Solid Waste Manager

Join our Public Works Department as Solid Waste Manager and contribute to making Durango a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable city. In this role, you will lead our Trash and Recycling Divisions, driving efficient and environmentally responsible waste management and recycling services. You’ll be responsible for staff leadership, budget oversight, and resource allocation, as well as implementing sustainability initiatives. Beyond overseeing daily operations, you’ll conduct field inspections, prioritize service requests, and engage with the public to address inquiries and concerns.

Your ability to inspire and support staff, set clear division goals, and uphold safety standards will be essential to delivering outstanding waste management services.

What You’ll Do in This Role: 

• Manage solid waste services, including recycling and refuse handling.
  Select, motivate, and evaluate staff; provide training, address performance issues, and handle disciplinary actions.
• Lead division planning, goal setting, resource allocation, and budget management.
• Supervise staff work for accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with safety standards.
• Conduct field inspections to assess service needs, estimate resources, and prioritize tasks.
• Coordinate with contractors and utility agents for efficient route scheduling.
• Oversee and schedule sanitation and recycling pick-ups, including special events.
• Implement and refine processes, policies, and procedures.
• Support the Assistant Director of Public Works – Operations with staff assistance and project management.
• Collaborate with the Sustainability Manager to enhance waste reduction initiatives.
• Address public inquiries and complaints with professionalism and efficiency.

You Have: 

• A high school diploma or GED, plus one year of specialized or technical training.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Five or more years of public works experience, including administrative and supervisory roles.
• Ability to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within six months of hire.
• Strong leadership skills to guide a high-performing team.
• Knowledge of refuse disposal, recycling, municipal budgeting, and specialized software for work management.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills aligned with operational goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on professional customer service.
• Ability to interpret, explain, and enforce policies and procedures.

What We Can Offer You:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being.
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations.

Belong at the City of Durango: 

We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences. 

The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.