Solid Waste Collections Director

City of Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem, North Carolina United States  View Map
Posted: Jul 02, 2025
  • Salary: 142261 USD Annually
  • Salary Top:220420
  • Apply By: Jul 02, 2025
  • Full Time
  • Other
  • Job Description

    Under general supervision, the Solid Waste Collections Director is responsible for planning, directing, and managing all aspects of the City of Winston-Salem’s sanitation and recycling collection operations. The Solid Waste Collections Director reports to the Assistant City Manager and ensures the safe, efficient, and cost-effective collection of refuse, recycling, bulky items, yard waste and loose leaves, while implementing best practices in operational management, sustainability, and operational efficiency.

    As the City moves toward a more integrated approach to waste management, this role will oversee the consolidation of sanitation and recycling collections into a single, unified department. With a focus on long-term strategy, resource optimization, and service enhancements, this position provides high-level leadership and direction for all collection programs, ensuring alignment with the City’s sustainability and operational goals.

    Success in this role requires strategic leadership, critical thinking, and strong problem-solving skills to drive operational improvements and deliver high-quality service to city residents. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in implementing innovative solutions, enhancing efficiency, and managing budgets effectively, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and sustainability across all aspects of sanitation and recycling operations.

    For a quick look at what we are looking for, please review our RECRUITMENT BROCHURE.



    • Leading and coordinating organizational restructure to consolidate sanitation and recycling programs, ensuring changes are implemented smoothly and effectively.
    • Oversees sanitation and recycling operations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery.
    • Responsible for developing and managing sanitation and recycling staff, including assigning and supervising work, conducting performance evaluations, and providing guidance and support to department leadership
    • Create, modify, and improve routes to maximize density and improve efficiency.
    • Develops and enforces policies and procedures to reflect industry best practices while ensuring compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements.
    • Prepares and manages the departmental budget, including forecasting expenditures and making cost-saving recommendations.
    • Develops, implements, monitors, and revises short- and long-range goals and objectives for the department with continued focus on removing waste materials and promoting waste reduction, reuse, and recycling
    • Determines required vehicles, equipment, and staffing levels to support effective and efficient operations.
    • Coordinates with the Fleet Department to ensure vehicles and equipment remain in working order and are replaced and retired according to best practices.
    • Collaborates with Utilities staff on landfill, yard waste facilities and household hazardous waste programs.  
    • Reviews work procedures and demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and increase efficiency.
    • Sets the strategy associated with operations, service delivery, and major capital purchases for the department 
    • Responsible for the development and achievement of short and long term financial and operational objectives through a focus on efficiency and expense reduction.
    • Provides effective and professional leadership and direction, promotes positive employee morale and drives change throughout the department.
    • Develops and delivers reports and presentations to the City Council, community groups, and the general public
    • Interacts with customers to address and resolve issues and improve the overall customer experience, ensuring the sanitation and recycling department serves as a positive representative of the City
    • Creates a collaborative, communicative team environment and drives employee engagement 
    • Builds and develops talent within the department, providing coaching and mentoring opportunities to promote advancement within the department and City
    • In partnership with the City’s Employee Safety division, ensures a safe and productive work environment and takes necessary actions to prevent accidents and injuries
    • Monitors state and federal regulatory and legislative changes and provides analysis of potential impact to the City;
    • Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
    • In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities and infrastructure.




    Education and Experience

    • Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
    • Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressive experience in sanitation and recycling operations, or related fields.
    • Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in a leadership or executive management role within a sanitation & recycling environment.

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

    • Thorough knowledge of principles, best practices, and industry standards related to waste management and recycling collection.
    • Knowledge of routing principles and logistics
    • Extensive experience in budget preparation, financial analysis, and cost control measures.
    • Knowledge of public procurement, contract negotiation, and vendor management.
    • Ability to analyze data, generate reports, and make data-driven decisions.
    • Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise, mentor, and develop staff.
    • Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with City officials, vendors, and the public.
    • Experience managing route management software, GPS tracking, fuel management systems, and vehicle telematics.
    • Is process-oriented and results-oriented in setting and pursuing strategic goals and objectives, demonstrating a strong commitment to organizational success 
    • Demonstrated problem-solving, analytical, critical-thinking and decision-making skills.
    • Is collaborative; builds and works with teams.
    • Creative thinker who challenges conventional solutions.
    • Demonstrates and promotes ethical behavior.
    • Has strong leadership skills and proven judgment of talent, with an emphasis on hiring and developing high performance teams.


    Licensing and Certifications

    • Valid U.S. Driver’s License
    • Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) certifications are preferred.

    Physical Requirements

    • Work is principally sedentary but may involve some physical exertion and eyestrain from working with computers and other office equipment.   
    • Work involves the normal risks and discomforts associated with an office environment.  
    • Work requires participation at meetings during and outside regular work hours and working extended hours. 
    • Work involves preparation of documents, communication with staff and customers located at other facilities. 

    Residency Requirements

    • Residency within 30 miles of Winston-Salem City Hall is required within 180 days of appointment


    Apply Here



    PI274696621

  • Special Instructions

    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

    • JobTarget

    Show more

MORE JOBS

  • Deputy, Transportation and Infrastructure

    • Los Angeles, California
    • LOS ANGELES COUNTY
    • Mar 15, 2025
    • Full Time
    • Transportation or Transit
    • Other
  • DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY - CIVIL LIABILITY APPEALS

    • Los Angeles, California
    • City of Los Angeles
    • May 07, 2025
    • Legal Services
    • Other
  • Part-time Temporary Lecturer in Clinical Supervisor, School-Based Family Counseling

    • Los Angeles, California
    • Cal State University (CSU) LA
    • Apr 23, 2025
    • Administrative Analysis and Research
    • Clerical and Administrative Support
    • Education and Training
    • Public Health
    • Other
  • PRN Shift Supervisor

    • Saint James, Missouri
    • State of Missouri
    • Jun 30, 2025
    • Part Time
    • Administrative Analysis and Research
    • Clerical and Administrative Support
    • Other
  • Masters of Social Work Extended Program Practicum Liaison (Temporary)

    • Hayward, California
    • Cal State University (CSU) East Bay
    • Oct 26, 2024
    • Human and Social Services
    • Other
  • Fairgrounds Service Specialist - Temporary

    • Golden, Colorado
    • Jefferson County
    • Jun 25, 2025
    • Part Time
    • Other
Show More
Apply Now Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com Job Board.
Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com Job Board.