Division Chief of Resource Recovery - City of Alexandria VA

Overview
Under the general direction of the Deputy Director of Operations in the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES), the Division Chief of Resource Recovery (Solid Waste) is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the department's strategic long-range plan and initiatives related to solid waste management. The Division Chief oversees the City's refuse collection and disposal, street cleaning, leaf collection, and recycling activities. Responsibilities include assigning work areas, conducting frequent inspections to ensure compliance with the City Solid Waste Code, and maintaining sanitation and cleaning standards. The Division Chief must also ensure that all equipment is properly maintained. Additionally, the role involves significant administrative duties and responsibilities. While work is performed under the general supervision of the Deputy Director, the Division Chief is personally accountable for meeting established production standards.
 
What You Should Bring
The ideal candidate should have a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, along with sustainability concepts and practices. They should have significant experience in overseeing solid waste facilities and possess advanced knowledge of current and emerging environmental technologies and practices. Strong leadership skills, a customer service orientation, and the ability to analyze complex technical issues and present detailed reports to city officials are essential. The candidate must have knowledge of sanitary garbage and rubbish collection, disposal requirements, and applicable codes, along with good knowledge of motor equipment maintenance and the ability to plan and supervise the work of others. Strong interpersonal skills, physical ability to perform in all weather conditions, and effective communication are also required. Familiarity with industry standards such as RCRA, CERCLA, sustainable waste management practices, and OSHA regulations is critical.
 
The Opportunity – Examples of Work

• Oversee refuse collection and disposal, street cleaning, leaf collection, and recycling, conducting frequent inspections to ensure compliance with the City Solid Waste Code and sanitation standards;
• Maintain all equipment and ensure proper functioning, and develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives for solid waste management;
• Develop a divisional New Employee Orientation Program and successfully audit the refuse and recycling collections routes;
• Lead coordination with parks to define and clarify expectations in MOU regarding trash collection, and generate external support for new operations budget programs related to park recycling;
• Revamp outreach and communication strategies, including website updates, e-news for recycling and Adopt-a-Block programs, and conducting external community surveys to improve division engagement;
• Emphasize a culture of safety by revamping the safety plan, focusing on implementation to reduce accidents and injuries, and conducting regular CityWorks audits to ensure compliance with customer service standards;
• Prepare and present technical reports to City management and elected officials;
• Check routes to ensure work is performed in accordance with established standards, and direct and monitor the efforts of numerous crews and supervisors to achieve effective utilization of staff and equipment;
• Meet with the public to answer questions and respond to complaints, supplying information and cooperating with public and private agencies to promote interest and support for solid waste planning and recycling activities. Attend relevant meetings and provide input to various commissions and committees;
• Monitor and track legislation related to solid waste management;
• Work on the preparation and facilitation of the APWA accreditation process for the department and the division;
• Plan and prepare the annual operating budget for the Resource Recovery Division, analyze the cost-effectiveness of the user fee in relation to the budget, calculate the annual Host Community Fee, and manage its application to Covanta’s tax payments;
• Ensure all federal rules and regulations for municipal solid waste collection and disposal are followed. Support and enforce all safety policies, procedures, and guidelines to create a safe working environment;
• Provide direction and ensure adherence to regulations, guidelines, and policies by program supervisors, analysts, specialists, and administrative staff. Actively participate in the selection of new employees for the Solid Waste Division;
• Plan and develop the framework for clearing and removing debris generated during public emergencies within the city limits of Alexandria, Virginia; and
• Other duties/tasks as required.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of sanitary garbage and rubbish collection and disposal requirements, procedures and applicable codes; good knowledge of motor equipment maintenance; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other departments and the public; physical ability to perform job tasks in all kinds of weather conditions; and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.