Director of Waste Management Operations

City of Stamford, CT

$132K — $169K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Environmental Science, or related field.
  • 8 years of relevant experience in waste management or public works.
  • 5 years of supervisory experience in a related capacity.
  • Strong analytical skills for operational and financial data interpretation.
  • Valid driver's license and available for flexible hours.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee daily operations of the Solid Waste Division including collections and disposal.
  • Supervise staff and ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
  • Monitor performance metrics to enhance productivity and cost-effectiveness.
  • Manage scalehouse operations, including revenue collection and reporting.
  • Coordinate with the Water Pollution Control Authority to ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Lead public education efforts concerning waste reduction programs.
  • Develop and manage the department's annual budget.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
  • Defined benefit and/or defined contribution pension plans.
  • Free term life insurance and flexible spending accounts.
  • Sick bank and tuition reimbursement options.
  • Access to training from the City of Stamford Training Institute.
Full Job Description
Salary : $132,144.00 - $169,720.00 Annually
Location : 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford, CT
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Office of Operations
Division: Collections
Opening Date: 06/26/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: MAA

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Director of Operations or designee, performs advanced administrative, operational, and supervisory work overseeing the City's Solid Waste Division. Responsibilities include managing scalehouse operations, collection services, and disposal/haul-away activities ensuring efficient, compliant, and customer-focused delivery. This role also supports sustainability initiatives and continuous improvement efforts. Serves as primary liaison to the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) on behalf of the Director ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating joint initiatives and representing the City interests in matters involving waste management and water quality protection. Plays a critical role in implementing operational strategies, monitoring performance metrics, supporting budget oversight and enhancing overall service delivery.

Supervision Received: Works under the general direction of the Director of Operations or designee.

Supervision Exercised: Provides direct supervision to scalehouse staff, collection personnel and other assigned employees; may also provide functional oversight to contractors and vendors.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
• Oversees daily operations of the Solid Waste Division including collection, recycling, scalehouse, and disposal activities.
• Supervises staff, assigns work, and ensures compliance with safety protocols, operational standards and regulatory requirements.
• Monitors operational performance, service delivery, and route efficiency; implements improvements to enhance productivity and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensures proper operation and coordination of scalehouse functions including accurate fee application, revenue collection, reconciliation and reporting.
• Maintains proper internal controls related to billing, fee schedules and financial reporting.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations (e.g. EPA, DEEP).
• Serves as liaison to WPCA, coordinating administrative and operational activities as directed ensuring alignment with City policies and operations.
• Identifies opportunities to improve coordination between wastewater and solid waste operations where appropriate.
• Supports compliance related to wastewater regulations and collaborative operational initiatives.
• Responds to public inquiries, complaints and service issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Coordinates with City departments, vendors and contractors to resolve operational issues.
• Supports public education and outreach efforts related to waste reduction and environmental programs.
• Leads process improvements initiatives and evaluates service delivery models for operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develops and manages the department's annual budget; monitors expenditures and identifies costs efficiencies.
• Supports and promotes sustainability initiatives, including recycling, composting and waste diversion programs.
• Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES
• Knowledge of municipal solid waste operations, recycling systems and environmental services.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable environmental laws, regulations and compliance requirements dealing with solid waste, recycling and hazardous waste.
• Knowledge of the public health aspects of solid waste collection and processing.
• Ability to assign, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate employees.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret operational and financial data.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, employees and the public.
• Ability to plan, develop and conduct educational workshops and programs on recycling.
• Ability to make oral and written presentations in a clear, concise and understandable form.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices, waste diversion strategies and environmental programs.
• Ability to implement process improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and operational/reporting systems.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Environmental Science, Business Administration, or a related field and eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in waste management, environmental services or public works, including at least five (5) years in a supervisory capacity; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Special Requirements:
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays as required.
> Within one year of appointment, must obtain the following certifications:
  1. State of Connecticut Solid Waste Landfill and Transfer Station certification,
  2. Hazardous Waste Management Certification
  3. CT DEEP Solid Waste Facility Operator Certification

SCOPE EXAMINATION: The examination will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's education, training, and experience as submitted on the application and Training and Experience Questionnaire. The evaluation will be based on the relevance and depth of the applicant's background as it relates to the duties and minimum qualifications of the position.
There will be no written examination for this position. Applicants are therefore advised to provide complete and detailed information regarding their education, work history, and any specialized training or certifications relevant to the requirements of the position.
The City of Stamford offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes; health, vision, dental, defined benefit and/or defined contribution pension plans, free term life insurance, flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care and commuter benefits. Sick bank and tuition reimbursement as well as training from the City of Stamford Training Institute.

Specific information regarding benefits are outlined in each Collective Bargaining Agreement or in the Pay Plan Document for pay plan employees.

Please click here for Union Contracts:

If the position is a seasonal/temporary position, it is not eligible for union benefits.
01

What is the highest level of education you have completed?
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Environmental Science, Business Administration or a related field
  • Bachelor's Degree in an unrelated field
  • Master's Degree or higher in a related field

02

How many years of progressively responsible experience do you have in waste management, environmental services, public works or a closely related field/
  • Less than 3 years
  • 3 to less than 5 years
  • 5 to less than 8 years
  • 8 to less than 10 years
  • 10 or more years

03

How many years do you have supervising employees in waste management, environmental services, public works, utilities or related operations?
  • None
  • Less than 2 years
  • 2 to less than 5 years
  • 5 to less than 8 years
  • 8 or more years

04

What is the largest number of employees you have directly supervised?
  • None
  • 1-10 employees
  • 11-25 employees
  • 26-50 employees
  • More than 50 employees

05

Select all areas in which you have direct management or supervisory experience:
  • Residential solid waste collection
  • Commercial waste collection
  • Transfer station operations
  • Scalehouse operations
  • Recycling programs
  • Composting programs
  • Landfill operations
  • Waste disposal and haul-away services
  • Household hazardous waste programs
  • None of the above

06

Describe your experience ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
07

Which of the following regulations or agencies have you worked with? (Select all that apply.)
  • EPA regulations
  • CT DEEP regulations
  • OSHA regulations
  • Hazardous waste regulations
  • Recycling regulations
  • Solid waste facility regulations
  • None of the above

08

This position requires the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, employees, and members of the public. Please describe your experience working with these groups.
09

How much experience do you have managing contracts, consultants, vendors, or service providers?
  • None
  • Limited experience
  • Moderate experience
  • Extensive experience
  • Primary responsibility for procurement, contract administration, and vendor performance management

10

How much experience do you have overseeing scalehouse operations, fee collection, reconciliation, revenue reporting, or related financial controls?
  • No experience
  • Limited experience
  • Moderate experience
  • Extensive experience
  • Responsible for overall management and financial oversight

11

Select all sustainability initiatives that you have managed or implemented:
  • Recycling programs
  • Composting programs
  • Waste diversion programs
  • Environmental education programs
  • Public outreach campaigns
  • Sustainability planning initiatives
  • None of the above

12

How much experience do you have monitoring operational performance metrics and implementing process improvements?
  • None
  • Participated in process improvement efforts
  • Led improvements within a work unit
  • Led department-wide operational improvements
  • Led multiple large-scale efficiency and service delivery initiatives

13

How frequently have you responded to public complaints, service requests, elected officials, community groups, or regulatory agencies?
  • Never
  • Occasionally
  • Regularly
  • Frequently
  • Primary responsibility for stakeholder relations

14

Describe your experience coordinating activities with other governmental agencies, public authorities, utilities, or regulatory bodies.
  • No experience
  • Limited experience
  • Moderate experience
  • Extensive experience
  • Primary liaison responsible for interagency coordination

15

Do you currently possess any of the following certifications?
  • State of Connecticut Solid Waste Landfill and Transfer Station Certification
  • Hazardous Waste Management Certification
  • CT DEEP Solid Waste Facility Operator Certification
  • Other environmental, public works, or waste management certification(s)
  • None

16

Please describe your experience managing municipal solid waste, environmental services, recycling, or public works operations. Include:1. Size and scope of the operation;2. Number of employees supervised;3. Budget responsibilities;4. Regulatory compliance responsibilities;5. Contract and vendor management experience;6. Sustainability initiatives implemented; and7. Significant operational improvements or accomplishments achieved.Response Limit: 1,000 words.
Required Question

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