Salary: $155,000.00 - $178,000.00 Annually
Location : Dane County Waste & Renewables, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI
Job Type: Full time (1.0FTE)
Job Number:Department: Waste & Renewables
Opening Date: 10/30/2026
Closing Date: 12/11/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: MC
Description Dane County is currently recruiting for a full time (1.0 FTE) Director to lead the Department of Waste & Renewables located in Madison, WI.
The Director of Waste & Renewables is a managerial contract position. The salary range for this position starts at $155,000 annually. The successful candidate will negotiate an Employment Services Contract that includes compensation and other benefits.
The Department of Waste & Renewables is responsible for the management and operation of Dane County's landfills, renewable natural gas facilities, Clean Sweep, construction and demolition recycling facility, Food Scrap Stops and various other recycling programs. The mission is to provide environmentally-sound and sustainable waste management and renewable energy solutions for current Dane County residents and future generations. This includes looking at waste as a resource to create renewable fuels and the conservation of landfill air space through waste diversion, recycling, and efficient operations.
This position is primarily on site located at 1919 Aliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713. For more information on the Department of Waste & Renewables, please visit:
Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter. Equity, Definition and Examples of DutiesCOMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
DEFINITIONUnder the general administrative direction of the County Executive, this position leads the Department of Waste and Renewables. The Department of Waste and Renewables is responsible for the management of the County's landfills, renewable natural gas (RNG) facilities, Clean Sweep, and other recycling programs. Performs all duties as required.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIESDevelops department policies. Works with other County Officials. Represents the department at intradepartmental meetings, County Board, and other public forums. Develops the department's annual budget request and overseas all financial aspects of the Department. Manages all personnel for the department including hiring, performance evaluations, and discipline. Oversees the development and implementation of safety and training programs. Compiles and presents reports to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and other agencies. Establishes and maintains positive professional working relationships with customers, neighbors, regulatory agencies, vendors, employees, members of the public, and all other interested or affected parties. Performs other work as directed by the County Executive.
Education, Experience and Special RequirementsEducation, Training and Experience:Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in civil engineering or business administration and five (5) years of progressive experience in solid waste management, including at least two (2) years of management or supervisory experience.
Certifications/Licenses:WDNR Solid Waste Facility Manager, must be obtained within 12 months of hire. Professional Engineer (PE) preferred but not required.
Special Requirements:Must have a valid driver's license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Must be available for some weekend work, when necessary for a particular project or issue, and must be able to be on-call during nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies. Also refer to the "Physical and Environmental Work Requirements" section below.
For Bilingual Positions: - Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.).
- Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.
* If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position's bilingual designation.
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:Mainly professional office work environment. Some work outside and on the landfill. Potential exposure to some chemicals, landfill leachate, and landfill gas. Must be able to lift 25 pounds (with or without assistance). Ability to sit/stand for extended periods of time. Ability to view a computer monitor/screen for long periods. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without corrective devices. Ability to speak and be heard by others.
Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of the methods, materials, and equipment used in the construction and operation of a sanitary landfill. Knowledge of WDNR, EPA, and other regulatory rules affecting solid waste operations. Ability to read plans and work from blueprints or sketches. Business analysis skills. Ability to supervise, train, and maintain effective working relationships with professional, technical, and supervisory field employees engaged in the engineering, maintenance, construction, surveying, and inspection of all aspects of a sanitary landfill, Clean Sweep, and gas utilization facility. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with waste haulers, customers, contractors, vendors, elected officials, other County Departments, DNR, and other representatives of bodies governing landfill operations and the public. Ability to organize and delegate work and develop and implement plans for continual growth and development of employees. Sufficient computer skills to prepare reports, fill in paperwork forms, and perform general office work in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook and CAD. Ability to maintain comprehensive records and prepare reports. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Working knowledge of financial planning and reporting and governmental financial accounting practices.
We offer a wide range of benefits including fully paid dental and HMO health insurance premiums for full time employees/pro rated for part time employees. The County will also provide contributions towards POS health insurance premiums and short/long term disability. Additional benefits available include long term care, vision coverage, flex spending account and deferred compensation programs paid in full by the employee and a wellness program. For further details on insurance benefits visit
Bilingual Pay: Employees who work in bilingual designated positions receive an additional $2.00 per hour.
Undesirable Hours Premium Pay: Employees may receive undesirable hours pay of $2.00 for anytime worked between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m and for anytime on Saturday and/or Sunday. (not applicable with all employee groups).
Paid Parental Leave: Dane County also provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption of a child.
Caregiver Leave: Dane County offers 80 hours of paid leave to care for an ill family member.
Telecommuting: Telecommuting allows employees to work remotely for all or part of their work week. Dane County considers telecommuting to be a viable, flexible option when both the employee and the job are suited to such an arrangement. Dane County will permit telecommuting when it benefits the productivity of the employee and their department and if determined by employee's department that telecommuting is not detrimental to either the County or the employee.
Student Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
WI Retirement System: Employees hired after 7-1-11 must be expected to work a minimum of 1200 hours annually to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System when hired.
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Do you have any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in civil engineering or business administration?
02
Do you have five (5) years of progressive experience in solid waste management, including at least two (2) years of management or supervisory experience?
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Do you currently hold a WDNR Solid Waste Facility Manager certificate?
04
Do you have a Professional Engineer (PE) license?
05
Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter. Please respond Yes if you have done so.
Required Question
