Solid Waste Programs Division Manager

Solid Waste Programs Division Manager

The City of Sunnyvale is looking to hire a Solid Waste Programs Division Manager. Benefits for this position include :

• contributes 4% of the 7% employee contribution to CalPERS for classic members;
• contributes 2% of an employee's gross pay to a deferred compensation plan;
• provides generous retiree medical benefits, and
• provides fully employer paid medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Reporting to the Director of Environmental Services, this manager leads and manages the Solid Waste Programs Division including the award-winning Sunnyvale Materials Recovery and Transfer (SMaRT) Station, the solid waste collection franchise contract and the closed Sunnyvale Landfill. The Solid Waste Programs Division is leading the charge towards making Sunnyvale a Zero Waste City with the goal of 90% waste diversion by 2030 through innovative programs like FoodCycle and waste energy recovery. Another exciting challenge that the Division Manager will be leading is the rebuilding of the SMaRT Station. The Solid Waste Programs Division Manager is a management classification responsible for a wide range of functions including preparing and administering the divisional budget, supervising technical and professional staff, outside agencies and consultants, leading major projects and representing the Division with other departments.

Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and manages the staff and operations of the Solid Waste Division within the Environmental Services Department, including the materials recovery station, City-owned closed landfill, zero waste education and compliance efforts, and contracted collection and processing services; participates in the development of policies and strategies for division operations; manages the effective use of division resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex and responsible support to the Director of Environmental Services in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.

Supervision received and exercised : Receives general direction from the Director of Environmental Services. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, mechanical, and technical support staff.

Distinguishing characteristics : This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating the activities and contracted services of the Solid Waste Division within the Environmental Services Department. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned programs, program evaluation, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.

Working conditions : This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation. Environmental conditions : Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and / or the public in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.

Minimum qualifications : The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way : A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, engineering, public administration, or related field; AND Six (6) years of experience in solid waste management, including two (2) years of experience in a supervisory capacity.

Ability to : select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective manner; develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards; provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the Solid Waste Division; prepare and administer complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner; effectively negotiate and administer major municipal contracts and research and respond to contract compliance issues; educate staff and the public and enforce waste management state regulations and City code; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques; supervise the establishment of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems; understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed; effectively represent the division and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals; prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines; independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax; establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships; effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

Licenses / Certificates : Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

Application and selection process : The application period closes on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 5 : 00 pm. If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources (postmarks or faxes are not accepted). Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted on-line through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Exam process : Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may consist of an oral examination scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026 (Note : The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources).

Selection process : Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for the week of January 26, 2026. Selection interviews will typically take place in-person, please plan accordingly.

Any candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a comprehensive background investigation, as well as medical exam(s) administered by a City-selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination.

Information about proof of education : Any successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e., original copy of the diploma or college / university transcripts). An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate's expense. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation.

Additional information : The City of Sunnyvale is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 730-7490 or recruitments@sunnyvale.ca.gov.