Resource Recovery & Recycling Manager

~ A progressive and forward-thinking community, Santa Monica is known worldwide as a leader in sustainability and community well-being. ~

For three decades, Santa Monica City government has been a leader in shaping best practices in local government in California and beyond. Public Service is a proud tradition in Santa Monica where city government is results-oriented to serve its 93,000 residents. Citizens are actively engaged in their community and prize the unique character and quality of life to be found across a diverse array of distinctive residential neighborhoods and in Santa Monica’s vibrant Downtown.

Position Overview

The City of Santa Monica seeks a Resource Recovery and Recycling Manager (RRR Manager) to lead the City’s efforts to provide comprehensive, cost-effective solid waste management to residents and businesses in an environmentally sound manner, while incorporating state-of-the-art methods and technology, and educating the public on responsible resource management.

Sustainability is at the forefront of how the operation does business, and acts as the catalyst for the public-sector leadership in innovative diversion strategies and for setting best practices and complementing the City’s broad strategic goals. The RRR Manager will be a key member of the Public Works Department’s leadership team, a team responsible for the stewardship of natural resources, public funds, and service delivery to grow a more sustainable Santa Monica community. Ideal candidates will thrive in a fast-paced, progressive organization that serves a community with highly engaged citizens.

Responsibilities

• RRR Manager leads the Resource Recovery & Recycling Division in its operations of waste collection services, street sweeping, and Zero Waste Water programs with 96.2 FTEs and a FY 2017-18 operating budget of $25 million.
• The RRR Manager serves as a key member to the Public Works Department’s leadership team, collaborating with the City Manager, City Department Directors, and Division Managers to incorporate state-of-the-art methods and technology into the resource recovery and recycling programs and operations.
• The RRR Manager presents to and interacts with the City Council, regulatory bodies, Neighborhood Associations, and variety of other community stakeholders.
• Full implementation of Santa Monica’s Zero Waste Plan is a key initiative the new RRR Manager will lead. Current waste reduction strategies have resulted in an annual diversion rate of 78.9% or 4.6 pounds per person. With the goal of zero waste by 2030, enhanced commingled recycling and organic programming, education and outreach, and diversion initiatives will be implemented in an effort to increase the amount of materials that are diverted from the landfill.
• Facilitating the design and construction of a new resource recovery and recycling facility as a part of the City Yards Modernization Project is another key initiative.

Qualifications & Attributes

The ideal candidate will be an innovative leader with superb interpersonal skills and judgment, and a demonstrated understanding of solid waste practices with an emphasis on zero waste technologies and diversion strategies.

This role requires a Bachelor's degree and 5 years of progressively responsible experience managing solid waste programs and policy efforts or other similar public works programs, operations, and administration with 2 years of supervisory and management experience.

A commitment to sustainable policies and demonstrated success in implementation is required as is experience with rate studies. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and motivator with a proven ability to thoughtfully manage and direct operational, supervisory, and administrative personnel. The RRR Manager will have a collaborative leadership style and will be able to effectively manage community concerns and oversee an operation that consistently meets community expectations.

Key personal attributes and qualities that the ideal candidate will embody include:

• Set strategic vision and provide effective leadership for sections reporting to this position; strategize short- and long-term goals;
• Lead employees effectively in partnership with the various bargaining units;
• Establish a culture of mutual accountability, where all employees are held to the same standards;
• Treat people fairly and equitably; establish and maintain respectful relationships;
• Understand the value all employees bring to the overall mission and vision of the City; and
• Be a champion of RRR’s vision, mission, values and culture.

Compensation: The annual salary for this position is a maximum of $173,748 (DOQ) plus a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including CalPERS Retirement.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply on Company Website" below and follow instructions.
• Interested candidates should apply by submitting a cover letter, and comprehensive resume - as soon as possible!
• Confidential inquiries welcomed to Heather Renschler at 916-630-4900.
• A detailed brochure is available at Ralph Anderson.