Solid Waste Manager

Thurston County Solid Waste Manager About Thurston County Public Works

The Thurston County Public Works Department is dedicated to providing excellent public services that protect public health, support economic vitality, preserve natural resources, and enhance the quality of life for residents throughout Thurston County. Serving one of Washington's fastest-growing regions, the department is responsible for maintaining and improving vital infrastructure while planning for the community's future needs.

Public Works delivers a wide range of essential services, including transportation, solid waste management, water and sewer utilities, stormwater management, and environmental stewardship, as well as maintains park and trail facilities for the well-being of the community. The department is committed to operational excellence, accountability, innovation, transparency, safety, and responsive customer service while fostering a collaborative workplace where employees are empowered to grow professionally and make a meaningful impact.

As an American Public Works Association (APWA) Accredited Agency, Thurston County Public Works has demonstrated its commitment to excellence by meeting nationally recognized standards for public works management, operations, and continuous improvement. This distinction reflects the department's dedication to best practices, accountability, and delivering exceptional service to the community.

Accountability
– We take ownership of our work and honor our commitments to the public and one another.

Customer Service
– We strive to provide exceptional service that is responsive, respectful, and solution-oriented.

Innovation
– We continuously seek better ways to improve our services, processes, and outcomes.

Safety
– We are committed to creating a safe workplace and protecting the health and well-being of our employees and community.

Teamwork
– We value collaboration, mutual respect, and shared success in achieving our mission.

To provide excellent public services in all areas of our business.

To be the premier public works organization, accountable and transparent in all services we provide to our community.

To learn more about Thurston County Public Works and the services it provides to the community, please visit:
https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-works

The Thurston County Solid Waste Division provides environmentally responsible, cost-effective, and sustainable solid waste services for residents and businesses throughout the county. The Division plays a vital role in protecting public health and the environment through waste reduction, recycling, household hazardous waste management, transfer station operations, education, and long-range planning.

Operating as an enterprise fund with an annual budget of approximately $34 million, the Division serves more than 300,000 residents through the Waste & Recovery Center in Lacey, two rural drop-box facilities, recycling and waste reduction programs, household hazardous waste collection, and community education initiatives. The Division is responsible for managing an integrated solid waste system that supports the County's commitment to environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability.

As Thurston County continues to experience significant population growth, the Solid Waste Division is focused on meeting increasing service demands while investing in modern infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, expanding waste diversion opportunities, and protecting the County's environmental resources for future generations. This includes a $28 million expansion and modernization of the Waste & Recovery Center to ensure the County's solid waste system remains safe, efficient, and sustainable for decades to come.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly collaborative leadership team committed to innovation, environmental stewardship, and delivering exceptional public services to one of Washington's most dynamic and growing communities.

Reporting directly to the Public Works Director, Thurston County’s Solid Waste Manager is…