Director Solid Waste Department
COLUMBIA COUNTY SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT
POSITION DESCRIPTION
I. Position Summary
Full-time Salaried position with Columbia County Solid Waste provides leadership and technical expertise in developing and implementing programs and services related to Solid Waste management. Responsible for long range planning, strategy development, fiscal management, supervision and developing cooperative effective working relationships with other units of government. Marketing and negotiating solid waste and recycling sales and transportation contracts. This employee must also be able work with the County Board, various Department Heads, and area Township Board members and local user Municipalities and private sector users. Education/Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree from a college or university in environmental science and two years of supervisory experience in waste and recycling programs or equivalent, OR High School diploma or its equivalent with extensive experience including responsible supervisory skills relating to Waste Management and Recycling programs. Annual salary starting at $102,620.96, negotiable depending on individual qualifications and experience. Required to complete the Columbia County application obtained at www.co.columbia.wi.us Application deadline is July 27, 2026. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Ensures Columbia County is in compliance with State and Federal Regulations.
2. Directs the operation of the Solid Waste Department.
3. Oversee the operation of the County Material Recovery Facility (MRF).
4. Market and sell all recycling material processed at the MRF.
5. To establish a market presence to achieve marginal returns that reduce the dependency of the MRF on the County levy.
6. Insure the MRF is adequately staffed with LTE and Huber labor.
7. Prepare agendas and participates in the monthly Solid Waste Committee meeting.
8. Oversee the activities of all Solid Waste Department employees.
9. Develop and Manage the Solid Waste Department annual budget.
10. Ensures compliance with County Policies & Procedures related to the department.
11. Prepare, update and implement Safety Policies and Procedures.
12. Assist office personnel when necessary.
13. Regularly review operation plans and objectives to determine their effectiveness and make modifications as needed.
14. Maintain and develop contracts and agreements with the Columbia County communities.
15. Promote the growth of commercial and industrial accounts throughout the County.
16. Insure efficient operation and productivity of all solid waste and recycling routes.
17. Develop and coordinate citizen education programs relating to the recycling program.
18. Evaluate and replace trucks and equipment as needed for an efficient operation.
19. Maintain regular and predictable attendance; works extra hours as required.
20. Give presentations to area service clubs, hospitals and tours to college, high school and grade school students.
21. Maintain records as necessary for filing state reports and complete DNR annual grants in a timely manner.
22. Keep updated on the recycling market trends and changes in Wisconsin’s Solid Waste and Recycling legislation.
23. Works closely with the Recycling Supervisor regarding personnel issues, and daily operation of the MRF.
24. Oversee the day-to-day management of the Transfer Facility.
25. Work with private haulers to increase volume brought into the Transfer Station and MRF.
26. Work with area pharmacies in the disposal of needles/sharps.
II. Educational Requirements
1. Bachelor’s Degree from a college or university in environmental science and five years supervisory experience in waste and recycling programs or equivalent, OR
2. High School diploma or its equivalent with extensive experience including responsible supervisory skills relating to Waste Management and Recycling programs.
IV. Knowledge, Skills, Licenses, and Experience Requirements
1. Valid Wisconsin Driver’s license.
2. Expected to maintain automobile liability insurance.
3. Ability to interpret complex oral/written instructions and regulations.
4. Ability to use Microsoft Office software.
5. Ability to react to rapidly changing workload, set priorities according to seasonal demands, and make independent decisions and possesses good organizational skills.
6. Familiarity with municipal ordinances, and knowledge of State Administrative Codes and Wisconsin Statutes concerning these matters.
7. Possess good oral and written communication skills.
8. Possess ability to relate to a wide variety of clientele, ranging from the general public to those representing varied professional interests and various Elected Officials.
9. Ability to maintain a calm and professional demeanor when in confrontational situations.
10. Skill in mechanical aptitude is desirable.
11. Ability to develop and maintain all required records, reports and other documents.
12. Ability to anticipate, plan and initiate activities in advance of deadlines
13. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
14. Skills in organization.
V. Physical Requirements
1. Ability to perform work from a sedentary position in a normal office setting.
2. Ability to perform in a wide range of weather conditions.
3. Frequent, bending, lifting, twisting, stretching, squatting, sitting, standing and walking.
4. Visual acuity.
5. Ability to hear normal communication and communicate orally in a clear manner.
6. Good manual dexterity of hands and fingers.
7. Ability to lift/carry/push/pull at least 50 pounds.
This position description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description.
Pay: From $102,620.96 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
