The City of Tacoma is excited to recruit for two Solid Waste Management (SWM) Division Managers within the Environment and Public Works Department. The SWM Division Managers are responsible for day-to-day management of personnel, operations, regulatory compliance, customer services and safety issues related to onsite operations or collections operations. The onsite operations include the transfer station, scale house, household hazardous waste (HHW) facility, recycling center and closed city landfill operations. Collections operations include curbside collection of garbage, organics, and recycling for residential and commercial customers; container maintenance and delivery; Call-2-Hauland special event support; long-haul operations; and waste transfer operations.
Key responsibilities for the positions include the following:
Division Manager – Onsite Operations
This position leads the teams responsible for running and maintaining SWM’s onsite facilities. Key responsibilities include:
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Overseeing operations at the transfer station, landfill gas collection systems, and the groundwater extraction and treatment system.
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Ensuring facility operations meet all permit and regulatory requirements, including solid waste, hazardous waste, stormwater, asbestos, and environmental compliance obligations.
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Implementing and managing the Environmental and Sustainability Management System (ESMS) to ensure facilities follow standard operating procedures, remain properly maintained, and meet environmental and operational standards.
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Planning and managing the biennial operating budget for onsite operations and working closely with Science & Engineering on long-term capital facility planning.
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Collaborating regularly with other City departments, partner agencies, contractors, and regional organizations to coordinate infrastructure, share operational information, and support regional solid waste initiatives.
Division Manager – Collection Operations
This position leads staff and programs that deliver curbside collection services throughout Tacoma. Key responsibilities include:
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Managing crews and programs responsible for residential and commercial garbage, recycling, and organics collection, container maintenance, special collection programs, and long-haul transport.
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Overseeing fleet management for the Collections Operations Division, ensuring vehicles meet permit requirements and coordinating maintenance and asset management with the Fleet & Facilities Division.
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Implementing and managing ESMS processes to ensure collection systems, vehicles, and equipment follow standard operating procedures and meet environmental and regulatory expectations.
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Planning and managing the biennial operating budget for collection operations and partnering with Fleet & Facilities on long-term planning for the rolling-stock capital program.
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Working closely with other City departments, partner agencies, contractors, and regional partners to align operations, share information, and support coordinated regional service delivery.
Our ideal candidates will exemplify the following traits and competencies:
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Service-Driven Decision Making
Makes timely and practical operational decisions that support employees, protect the public, and maintain reliable solid waste services. -
Equity & Inclusive Leadership
Identifies and addresses inequities in policies, practices, and service delivery. Ensures fair treatment of staff and the communities served by Solid Waste Management. -
Directs Work
Sets clear expectations, aligns teams, assigns responsibilities, and ensures accountability. -
Ensures Accountability
Holds self and others responsible for performance, safety, compliance, and service standards. -
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Promotes high performance by applying best practices, coaching staff, and using tools such as ESMS and SOPs to ensure consistent, compliant, and efficient operations. -
People-Centered Management
Recognizes and supports employees as individuals with diverse backgrounds, strengths, and needs. Creates an environment where staff feel valued, heard, and supported. -
Safety Leadership
Builds and maintains safe work environments through strong safety practices, hazard awareness, and proactive responses to physical and psychological safety needs within high-risk operational settings. -
Builds Effective Teams
Creates high performing, collaborative, engaged workgroups across diverse roles and backgrounds. -
Values Differences
Demonstrates inclusive leadership, recognizes strengths in diverse perspectives, and fosters an equitable workplace culture. -
Communicates Effectively
Shares information clearly, listens actively, provides constructive feedback, and navigates sensitive conversations with professionalism.
The Principles that Guide Us:
Tacoma, the City of Destiny, has a workforce of dedicated, talented employees with unique skills and perspectives. We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement. The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma employees, and represent the core of our work in public service. The Environment and Public Works Department believes that everything we do supports healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound, leaving a better Tacoma for all.
City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.
The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
The Community
Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.
With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!
View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI
Application Process
Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received for interview consideration.
Get Assistance
For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.
For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.
Communication with the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $72.91 - $102.66
Annual Salary: $151,652.80 - $213,512.00
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma
