Solid Waste Manager

Thurston County Government; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation allowance up to $5,000

Hiring bonus up to $15,000

Annual performance incentive up to 4%

County-provided vehicle

Job summary

Thurston County Public Works Department invites applications for the Solid Waste Manager. This role reports to the Public Works Director and leads the Division’s operations, strategic planning, budgeting, and community engagement to safeguard public health and the environment.

The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with hands-on leadership, drives innovation, manages contracts, and develops a high-performing team while collaborating with regulatory agencies and county leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental field, public administration, or related field.
• Four years of progressive experience in solid waste, contract management, community relations and resource protection, with at least three years of supervisory experience.
• Ability to use a computer and software tools relevant to the role.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, direct, and oversee all operations and programs of the Solid Waste Division.
• Lead development and implementation of strategic/operational plans and compliance programs.
• Prepare and administer annual operating and capital budgets; manage enterprise fund resources.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Vision

Creativity & Innovation

Staff Development

Communication

Partnerships

Problem Solving

Interdisciplinary Approach

Cultural Competency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental field

Four years of progressive solid waste/contract management experience

Public administration background (preferred)

Job description

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.

Our Values

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.

Our Mission

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

Our Vision

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://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/public-works

About the Solid Waste Division

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.

To learn more about the Solid Waste Division, please visit:

https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/public-works/garbage-recycling

About the Position

Reporting directly to the Public Works Director, Thurston County’s Solid Waste Manager is responsible for leadership of the Division, has broad responsibility for the operations of solid waste in the County, as well as charting the course for the Division’s future.

In addition, the Manager is responsible to:

• Plan, organize, direct, and oversee all operations and programs of the Solid Waste Division, including transfer station operations, waste reduction and recycling, household hazardous waste, environmental compliance, long-range planning, capital projects, and public education.
• Lead the development and implementation of the Division's strategic and operational plans, including the Solid Waste Management Plan, Disaster Debris Management Plan, Continuity of Operations Plan, and Capital Facilities Program. Coordinate planning efforts with the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Board of County Commissioners, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Prepare and administer the Division's annual operating and capital budgets. Monitor revenues and expenditures, establish financial strategies, and ensure enterprise fund resources are managed responsibly to support operational priorities, capital investments, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Coordinate Division activities with other County departments, local jurisdictions, state and federal agencies, private contractors, and community organizations. Serve as the Division's representative on policy, operational, and regulatory matters, providing recommendations and presentations to elected officials, advisory committees, and the public.
• Recruit, develop, mentor, and lead a high-performing workforce by fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Establish performance expectations, support professional development, and promote a safe, inclusive, and engaged workplace.
• Direct the County's waste reduction, recycling, and resource recovery initiatives through public education, school partnerships, business assistance programs, and community outreach that encourage sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
• Oversee the procurement, negotiation, and administration of contracts for professional services, operations, and capital projects. Monitor contractor performance and ensure services are delivered effectively, efficiently, and in compliance with County standards and regulatory requirements.
• Promote operational excellence by identifying opportunities to improve processes, enhance customer service, leverage innovation, and increase organizational efficiency while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance.
• Advance Thurston County's mission by delivering reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective solid waste services that protect public health, preserve natural resources, and support the quality of life for residents throughout the county.

The Ideal Candidate

For this important role Thurston County seeks an experienced, unifying leader who is deeply committed to the success of the County and is a strategic big-picture thinker. The new Solid Waste Manager must have the desire and capability to lead a team in implementing innovative programs that care for the spaces, places and active lifestyles that define the County’s identity and quality of life.

The successful candidate will possess the following key leadership characteristics:

• Results Oriented Leadership
• Strategic Vision
• Creativity and Innovation
• Build a Talented, Effective Staff Team
• Business and Management Acumen
• Flexibility
• Partnering
• Drive External Communications and Relationships
• Interdisciplinary Approach
• Cultural Competency

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in an environmental field, public administration, or related field, plus four years of progressive experience in solid waste, contract management, community relations and resource protection, including at least three years of supervisory experience; or, any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Ability to use a personal computer and applicable software packages to perform essential job functions. Current Washington State Driver's License or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $103,560 - $136,224. Compensation will be dependent on qualifications.

Thurston County offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including:

• Relocation allowance of up to $5,000
• Hiring bonus opportunity of up to $15,000
• Annual performance incentive of up to 4%
• County-provided vehicle, including commuting privileges (commute use is taxable in accordance with IRS requirements)
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible family members
• Three voluntary deferred compensation plans
• Paid vacation for full-time regular employees
• Up to 40 hours of additional administrative leave annually
• County-paid training and professional development
• Alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote work options, as applicable to the position
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSA) for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness for qualifying employees and loans.

About the County

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage.

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications.