Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00354

Department: Public Works - Solid Waste & Recycling

Division: PW SWR Administration

Job classification: Manager Zero Waste Program

Posting type: External

Categories: Public Works, Waste Management

Summary

This position is responsible for leading and coordinating the City’s zero waste efforts and building a shared and equitable solid waste and recycling system that protects public health and advances environmental justice.

Work Location

This position currently works on-site only.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Examples of duties

• Prepare long-range goals and lead and coordinate research, planning, stakeholder engagement, partnership development and maintenance, and program evaluation for policies and programs identified in the City’s Zero Waste and Climate Equity plans.
• Facilitates and oversee and/or represents the City in industry and residential stakeholder work groups, advisory committees, task forces, and community meetings created for the purpose of incorporating community feedback into City waste programs and initiatives.
• Manages staff and coordinates with other City departments and industry stakeholders to develop and implement data collection and reporting systems to determine baselines and report on progress toward meeting City waste and recycling goals.
• Collects and compiles data through stakeholder engagement, surveys and waste sorts to gauge success and direct future programs and educational needs.
• Develop and implement waste-related public engagement and outreach plans and create educational materials for all sectors including reports, brochures, audiovisual aids, press releases, website content and training manuals.
• Educates, engages and delivers technical assistance on waste reduction, reuse, repair, recycling, organics recycling and opportunities for all sectors.
• Develops and manages budgets, RFPs, scope of services, agreements, and contracts with vendors. Monitors and evaluates contracts and agreements for efficiency, productivity, and compliance.
• Identifies potential funding sources, incentives and recognition for implementing projects, prepares grant applications and partnership proposals, seeks sponsorships and manages grant compliance.
• Assesses proposed legislation, updates to the City code and policies, drafts comments and suggested edits and communicates with local, State and federal agencies and elected officials as needed to adopt policies and laws that support waste reduction and diversion.
• In collaboration with Intergovernmental Relations, reviews and comments on draft legislation and supports state-law changes needed to support the City’s waste reduction and recycling goals.
• Respond, analyze, and assist in resolving complicated issues or concerns related to solid waste and recycling.

Working Conditions: Mostly indoor office environment with occasional field work.

A resume is required. You must attach an updated resume to your application. Failure to attach will result in an Incomplete Application.

Qualifications

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Natural Resources or Public Administration.

Minimum Experience: At least 5 years of related experience with at least 1 year in a supervisory capacity. in environmental management and outreach, and/or climate change,

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Background Check

The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Union Representation

This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit.

Eligible List Statement

The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire three months after it has been established.

Interview Selection

The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate’s education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

Supplemental information

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in addressing the resolution of complex environmental and administrative issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of waste and recycling industry, including current trends, emerging programs and technologies, best practices and technical expertise to address such issues.
• Ability to see the big picture, understand implications of policy and programs and make appropriate recommendations to progress initiatives.
• Ability to plan and manage multiple projects at the same time and organize workplans to meet differing deadlines and conflicting priorities.
• Ability to convene and facilitate collaborative and constructive conversations and meetings with community members, industry and other stakeholders with differing opinions and priorities.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with staff, representatives of government ,private sector, community organizations and general public.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills to a wide variety of audiences on environmental policy and issues.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Creatively solve problems involving sensitive situations and issues.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Preferred knowledge of contract and grant proposal preparation and management.
• Preferred knowledge of budget development and management.