Description

Role Summary
To provide strategic and operational leadership and direction to the City’s Solid Waste Unit that includes solid waste collection, resource recovery facilities and programs, and compost collection and management.
Duties

Duties are performed under the general supervision of the Service Area Administrator or designee and may include the following:

Essential Duties:

• Responsible for the overall management of and strategic planning for the Solid Waste Unit
•  Direct solid waste and resource recovery management staff in the planning, organization and implementation of solid waste/resource recovery operations; including program development and analysis, service level assessment and delivery, development and monitoring of performance and production metrics and integration of technology to maximize operational efficiency
•  Responsible for seamlessly and effectively completing the transition of the entire Solid Waste function out of Public Works. 
•  Member of Public Services Area Executive Leadership Team 
• Oversee and implement waste reduction and other operational strategies identified in the Solid Waste Resources Management Plan
•  Manage the review of site plans and design standards to ensure new developments provide adequate access and infrastructure for effective solid waste collection and removal, particularly in high-density commercial areas.
• Analyzes and makes improvements to the effectiveness of operations and programs with respect to technology, training, resources and safety practices 
• Develops biannual budget for service unit and identifies capital project needs for inclusion in the City’s 6-year Capital Improvement Plan 
• Accountable for financial oversight of the Solid Waste Unit’s annual budget that includes multiple different funding sources
• Prepare and review City Council resolutions and ordinances
• Ensures effective operation and compliance with all State and Federal Regulations
  Assures that safety principles are being followed across work areas and within the unit
  Lead a diverse work force that includes both union and non-union staff
•  Attendance and presentations at public meetings
• Develops and implements external communication strategy for the unit 
• Provides for supervision, training, evaluation and discipline of service unit employees for development of a professional staff with a high degree of competence and sound judgment in public works

 Related Work

• Oversees operational, capital and grant budget preparation that reflect the unit’s objectives and priorities
• Coordinates with other Public Services units, other City Service Areas, state and local agencies and citizen organizations to optimize unit operations and public benefit
• Responsible for implementing City policies and procedures
• Responsible for determining and implementing unit policies and processes, planning long-range programs, and making high level technical and administrative decisions
• Responsible for delegating considerable authority for the performance of technical and administrative activities, but retains responsibility for results obtained
• Identifies business opportunities and demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
• Responds to complaints from citizens and others
• Handles union grievances
• Prepares and reviews project proposals and bids
• Coordinates with other units on projects and in capital improvements planning efforts  
• Sets work priorities, establishes goals and objectives, develops measures to evaluate the performance of staff and conducts employee performance evaluations.
• Attends conferences to stay abreast of best practices in public works
• Under the direction of the Public Services Area Administrator, performs related work as assigned

Knowledge of: (position requirements at entry)

• Public works and solid waste operations
• Current business, leadership and organizational management practices, techniques and principles in the solid waste industry
• Principles and practices of personnel management and supervision
• Environmental management practices and stewardship
• Employee and labor relations, negotiation techniques and general union regulations and procedures
• Financial and budgeting practices, regulations and procedures, including analysis of data
• Relevant federal, state, county and city laws, codes, ordinances and regulations pertaining to public works and solid waste
• Project management
• Customer service principles
• Basic contract laws, regulations and contract administration
• Trends and emerging technologies for solid waste
• Basic solid waste industry marketing and sales methods
• Occupational safety principles, practices and precautions including hazardous substances
• Computerized maintenance management systems
• Applicable federal drug and alcohol testing policies for individuals involved in work accidents
• Computers and software applications used in business settings (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, presentations)
  

Skills and Ability to:(position requirements at entry)

• Study operations and institute improvements to existing operations
  Evaluate alternative programs and make recommendations
  Solve complex problems and perform analytical research
  Interpret and apply legislation, laws and procedures related to the unit
  Manage a diverse and multidisciplinary workforce
• Plan, organize and review the work of subordinates; interpret and analyze results
• Oversee work products for detail and adherence to guidelines
• Effectively communicate orally and in writing on administrative and technical topics, including public speaking
• Effectively conduct public relations with City citizens and other interested groups
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with all levels within the organization, City Council, regulatory and other agencies, special interest groups and the public
•  Represent the Solid Waste Unit to public agencies, regulatory bodies, special interest groups and members of the public
•  Mentor, develop and motivate staff; encourage and facilitate cooperation; determine professional development and training needs of staff
• Negotiation of contracts that include labor, vendors, and service providers
• Effectively listen to understand the intended message
• Set priorities, coordinate multiple projects and meet critical deadlines
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills including conflict management
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion; allocate resources, set priorities and make decisions in the best interest of the Solid Waste Unit and the City
• Organize and administer the various functions of the Solid Waste unit

Equipment

Computer, standard office equipment, two-way radio, telephone, calculator and other miscellaneous office equipment. 
Education, Training and Experience (position requirements at entry)

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Engineering or related field
• Operational and Supervisory experience in a Solid Waste or Public Works setting: at least 7 years
• Experience managing people and operations in a union environment: at least 2 years
• The City of Ann Arbor will consider an alternative combination of education and work experience
  

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Environmental Sciences or related field
• Public Sector Administration – at least 10 years

Licensing Requirements (position requirements at entry)

N/A

Physical Requirements 

The physical ability to walk, stand, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, pull, push, grasp, lift, talk, see, hear and perform repetitive motions.  

 The incumbent may be required to traverse on rough, uneven terrain, as well as wet and slippery surfaces to access work areas. The work may occasionally involve the ability to perform light lifting (up to 20 pounds) and to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.

 Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.

 The physical demands described here are representative of those that may be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Requirements

Required: 

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Engineering or related field
Operational and Supervisory experience in a Solid Waste or Public Works setting: at least 7 years
Experience managing people and operations in a union environment: at least 2 years
The City of Ann Arbor will consider an alternative combination of education and work experience

Preferred:

Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Environmental Sciences or related field 
Public Sector Administration – at least 10 years
Licensing Requirements (position requirements at entry)