Solid Waste Division Manager

Career Guide

A Solid Waste Division Manager leads municipal or private waste services, ensuring safe, reliable collection and disposal while controlling costs and meeting environmental and customer service expectations. The role blends operations leadership, regulatory compliance, budgeting, vendor management, and workforce development.

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Key Responsibilities

Oversee daily solid waste collection and hauling operations
Plan routes and service schedules to improve reliability and efficiency
Manage disposal and transfer activities, including landfill and transfer station coordination
Lead safety programs, incident response, and corrective actions
Build and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and cost controls
Manage contracts and vendor performance, including hauling and equipment providers
Ensure compliance with environmental and workplace regulations
Track service performance, complaints, and resolution timelines
Lead hiring, training, performance management, and workforce scheduling
Coordinate with city leadership, elected officials, and community stakeholders
Develop long term plans for equipment replacement and facility needs
Support recycling and organics programs, including education and participation goals
Prepare reports, metrics, and presentations for internal and public audiences
Manage emergency response planning for storms, road closures, and service disruptions

Top Skills for Success

Operational Planning

Workforce Scheduling

Budget Management

Cost Control

Safety Management

Risk Management

Regulatory Compliance

Contract Management

Vendor Management

Fleet Management

Customer Service Management

Performance Reporting

Process Improvement

Leadership

Conflict Resolution

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Solid Waste Director Public Works Operations Manager Environmental Services Manager

Sanitation Superintendent

Municipal Services Director

Operations Director

General Manager of Waste Services

Transition Opportunities

Facilities Manager Fleet Manager Environmental Compliance Manager Emergency Management Coordinator

Contract Administration Manager

Sustainability Program Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Data AnalysisMetric DefinitionService Level ManagementChange ManagementLabor Relations KnowledgePublic CommunicationCapital PlanningProcurement ManagementTraining Program Design

Development SuggestionsBuild a simple performance dashboard for safety, missed pickups, overtime, and complaints. Partner with finance to strengthen forecasting and cost tracking. Take short courses in contract management, labor relations, and public communication. Lead one improvement project focused on route efficiency or safety and document results.

Market Intelligence Report

Solid Waste Division Manager is part of the Utilities Operations category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 75,000 to 95,000

Mid LevelUSD 95,000 to 125,000

Senior LevelUSD 125,000 to 165,000

Growth Trend

Stable demand. Hiring is driven by workforce retirements, tighter safety and environmental requirements, service reliability expectations, and expansion of recycling and organics programs.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

City and County Public Works DepartmentsRepublic ServicesWMWaste ConnectionsGFL EnvironmentalRumpke Waste and RecyclingCasella Waste SystemsRecologyClean Harbors

Industry Sectors

Local GovernmentWaste Collection ServicesRecycling ServicesOrganics ProcessingLandfill OperationsTransfer Station OperationsIndustrial ServicesEnvironmental Services

Recommended Next Steps

Review local regulations and service standards that govern solid waste operations in your area

Create a 90 day plan that prioritizes safety, service reliability, and cost visibility

Assess route efficiency and missed pickup drivers using recent service data

Audit fleet condition, maintenance backlog, and replacement timing

Standardize safety observations and incident follow up routines

Clarify vendor and contract expectations using measurable service targets

Meet key stakeholders including customer service, finance, procurement, and facility operators

Update staffing plan to address coverage gaps, training needs, and succession planning

Prepare a one page monthly report template with a small set of operational metrics