Director of Waste Management & Recycling

The Position

Please click on the link below to learn more about the position and how to apply:

Director of Waste Management & Recycling Recruitment Brochure

The County of Sacramento is seeking a highly qualified and dynamic leader with a background in and high-level experience managing waste management and recycling operations and services for a large government agency.

Reporting to the Deputy County Executive – Community Services, the Director of Waste Management & Recycling is responsible for the overall planning, developing and operation and maintenance of integrated solid waste management services in unincorporated Sacramento County.

The County of Sacramento offers more than just an attractive salary including many other benefits: 

Retirement – The County’s defined-benefit pension plan is provided by the County Employees’ Retirement Law of 1937 and is managed by the Sacramento County Employees’ Retirement System (SCERS) Board of Retirement.

Medical Insurance – Choice of HMO and High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHP), to include Kaiser, Sutter, and Western Health Advantage.

Deferred Compensation – A deferred compensation program in available through the County 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.

Life Insurance – $50,000 in life insurance coverage for the employee and $2,000 for all eligible dependents. Employees have the option to purchase up to $1,000,000 in additional life insurance coverage. 

Holidays – 14.5 paid holidays per year. 

Vacation – Two to five weeks (based upon length of service) of paid vacation.

Sick Leave – 15 days per year.

Management Leave – Up to 80 hours of management leave annually with the option to cash in unused hours accrued in the same year.

Flexible Spending Accounts – Employees may set aside funds on a pre-tax basis to pay for eligible medical and/or dependent care expenses.

Other Benefits – The County contributes into a Retiree Health Savings Plan. After 10 years of County service, employees are eligible for 4% longevity pay. 

Ideal candidates will demonstrate high-level experience with as well as an ability to:

• Motivate, engage and direct department leadership in formulating and implementing comprehensive operational programs, budgets, and administrative operations.
• Interpret laws and regulations pertaining to the Department’s services; develop, modify, and implement policies and procedures to ensure operational compliance.
• Lead strategic planning, staff development, and organizational effectiveness initiatives.
• Establish and govern a service focused work culture, while cultivating an environment of mutual respect.
• Effectively unify and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

Additionally, highly qualified candidates will:

• Possess high-level management experience with responsibility for formulating and implementing comprehensive operational programs, budgets, and administrative operations.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding of the services provided by the Department.
• Have five or more years of experience managing and directing services in waste management and sanitation for a large governmental agency.
• Be a hands-on, self-driven, politically astute and results oriented strategic leader.
• Have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Work well with elected officials, governing boards, officials from all levels of government, public and private agency leaders, business owners, advocacy groups, the general public, and the media.
• Possess excellent analytical, organizational, and written skills.
• Possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Public Administration, or another related field.

If you are interested in pursuing this unique and exceptional career opportunity, please submit your letter of interest and resume to the Department of Personnel Services Recruitment and Talent Acquisition Team at DPS-Recruitment@saccounty.gov. 

This recruitment is open until filled. The next submission date is Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Submissions will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the interview and selection process. The County is holding the week of January 5, 2026 for first round interviews and the week of January 12, 2026 for in-person second round interviews. The recommended candidate’s final approval is scheduled to be presented to the Board of Supervisors on February 10, 2026 or sooner. The target start date for the new hire is February 16, 2026.

If you have questions and for additional information about this position or the recruitment process, please contact the Recruitment and Talent Acquisition team via email at DPS-Recruitment@saccounty.gov.

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• County of Sacramento

• 916-874-5593