Solid Waste Operations Supervisor

Career Guide
A Solid Waste Operations Supervisor oversees day-to-day collection and disposal operations to keep routes running safely, on time, and within budget. The role leads frontline crews, coordinates equipment and facilities, resolves service issues, and ensures compliance with safety and environmental rules.

Key Responsibilities

  • Supervise daily waste and recycling collection operations
  • Assign routes and balance workloads across crews
  • Conduct pre-shift safety briefings and enforce safe work practices
  • Monitor service quality and respond to missed pickup reports
  • Coordinate vehicle availability and schedule maintenance with mechanics
  • Investigate incidents and near-misses and document corrective actions
  • Train drivers and crew members on procedures and equipment use
  • Track productivity and overtime and recommend staffing adjustments
  • Inspect containers, transfer areas, and work sites for hazards
  • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
  • Communicate with residents, customers, and municipal partners
  • Maintain accurate logs for routes, tonnage, tickets, and inspections

Top Skills for Success

Team Leadership
Safety Management
Route Planning
Incident Investigation
Customer Service
Conflict Resolution
Scheduling
Fleet Coordination
Regulatory Compliance
Coaching
Time Management
Report Writing

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Operations Manager
Route Manager
Fleet Manager
Safety Manager
Transfer Station Supervisor
Transition Opportunities
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
Training Manager
Compliance Coordinator
Municipal Services Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
People DevelopmentData TrackingCost ControlUnion Environment ExperienceRegulatory DocumentationEquipment Familiarity
Development SuggestionsBuild strength in coaching and performance feedback, tighten documentation habits for inspections and incidents, and practice using basic operational metrics such as missed stops, overtime, and vehicle downtime to guide decisions. Seek cross-training with maintenance, safety, and dispatch teams to broaden operational coverage.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$50,000 to $65,000
Mid Level$65,000 to $85,000
Senior Level$85,000 to $110,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand driven by ongoing municipal services, tighter safety requirements, and efforts to expand recycling and organics programs. Hiring is strongest in growing metro areas and regions facing driver shortages.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
Waste ManagementRepublic ServicesWaste ConnectionsGFL EnvironmentalClean HarborsRecologyCasella Waste SystemsRumpkeStericycleLocal city and county public works departments
Industry Sectors
Municipal solid waste servicesRecycling servicesTransfer stationsLandfillsComposting operationsIndustrial waste servicesHealthcare waste servicesPublic sector sanitation

Recommended Next Steps

1
Earn or refresh safety credentials relevant to fleet operations and field work
2
Shadow dispatch for route planning and service recovery workflows
3
Create a simple weekly dashboard for missed pickups, overtime, and incidents
4
Lead one improvement project focused on on-time completion or safety observations
5
Request training on regulatory reporting and inspection requirements
6
Develop a coaching plan for new hires and underperforming team members
7
Build relationships with maintenance to improve preventive maintenance adherence
8
Prepare a promotion-ready portfolio with results, such as reduced incidents or improved route completion