Manager – Solid Waste Operations

Collier County; Florida; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Collier County in Florida seeks an experienced and strategic leader to manage Solid Waste Operations, including the landfill, transfer stations, and recycling centers. The role drives budgeting, planning, contracts, and regulatory compliance within the county's integrated solid waste system.

The Manager leads staff across operational areas, develops short- and long-range plans, and ensures safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant operations while coordinating with regulatory agencies and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Three years of related experience.
• Fingerprinting required.
• MOLO certification and valid FL driver's license preferred or required within specified timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Oversee landfill, transfer station, recycling center, scale house, and deep injection well operations.
• Lead budgeting, staffing, planning, and long-range strategic plans.
• Develop and administer contracts; monitor vendor performance and compliance.
• Ensure environmental, safety, and regulatory compliance across facilities.
• Drive operational improvements, capital projects, and program developments.
• Coordinate with county departments and external agencies; engage stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Regulatory compliance

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Collier County Solid & Hazardous Waste Management Division is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as Manager – Solid Waste Operations. This position oversees the operation of the County's landfill, transfer stations, recycling centers, scale house operations, and deep injection well systems.

The Manager plays a key role in ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant operations while providing leadership in budgeting, capital planning, contract administration, regulatory compliance, and strategic initiatives supporting the County's integrated solid waste management system.

About the Community

Located in Southwest Florida, Collier County is recognized for its exceptional quality of life, environmental stewardship, and commitment to sustainable growth. The County serves a permanent population of more than 417,000 residents and a significantly larger seasonal population during peak tourism months, when visitors and seasonal residents increase demand for public services. Historically, the County's peak seasonal population has exceeded 460,000 residents. In addition, Collier County experienced total tourism visitation of 2,664,100 in 2025, further reflecting the region’s strong draw as a premier destination. Operating one of the region’s most comprehensive solid waste management systems, Collier County is dedicated to protecting public health, preserving natural resources, and delivering innovative, sustainable waste management solutions to a growing community.

Leadership & Operational Strategy

• Direct and oversee the operation of the landfill, transfer station, recycling center, scale house, and deep injection well facilities.


• Lead operational planning, budgeting, staffing, resource allocation, and the development of short- and long-range strategic plans.


• Establish division goals and objectives while supervising, mentoring, and evaluating management, supervisory, and operational staff.

Regulatory Compliance & Technical Oversight

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental regulations, permit requirements, and County policies.


• Monitor facility operations to maintain adherence to environmental standards, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.


• Coordinate inspections, maintain compliance documentation and reporting, and interpret applicable regulations and technical requirements.

Contract Management & Vendor Oversight

• Develop, administer, and oversee operational and professional service contracts.


• Review contractor performance and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.


• Prepare and review executive summaries, reports, and procurement documents.

Operational Improvements & Site Development

• Evaluate operational performance and implement process improvements.


• Lead strategic initiatives involving landfill operations, recycling programs, yard waste, C&D materials, organics, sludge management, and artificial reef programs.


• Support long-term planning and capital improvement projects.

Stakeholder Coordination & Communication

• Collaborate with County departments, regulatory agencies, consultants, contractors, and community partners.


• Represent the Division in meetings with local, state, and federal agencies.


• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with public and private stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.


• Three (3) years of related experience.


• Candidates without a degree should possess four (4) additional years of related experience.


• Fingerprinting required.

Licenses/Certificates

• Must obtain and maintain the Manager of Landfill Operations (MOLO) Certification within twelve months from the date of hire if assigned to Solid Waste Operations.


• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License with any applicable endorsement(s) to drive a county vehicle as provided in CMA 5805.

Salary offers above the minimum pay grade may be considered based on qualifications.

Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared or declared emergency. The County’s Administrative Office will determine who will be required to work on an incident-by-incident basis.

This job posting is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.