What are the responsibilities and job description for the Solid Waste Division Manager position at St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners?
OFFERS ARE TYPICALLY MADE AT THE MINIMUM OF THE SALARY RANGE.
The Solid Waste Division Manager is a key leadership role within the Public Utilities Department, responsible for overseeing the comprehensive operations of the Solid Waste Division. This position manages personnel, capital projects, budgeting, facility operations, regulatory compliance, and public interaction. The Manager ensures the efficient and environmentally responsible handling, processing, recycling, and disposal of solid waste across the County, while upholding high standards of safety, service, and regulatory compliance.
Personnel Management and Supervision:
- Coordinate all personnel functions including hiring, evaluations, training, and disciplinary actions.
- Supervise staff across all operational units; delegate authority and ensure adherence to policies and timelines.
- Establish employee schedules, approve payroll, and manage performance evaluations.
- Direct staff training in job functions and safety protocols.
Operational Oversight:
- Manage day-to-day solid waste operations including landfill, recycling, baling, collection, and maintenance.
- Oversee equipment maintenance and inspect heavy equipment as needed.
- Ensure efficient use of resources and assignment of personnel to meet division objectives.
- Maintain oversight of all solid waste contracts including waste tire processing, horticultural debris, scrap metal, landfill gas use, etc.
Budgeting and Capital Planning:
- Prepare and manage division budget and capital expenditure plans.
- Oversee capital improvement projects including landfill expansions and facility improvements.
- Evaluate markets for recyclable materials and adjust programs accordingly.
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting:
- Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations (FDEP, EPA, etc.).
- Maintain accurate records of inspections and submit required reports.
- Manage and update the Emergency Management Debris Plan.
- Prepare and submit statistical and regulatory reports for solid waste operations.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Respond to public inquiries and resolve service issues.
- Develop educational and promotional programs to support waste diversion goals.
- Negotiate inter-local agreements and private-sector service contracts.
- Represent the County in meetings with city, county, and state officials.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:This position involves moderate physical effort and regular outdoor activity. Duties require the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally and 25 pounds frequently. The role includes frequent standing, walking (often on uneven or unpaved surfaces), bending, squatting, and climbing—particularly during inspections of landfill facilities and heavy equipment. Good vision and hearing (with or without correction), manual dexterity, the ability to drive a County vehicle and perform manual tasks are essential.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS: Work is performed in both indoor, climate-controlled settings and outdoor environments subject to varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, rain, and dust. The role involves regular exposure to industrial hazards such as noise, chemicals, heavy machinery, and mechanical equipment commonly found in solid waste and recycling facilities. Tasks may require working at heights using ladders or scaffolding, walking on uneven or unpaved surfaces, and entering potentially hazardous areas. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and will be provided. Shift flexibility is essential, as duties may include evenings, weekends, and on-call responsibilities.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE):Employees are required to adhere to all safety protocols and utilize appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to ensure a safe working environment. Specific requirements include:
- Mandatory PPE: Employees must wear designated PPE, which may include safety goggles, gloves, hard hats, hearing protection, and respiratory masks, depending on the tasks performed.
- Safety Training: All employees will receive training on the proper use and maintenance of safety equipment and PPE to minimize risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Inspection and Maintenance: Employees are responsible for regularly inspecting their PPE for wear and tear, and reporting any damaged equipment to their supervisor for replacement.
- Emergency Equipment: Familiarity with the location and use of emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and eyewash stations, is required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:
County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment,County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator. During these types of events, County 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 citizens.
ADA STATEMENT:
A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
EEO STATEMENT:
St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required. College degree from an accredited institution in environmental science, business administration, engineering, public administration or related field is preferred. Relevant experience, training or technical certifications may substitute for preferred college degree.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in public utilities, solid waste operations including landfill management, recycling and processing or a related field, with at least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience
- Obtain a Landfill Operators License within six (6) months of hire required.
- In-depth understanding of regulatory frameworks (FDEP, EPA, etc.)
- Proficient in managing contracts and negotiating service agreements
- Skilled in project management, budget preparation, and operational planning
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to analyze and report technical and statistical data
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant technical software
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license with a good driving record and ability to operate a 4WD vehicle
Salary : $98,702 - $148,053