Waste Management Superintendent

Job Title: Waste Management Superintendent
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 61579
Department

Facilities - Grounds

Responsibilities

At Florida State University—recognized as one of America’s Best-in-State Employers—the Waste Management Superintendent plays a pivotal role in shaping the University’s first impression and advancing its commitment to sustainability. This position extends far beyond overseeing sanitation and recycling operations; it ensures that the campus environment strengthens FSU’s academic, research, and community mission with confidence and resilience.

Join a team committed to excellence, sustainability, and service. As the Waste Management Superintendent, you will lead a high-performing operation responsible for waste removal, recycling programs, special event support, and the cleanliness of university parking facilities. This role offers the opportunity to shape campus-wide environmental impact while guiding a dedicated workforce.

Operational Leadership

• Direct and manage personnel, equipment, and material resources to ensure efficient waste and recycling operations.
• Provide daily oversight, assign work, and coordinate staffing and equipment to meet evolving campus needs.
• Conduct regular inspections of on- and off-campus properties to evaluate service requirements and ensure compliance with university standards.

Team Development & Performance

• Supervise, train, and evaluate staff to foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Identify training needs and ensure completion of required and developmental programs.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and separation processes in collaboration with Human Resources.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a safe working environment by enforcing safety protocols and modeling best practices.
• Monitor timekeeping, approve leave requests, and ensure adequate operational coverage.
• Provide on-site guidance and corrective coaching to maintain high-quality service delivery.

Operational Excellence & Service Delivery

• Oversee the collection, handling, and disposal of waste and recyclable materials across campus.
• Manage the transfer of materials from departments to designated collection points.
• Serve as backup for route or shift coverage to maintain uninterrupted service.
• Supervise external contractors and vendors as needed.

Equipment & Facility Oversight

• Lead the preventive maintenance and repair program for refuse vehicles, dumpsters, and related equipment.
• Coordinate service schedules to minimize downtime and operational disruptions.
• Identify and report facility repair needs for parking lots, garages, and related areas.

Customer & Campus Engagement

• Partner with campus departments and external clients to assess service needs and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Address service-related concerns promptly and professionally.
• Develop and implement innovative recycling and waste reduction initiatives for campus-wide adoption.
• Serve as (or designate) the emergency contact for after-hours operational needs.

Administrative Management

• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation related to equipment maintenance and operational activities.
• Operate university vehicles as needed to support departmental functions.
• Perform additional duties assigned to advance departmental goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency and four years of experience, or a combination of post-high school education and experience equal to four years.
• A valid State of Florida or Georgia driver’s CDL Class B license or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Demonstrates the ability to lead teams and maintain operational continuity in all outdoor conditions, including inclement weather.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience leading large teams in facilities, waste management, environmental services, or related operational fields.
• Demonstrated success implementing process improvements, operational efficiencies, or sustainability initiatives.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, service contracts, or outsourced operational functions.
• Working knowledge of environmental regulations, recycling standards, and waste-handling best practices.
• Proficiency in using operational management systems, route-planning tools, or maintenance tracking software.
• Experience overseeing fleet maintenance programs or coordinating equipment repair schedules.
• Strong communication and customer-service skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions under pressure and maintain operational continuity during emergencies or adverse conditions.
• Certification in waste management, environmental services, or safety is a plus.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

Learn more about our university and campuses.

Anticipated Salary Range

The anticipated starting salary range for this position is $50,000–$70,000, commensurate with the candidate’s education, experience, and qualifications.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Considerations

This is an A&P position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

The work schedule is 5 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a 30-minute break.

This posting is being re-advertised. Previous applicants need not apply.

This position is open until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.