Solid Waste Director at Alamance County Government, NC

About the Department

Performs professional-level engineering, environmental, and technical work in planning, organizing, and directing the activities associated with the County Solid Waste Program.

Position Duties

• Manage all activities related to the County’s Solid Waste Program, including two landfill sites (one operational and one closed), satellite disposal facilities, waste transportation, commercial and demolition material disposal, recycling, and mulch operations.
• Administer and coordinate environmental compliance requirements for all solid waste activities, including new cell development, permit obligations, and well and leachate monitoring.
• Oversee compliance with Title V and greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting, including NMOC, GHG, and Emission Inventory requirements.
• Plan for future development and oversee fiscal, personnel, and operational administration of the Solid Waste Department.
• Research and implement operational and fiscal policies, regulatory compliance strategies, and provide recommendations to management and the County Commissioners.
• Ensure compliance with all local and State regulations, including implementation of engineered plans under state permits.
• Organize and supervise recycling programs and monitor solid waste information sources.
• Plan, organize, and direct the work of employees at solid waste collection sites, landfill operations, and solid waste transport.
• Hire, train, and evaluate department staff, providing performance coaching as needed.
• Develop and administer the department budget; procure equipment, supplies, and materials.
• Develop and implement department safety programs.
• Coordinate the design, compliance, and documentation of landfill closures in accordance with State regulations and permits.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS degree in environmental or civil engineering, public administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in solid waste, environmental, public management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Manager of Landfill Operations certification required.
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License required.

Other Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of engineering principles and practices applied to landfill operations.
• Considerable knowledge of County personnel, budgeting, and purchasing procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of modern supervisory principles, including motivation, communication, and performance management.
• Ability to analyze solid waste problems and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, County staff, and the public.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer use for recordkeeping, reporting, correspondence, and data analysis.
• Requires knowledge of emerging PFAS contaminants, including EPA test methods, regulations and analysis.

This position involves both office and fieldwork environments. Work may include exposure to outdoor conditions (exposure to extreme environmental and atmospheric conditions such as extreme heat and cold, dust, noise, vibrations, chemicals, oils, fumes, odors, gases, mists or poor ventilation), heavy equipment, landfill gases, and waste materials. Employees are required to follow all County and departmental safety protocols.   Exposure to hazards such as working near moving mechanical parts and vehicle and heavy equipment traffic, electrical current and working on high places.  Possible exposure to blood during performance of duties.

This position requires a flexible work schedule to meet landfill operational needs, typically not exceeding 40 hours per week except during emergencies. Schedules may include holidays and weekends. Landfill operational hours: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., seven days a week, including certain County-observed holidays.