Solid Waste Administrator

This position is primarily remote with the option to work in the office. Attendance at required in-person meetings and occasional travel to various work sites businesses and meeting locations is also expected.

Why Its a Great Opportunity:

As the Solid Waste Administrator you will guide a dedicated team of seven professionals while shaping the future of solid waste recycling and composting programs for our community. You will take the lead in negotiating and managing contracts with private vendors who operate these essential facilities ensuring services run smoothly and sustainably. Your work will drive the development and implementation of innovative waste reduction strategies and the Tacoma-Pierce County Solid Waste Management Plan. You will partner with County departments local cities and towns the Health Department regulatory agencies and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee to make a real difference.

Why Its a Great Department:

Planning and Public Works (PPW) stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people infrastructure systems and policies. PPWs team has more than 800 members that collaborate innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems sewer systems airports ferries building permits environmental review sustainability community planning and code enforcement - just to name a few!

Learn more about Planning and Public Works at to be Successful in the Role:

This role calls for strong project management skills and a solid understanding of public works contracting paired with sharp critical thinking and analytical abilities. If you have a knack for navigating complex challenges and crafting thoughtful solutions you will excel here. A strong grasp of finance and vendor rate structures is essential along with general knowledge of solid waste handling and recycling rules. These skills will empower you to lead confidently manage resources effectively and drive innovative solutions that benefit the community.

Your Future in this Role:

You will build expertise in sustainability public works contracting and strategic program management; skills that are in high demand across government and private sectors. You will have the chance to influence policy lead large-scale environmental initiatives and shape the future of waste reduction and recycling programs for the region with opportunities to make a lasting impact in our community. Pierce County offers professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Strategize develop and manage solid waste capital program in accordance with goals laid out in long range strategic plans for infrastructure.
• Oversee and ensure that programs/projects meet timelines and are accomplished within appropriated budget.
• Manage the development and implementation of the solid waste program and the Countys Solid Waste Management Plan.
• Research analyze and evaluate solid waste legislative actions on the local state and federal level.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• Additional education or experience which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of this position may substitute on a year for year basis
• Four or more years of experience in solid waste management or related field
• Two or more years of supervisory experience
• Bachelors degree in civil engineering business public administration or related field
• Please attach a current resume and cover letter with your application. Failure to attach these will result in an incomplete application.

As a condition of employment the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting APPLY above or go to: you have a question about this opportunity please email the Recruitment Team at and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at at least two days prior to the need.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.