Jobs and Careers

Solid Waste Management Director - Sign-on Bonus up to $5,000

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 9 Jun 2026

About the role

What You'll Be Doing

Wake County is seeking an experienced leader to provide executive‑level direction for county‑wide Solid Waste Management Operations. The Solid Waste Management Director will work closely with municipalities, public agencies, and private partners to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable waste services for a rapidly growing community.
This role oversees daily operations across more than 20 facilities, protects public health and the environment, and drives long‑term planning for future waste‑diversion and management strategies. It’s a unique opportunity to shape innovative, high‑impact programs that support Wake County’s environmental goals.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage daily operations across 20+ solid waste facilities to ensure safe, high‑quality service delivery
Ensure compliance with all environmental, regulatory, and operational standards
Oversee, negotiate, and manage service agreements, engineering contracts, and vendor relationships
Develop, evaluate, and implement innovative strategies to support long‑term sustainability and waste‑diversion goals
Provide strategic guidance to staff, promoting collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
Maintain strong communication and partnerships with municipalities, public agencies, private organizations, and residents
Monitor operational performance, analyze trends, and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and service quality
Support long‑range planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to ensure future capacity and program growth

Work Locations
Primary work sites include the Waverly F. Akins Office Building, the South Wake Landfill field office, or other Wake County solid waste facilities.

About Our Team

Wake County’s Solid Waste Management Division provides waste disposal and recycling services. The division manages 17 waste facilities, including active and closed landfills, a waste transfer station, eleven residential waste/recycling convenience centers, two household hazardous waste drop-off facilities and two multi-material recycling drop-off facilities. The Solid Waste Management Division also provides an array of outreach and education programs, including the Feed the Bin school recycling program and 86it Anti-Litter Campaign. In 2016, the Solid Waste Management Division landfilled received over 425,000 tons of garbage, recycled 30,000 tons of materials collected at Convenience Centers, generated enough energy using landfill gas to power as many as 8,000 homes, and won numerous national environmental protection and energy awards.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences or related field
Six years of experience in environmental services or environmental programs including at least two years of supervisory experience
Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
Equivalent education and experience are accepted

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

We are seeking a candidate with project management and leadership experience in solid waste management, construction engineering, and/or public administration. Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) is a plus but not required.

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

Demonstrates collaborative leadership by cultivating a shared vision and contributing to a unified leadership team focused on achieving measurable results.
Ensures strong alignment between Solid Waste Division strategies, operational plans, and Wake County’s overall mission and vision.
Provides forward‑thinking guidance by anticipating long‑range needs, trends, and challenges, and leading staff and partners with a strategic, future‑oriented perspective.
Facilitates difficult conversations with confidence and professionalism, fostering constructive dialogue and building consensus to advance key initiatives.
Leads complex, high‑impact projects that affect residents across Wake County, applying sound judgment, effective communication, and strong project management skills.