Solid Waste Director

Knox County Landfill; Wataga (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Knox County seeks a Solid Waste Director to lead all county solid waste operations, including landfill, composting, recycling, and hauling, while ensuring regulatory compliance and long‑term planning. You will supervise staff, manage budgets, present to the County Board, and negotiate contracts for disposal, hauling, and services.

Requirements include a 4‑year degree in a related field and 5+ years in solid waste or public administration, plus ability to obtain Illinois certifications within 1

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required.
• 5+ years in solid waste management, public administration, or public finance/accounting.
• Experience managing budgets, financial analysis, and fund accounting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of landfill and construction operations, transfer stations, recycling programs, and waste hauling contracts.
• Experience administering contracts and managing vendors or consultants.
• Ability to obtain Illinois Class A Solid Waste Site Operator certification within 1 year.
• Ability to obtain IEPA Prior Conduct Certification.
• Strong leadership, communication, and public presentation skills.
• Experience working with governing boards, elected officials, or public‑sector stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead all County solid waste operations, including landfill, composting, recycling, transfer, and hauling activities.
• Supervise and develop staff; manage staffing levels for operational effectiveness and cost efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with IEPA, US EPA, and all applicable environmental regulations; serve as primary regulatory liaison.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget; monitor financial performance and long‑term cash flow projections.
• Lead long‑term planning efforts, including strategic plans and required five‑year updates.
• Present financial recommendations and strategic plans to the County Board and Landfill Committee.
• Recommend tipping fees and evaluate market conditions affecting waste and recycling revenues.
• Administer and negotiate contracts for waste disposal, hauling, recycling, professional services, and other related services.
• Oversee landfill construction, operations, permitting, and contract services (engineering, hauling, consulting).
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting solid waste management.
• Identify and pursue grants, alternative waste technologies, and innovative diversion or energy initiatives.
• Serve as Recycling Coordinator and implement the County Solid Waste Management Plan and required reporting.
• Represent the County with professional organizations (e.g., SWANA, ILCSWMA, IRA) and with community stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Public speaking

Stakeholder engagement

Staff development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business, Environmental Science, Civil/Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

Job description

Position Summary

The Solid Waste Director provides strategic, technical, and operational leadership for Knox County's solid waste management system. This role oversees all County-owned and operated solid waste facilities, including a 350 to 450 TPD municipal solid waste landfill, a landscape waste composting facility, and waste hauling operations, while ensuring regulatory compliance, financial sustainability, and long-term planning. The Director partners with County leadership, regulators, and community stakeholders to deliver efficient, environmentally responsible waste and recycling programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all County solid waste operations, including landfill, composting, recycling, transfer, and hauling activities.
• Supervise and develop staff; manage staffing levels for operational effectiveness and cost efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with IEPA, US EPA, and all applicable environmental regulations; serve as primary regulatory liaison.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget; monitor financial performance and long‑term cash flow projections.
• Lead long‑term planning efforts, including strategic plans and required five‑year updates.
• Present financial recommendations and strategic plans to the County Board and Landfill Committee.
• Recommend tipping fees and evaluate market conditions affecting waste and recycling revenues.
• Administer and negotiate contracts for waste disposal, hauling, recycling, professional services, and other related services.
• Oversee landfill construction, operations, permitting, and contract services (engineering, hauling, consulting).
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting solid waste management.
• Identify and pursue grants, alternative waste technologies, and innovative diversion or energy initiatives.
• Serve as Recycling Coordinator and implement the County Solid Waste Management Plan and required reporting.
• Represent the County with professional organizations (e.g., SWANA, ILCSWMA, IRA) and with community stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business, Environmental Science, Civil/Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in solid waste management, public administration, or public finance/accounting.
• Experience managing budgets, financial analysis, and fund accounting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of landfill and construction operations, transfer stations, recycling programs, and waste hauling contracts.
• Experience administering contracts and managing vendors or consultants.
• Ability to obtain Illinois Class A Solid Waste Site Operator certification within 1 year.
• Ability to obtain IEPA Prior Conduct Certification.
• Strong leadership, communication, and public presentation skills.
• Experience working with governing boards, elected officials, or public‑sector stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience managing municipal or county‑owned landfill operations.
• Prior experience working with Illinois environmental regulations and permitting processes.
• Professional certifications (e.g., PE/PG, SWANA, or other solid waste industry credentials).
• Experience with grant funding, alternative waste technologies, or resource recovery initiatives.
• Proven ability to negotiate complex service agreements and contracts.
• Experience working in or understanding rural community dynamics.

Compensation

Knox County offers an attractive and competitive salary and benefits package. The salary range for this position is$100,000 - $115,000. Actual compensation will vary based on factors such as relevant experience, geographic location, scope and level of responsibility, and applicable licenses or certifications. This position will require an employment contract with the County and is subject to terms and conditions mutually agreed upon by both parties. This position may be filled at a different level based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. If this occurs, the compensation range may vary accordingly.

Application Information

Letters of interest and resumes should be sent to:

Solid Waste Director Position
Scott G. Erickson
Knox County Clerk
Knox County Courthouse
200 S. Cherry St.
Galesburg, IL 61401-4992