Job Description

Posting number: 202603070

Department: Solid Waste Management

Job classification: Deputy Solid Waste Director

Posting type: Open

Categories: Waste Management, Management, Miscellaneous, Customer Service

Join Cumberland County Solid Waste Management and help lead essential services that protect our environment, support our community, and promote a cleaner, more sustainable future. The department provides safe and environmentally responsible disposal, processing, and recycling services across Cumberland County. Operations include Transportation, Container Sites, the Ann Street Landfill, the Construction and Demolition Landfill, Household Hazardous Waste and Planning, Maintenance, Recycling, White Goods, the Wilkes Road Treatment and Processing Facility, and Scale House operations.

This leadership position provides strategic, administrative, and operational oversight for assigned Solid Waste Management programs and services. Responsibilities include supervising administrative, collections, and maintenance personnel; overseeing County Container Sites, the White Goods area, and recyclable-material sales; and supporting effective, compliant, and customer-focused operations. Additional responsibilities include advancing departmental planning initiatives and providing leadership for public outreach and education programs that promote environmental stewardship and responsible waste management throughout the community. The candidate chosen will be required to report to duty 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, as needed (for storms, fires, all types of inclement weather, etc.).

Examples of duties

• Serves as Deputy Director and assists with planning, directing, and evaluating departmental programs and operations under limited supervision
• Oversees operations of the Ann Street Landfill, Scale House, recycling, and composting programs
• Directs the repair and maintenance of departmental equipment and oversees inventory and supply management
• Supervises assigned personnel, including equipment operators, truck drivers, environmental enforcement inspectors, and other unit staff
• Performs supervisory responsibilities, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, work assignments, time and leave approval, performance management, and disciplinary actions in accordance with County policies
• Oversees environmental enforcement activities, including inspections, complaint tracking, investigations, and responses to reported concerns
• Coordinates with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, County Solid Waste personnel, municipalities, and other partners to address litter, illegal dumping, and environmental concerns
• Oversees enforcement of the County’s solid waste ordinance and recommends appropriate enforcement actions to the Director
• Coordinates with County legal staff regarding enforcement cases and appears in environmental court as required
• Manages community engagement, public education, and outreach efforts related to litter prevention, illegal dumping, recycling, and solid waste services
• Meets monthly with the Public Information Office, coordinates communication initiatives, and prepares and submits requests for public information support
• Manages departmental social media accounts, website updates, public awareness campaigns, and other traditional and non-traditional communication channels
• Develops and promotes programs and events, including the 5 for Friday campaign, Cumberland Clean initiatives, special waste collection events, recycling programs, and departmental marketing efforts
• Collaborates with Sustainable Sandhills, municipalities, community organizations, and other stakeholders on environmental education and outreach campaigns
• Oversees general administrative and fiscal functions, including budget preparation and management, requests for proposals, contracts, grants, and program-related expenditures
• Researches, develops, and implements strategies for litter management, recycling, container-site development and improvements, environmental enforcement, collection operations, maintenance, and community engagement
• Establishes priorities and performance objectives for outreach and education programs to support departmental goals and community needs

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in environmental management, civil engineering, or a related field and four (4) years of experience that includes supervising staff and managing solid waste collection and disposal programs or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must meet industrial physical examinations such as sight, hearing, cardiovascular, pulmonary, chest x-rays, blood pressure, blood sugar and lead levels; chemistry profiles such as cholesterol and liver functioning, etc., prior to employment.

Supplemental information

• Knowledge of Cumberland County methods, procedures, and policies applicable to the position’s assigned responsibilities and operations
• Knowledge of solid waste management ordinances, landfill laws, regulatory requirements, and operational standards
• Knowledge of effective supervisory practices, including assigning and reviewing work, motivating employees, evaluating performance, and providing appropriate guidance
• Knowledge of occupational hazards, safe work practices, required protective equipment, and applicable safety policies and procedures
• Knowledge of the organizational structure and functions of assigned sections, related County departments, regulatory agencies, and external partners
• Knowledge of departmental terminology and professional language related to solid waste management operations
• Knowledge of effective leadership principles and their application to the supervision and management of assigned personnel and programs
• Skill in leading, managing, motivating, training, and directing employees with varying levels of experience
• Skill in planning, organizing, and prioritizing daily operations using effective time-management practices
• Skill in monitoring work quality, maintaining high standards of accuracy, identifying deficiencies, and initiating timely corrective action
• Skill in communicating clearly and professionally while promoting an environment that encourages open and effective communication
• Skill in exercising sound, independent judgment and making appropriate decisions within assigned areas of responsibility
• Ability to interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, policies, procedures, and safety requirements
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and communicate expectations clearly to assigned personnel
• Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, and professionalism when interacting with employees, the public, other departments, regulatory agencies, and external organizations
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to adapt effectively to significant changes in job duties, operational priorities, work environments, organizational structures, processes, requirements, or workplace cultures
• Ability to consistently perform the physical labor required of the position under varying weather and environmental conditions

Conditions of Employment

Certification as a Manager of Landfill Operations (MOLO) is required within three (3) years of hire.

Must have or obtain within sixty (60) days and maintain a valid NC Class A CDL driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.