Wake County

Solid Waste Management Director - Sign-on Bonus up to $5,000

Wake County  •  $102k - $163k/yr  •  Raleigh, NC (Onsite)  •  4 days ago
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Job Description

What You'll Be Doing

This position provides executive-level leadership for county-wide Solid Waste Management. It involves significant coordination with
municipalities, public agencies, and private organizations within Wake County
that may have their own collection and hauling operations. The successful
candidate will supervise a team of professionals to protect public health and the
environment while ensuring the long-term capability to meet the needs of our growing
community in a cost-effective manner. This is an exciting opportunity to influence
waste diversion locally and develop world-class strategies for future waste
management.

Essential
Functions:

  • Oversee day-to-day operations of 20+ solid waste facilities
  • Ensure regulatory compliance
  • Administer service and engineering contracts
    Evaluate, develop and implement innovative services
  • Maintain effective communication with partners, colleagues and residents

Please Note

  • Office/work
    location varies based on need; may be the Waverly F. Akins Office Building ,
    South Wake Landfill field office or other facilities.
  • The anticipated
    salary for this position is $101,817 - $162,903, but will ultimately be based
    on the selected candidates’ experience and education, as well as considering
    equity within Wake County.


About Our Team

Our Solid Waste Team provides waste disposal and recycling drop-off services to residents and businesses in Wake County, along with award-winning education programs. Last year, the South Wake Landfill accepted 530,741 tons of garbage, and our Waste & Recycling facilities recycled 40,751 tons of materials. Our motivated team consistently receives praise from residents for the education, recycling, and disposal services we provide to the community.


The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

  • Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, public or business administration or related field
  • Six years of experience in solid waste management, construction engineering, utilities management, or public administration, including at least two years of supervisory experience
  • Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
  • Equivalent education and experience are accepted
  • Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.


Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

  • We are seeking a candidate with project management and leadership experience in solid waste management, construction engineering, and/or public administration. Licensure as a professional engineer is a plus but not required.


How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

  • You demonstrate cooperative leadership by developing a common vision and fully participating in creating a unified leadership team that delivers results.
  • You ensure alignment between the plans and operations of the Solid Waste Division and Wake County’s mission and vision.
  • You see the big, long‑range picture and lead staff and partners accordingly.
  • You are skilled at facilitating challenging conversations and building consensus to advance objectives.
  • You confidently manage large projects that impact all Wake County residents.


About This Position

Location: WCOB Raleigh, NC 27602

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:30am to 5:15pm, with weekends and on-call as required

Hiring Range: $101,817 - $162,903

Market Range: 101,816.00 - 183,263.00

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 8/21/2026


What Makes Wake Great


Equal Opportunity Statement


Background Check Statement


Emergency Service Worker Statement

What Makes Wake Great


Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. In Fall 2026, two at-large seats will be added for nine total commissioners. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2026 General Fund budget is approximately $2.1 billion, and the County has over 5,100 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.

Equal Opportunity Statement


Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement


Position may require a background check that may
include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job
requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from
consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement


In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected.
Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during
and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

Wake County

About Wake County

Wake County Government provides services including tax collection, library services, local parks administration, planning and permitting, health and human services, law enforcement and more. Wake County is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners.

Consistently rated as one of the best places to live and work in America, Wake County, North Carolina is home to NC State University, Shaw University, Research Triangle Park, and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. Wake County is also the center of state government, with our Capitol Building, legislature and many government offices located in Raleigh.

Wake County is the most populous County in North Carolina. The County consists of 12 municipalities and includes Raleigh, the county seat and state capital. A unique mix of urban and rural small towns distinguishes Wake County from other counties and provides something for every lifestyle.

Industry
Government & Public Safety
Company Size
1,001-5,000 employees
Headquarters
Raleigh, NC
Year Founded
1771
Website
wake.gov
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