Solid Waste Manager - Public Works

Salary : $106,680.00 - $133,356.00 Annually
Location : 1600 13th Ave. S, Kelso, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-020
Department: Solid Waste Maint
Opening Date: 09/08/2026
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NON

General Position Summary
The Solid Waste Manager provides leadership and oversight for all functions of the Public Works Department's Solid Waste Division, including the development, interpretation, implementation, and continuous improvement of solid waste policies, programs, and operations. The Division encompasses a 77-acre landfill in post-closure management, a 307-acre active Subtitle D landfill, and contracted transfer station, rural drop box, and recycling operations. This position plans, directs, and oversees the safe, efficient, and compliant operation and maintenance of County solid waste disposal facilities and rural drop box sites in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permits, and industry standards. The position leads the development and implementation of solid and hazardous waste management plans; administers and monitors grants and contracts; identifies staffing, equipment, facility, and other resource needs; and develops and manages the Division's operating and capital improvement budgets. The Solid Waste Manager serves as the primary technical and administrative advisor to the Public Services Director, County Commissioners, Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and Solid Waste Governance Committee on solid waste policy, regulatory, operational, financial, and strategic matters.
This position is open until filled!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plans, develops, and implements strategies, programs, and initiatives to accomplish Solid Waste Division goals, priorities, and objectives.
2. Develops, implements, and maintains policies, procedures, standards, and service objectives for the Solid Waste Division.
3. Directs the planning, scheduling, coordination, and delivery of countywide solid waste disposal programs and services.
4. Directs the operation and maintenance of County solid waste disposal facilities, equipment, and related resources.
5. Supervises field and office staff; assigns and prioritizes work; monitors work activities; evaluates employee performance; and conducts hiring and disciplinary actions in coordination with Human Resources. Develops and supports staff training and professional development to ensure employees maintain current technical and trade knowledge, certifications, licenses, and required training necessary to safely and effectively perform their duties.
6. Represents the Department and County at public meetings, hearings, bid openings, training sessions, conferences, and other events; communicates and advocates for Department and County goals, policies, views, and positions.
7. Develops, implements, and maintains strategic, fiscal, operational, and capital improvement plans for the Solid Waste Division. Identifies long-range solid waste management and disposal needs and coordinates long-range financing strategies for solid waste projects and infrastructure.
8. Collaborate with the Administrative Services Manager and Engineering staff to develop, prepare, and monitor the Division's operating and capital budgets. Develop and make recommendations regarding solid waste rates, fees, and other revenue requirements. Prepares or coordinates the preparation of specifications, cost and quantity estimates, bid documents, and related procurement materials for solid waste equipment, maintenance, facility development, and capital projects.
9. Collaborate with the Administrative Services Manager and appropriate staff to develop scopes of work, schedules, and budgets for solid waste consulting services. Reviews consultant performance and requests for changes to contract scope, schedules, or costs and makes recommendations regarding appropriate action.
10. Coordinates with Engineering staff to review and approve design recommendations for solid waste facility capital improvements, closures, expansions, and related infrastructure. Oversee the planning, construction, and completion of solid waste capital improvement and construction projects.
11. Maintains, acquires, and renews operating permits, regulatory approvals, and required plans for all County solid waste facilities. Oversee the preparation and submission of reports, monitoring data, and supporting documentation required by permitting and regulatory agencies. Ensures timely completion and submittal of required regulatory reports, including leachate system safety reports and gas, groundwater, surface water, stormwater, and other environmental monitoring reports.
12. Administers, implements, and updates the County's solid waste and hazardous waste management plans, policies, programs, and related initiatives. Serves as coordinator and staff representative to the County's Solid Waste Advisory Committee and Solid Waste Governance Committee.
13. Maintains current knowledge of solid waste management practices, industry standards, regulatory requirements, emerging technologies, and applicable laws and regulations through professional development, trade and training conferences, continuing education, and other appropriate resources.
14. Ensures Division operations, programs, facilities, and activities comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permits, policies, and regulatory requirements.
15. Attends and participates in Department and County meetings. Organizes and conducts regular Solid Waste Division staff meetings to communicate priorities, operational issues, safety matters, regulatory requirements, and other relevant information.
16. Attends, participates in, and represents the County at professional conferences, public meetings, community events, and other governmental and industry forums. Serves as a liaison with federal, state, and local governmental agencies, regulatory authorities, private firms, contractors, consultants, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
17. Receives, responds to, and investigates complaints and concerns related to solid waste operations, facilities, services, and regulatory matters; determines appropriate corrective action and coordinates resolution as necessary.
18. Performs other related duties, responsibilities, and special projects as assigned by the Director.

Minimum Qualifications

1. A Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Business Degree or a related field.
2. Prefer four (4) years of experience in the administration and operation of a solid waste management program or facility. Experience should include two (2) years of full supervisory responsibilities; or six (6) years of progressively responsible related experience, including three (3) years in a supervisory and managerial capacity. Including experience working with bargaining groups or in unionized environments.
3. SWANA Manager of Landfill Operations Certification or ability to obtain within four years of appointment.
4. 40-hour HAZWHOPER Certification or ability to obtain within one year of appointment.
5. Must possess or ability to obtain a valid Driver's License within 30 days of employment.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of principles, practices, theories, methods and techniques of solid and hazardous waste planning, recycling, waste reduction and disposal, pollution control as it relates to solid waste management. Develop, write and implement solid waste management program policies and procedures.
2. Have a general understanding of landfill operations including but not limited to airspace capacity, tarping procedures, and GPS systems.
3. Handle and attain the essential job functions independently as well as being able to work well in a team environment. Able to organize and prioritize work effectively. Handle a multi-task and busy work environment with demands from multiple sources and projects. Efficiently work in a demanding and political environment
4. Experience in financial management, accounting and budget preparation and monitoring, preferably in public sector. Proficient in general administration and project management.
5. Skilled in modern personnel management and supervision practices in order to effectively manage staff, evaluate, motivate, discipline and resolve conflicts. Effectively organize, prioritize, assign work, and relay instructions and training to achieve the goals of the operations.
6. Possess knowledge of engineering principles related to the operation of a landfill, transfer station and drop box facility. Be familiar with the trade terminology, laws, rules and regulations, including occupational hazards and safety precautions, solid waste management public policy issues and service standards; record keeping practices and procedures.
7. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Effective public speaking, including presentations to a single and large group audiences, and diverse audiences. Skilled at writing contracts, amendments, proposal specifications, and reports
8. Research skills, with effective analysis and develop accurate conclusions and statistics.
9. Excellent interpersonal skills in order to establish and maintain effective working relations with department and other County personnel, government agencies, contractors/vendors, interest and community groups, and the general public. Good customer service skills. Serve as liaison to facilitate communication and build project teams. Possess conflict resolution and mediation skills. Effectively enforce and relay laws, rules and regulations.
10. Excellent interpersonal skills. Establish and maintain effective working relations with employees, other county employees, other agencies staff, sub-contractors, and citizens. Effectively relay instructions, explanations, and provide training.
11. Possess research skills to effectively gather relevant data, analyze it and arrive to accurate conclusions. Make recommendations and propose plans of action, even with controversial issues.
12. Exercise good judgment and discretion over sensitive or confidential matters.

Cowlitz County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:

• Health Insurance: Variety of Medical, dental, life, vision, and prescription insurance for employee and family. Employees who are covered under another person's medical plan have the option of an HRA (Health Retirement Account) in lieu of medical insurance. HSA and FSA plans are also available, depending on eligibility.
• 11 Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: All full-time employees must participate in a Washington State Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, if desired.
• Employee Assistance Program employees and family members for help with personal or family issues.
• Group Life Insurance: Basic life and Accident insurance is provided to employee, with additional insurance available to purchase.