methods and techniques of operational performance data collection and of performance and productivity measurement and reporting for a mid-sized public Refuse agency; Must be capable of data entry and analysis with strong proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, and Powerpoint).
 
Strong working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite including Excel; report writing tools; professional office procedures and practices; and computerize municipal budgetary and fiscal management practices. Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc.
 
Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to managers, staff, City Council; government officials, and members of the public.
 
Knowledge of Commercial Driver's License (CDL) testing and training requirements.
 
Must possess ability to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, members of the public representing diverse education and background, and with officials at all levels of government utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, and plain English, including but not limited to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation.
 
Ability to negotiate and present information clearly and concisely complex information in both written and verbal formats. Must possess the ability to make informative and persuasive presentations to individuals and groups, conduct public meetings, and participate in public forums. Must routinely and regularly maintain confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.
 
Ability to perform a variety of mathematical computations with ability to read, interpret and analyze complex and technical documents and to translate analysis into recommendations or reports.  Ability to read, research, interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.  Must possess ability to identify and define complex problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
 
Ability to work independently with self-direction and  minimal direction or oversight; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize and assign workloads; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.
 
Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, community organizations and government agencies; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs; train, supervise, plan, organize, and direct the work of a staff of technical, professional, operational and clerical personnel; evaluate personnel performance; provide constructive feedback to subordinates; develop and implement modern auditing and accountability methods, procedures, forms and records; facilitate and lead cohesive, positive and highly productive work teams with a customer service focus. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.
 
Ability to understand and implement current legislative requirements and regulations. Ability to develop, present and gain acceptance for long-range programs and budgets.  Must be able to locate grant resources and prepare grant proposals for projects.
 
Ability to work extended hours as needed to carry out the management and supervisory responsibilities and functions for the division.