Division Manager, Environmental Services

Solid Waste Management Division Managers

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-Haul and 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:

• Overseeing operations at the transfer station, landfill gas collection systems, and the groundwater extraction and treatment system.
• Ensuring facility operations meet all permit and regulatory requirements, including solid waste, hazardous waste, stormwater, asbestos, and environmental compliance obligations.
• 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.
• Planning and managing the biennial operating budget for onsite operations and working closely with Science & Engineering on long-term capital facility planning.
• 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:

• Managing crews and programs responsible for residential and commercial garbage, recycling, and organics collection, container maintenance, special collection programs, and long-haul transport.
• Overseeing fleet management for the Collections Operations Division, ensuring vehicles meet permit requirements and coordinating maintenance and asset management with the Fleet & Facilities Division.
• Implementing and managing ESMS processes to ensure collection systems, vehicles, and equipment follow standard operating procedures and meet environmental and regulatory expectations.
• 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.
• 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:

• 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…