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Posted: 18-May-26
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Type: Full Time
Salary: $118,892.53 - $160,544.89
Years of Experience:
Required Education:
Additional Information:
Internal Number: 26-00147
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
As the Solid Waste Administrator, you will guide a dedicated team of seven professionals while shaping the future of solid waste, recycling, and composting programs for our community. You will take the lead in negotiating and managing contracts with private vendors who operate these essential facilities, ensuring services run smoothly and sustainably. Your work will drive the development and implementation of innovative waste reduction strategies and the Tacoma-Pierce County Solid Waste Management Plan. You will partner with County departments, local cities and towns, the Health Department, regulatory agencies, and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee to make a real difference.
Why It's a Great Department:
Planning and Public Works (PPW) stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!
Learn more about Planning and Public Works atwww.piercecountywa.gov/ppw.
How to be Successful in the Role:
This role calls for strong project management skills and a solid understanding of public works contracting, paired with sharp critical thinking and analytical abilities. If you have a knack for navigating complex challenges and crafting thoughtful solutions, you will excel here. A strong grasp of finance and vendor rate structures is essential, along with general knowledge of solid waste handling and recycling rules. These skills will empower you to lead confidently, manage resources effectively, and drive innovative solutions that benefit the community.
Your Future in this Role:
You will build expertise in sustainability, public works contracting, and strategic program management; skills that are in high demand across government and private sectors. You will have the chance to influence policy, lead large-scale environmental initiatives, and shape the future of waste reduction and recycling programs for the region, with opportunities to make a lasting impact in our community. Pierce County offers professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success.
Core Daily Responsibilities:
- Strategize, develop, and manage solid waste capital program in accordance with goals laid out in long range strategic plans for infrastructure.
- Oversee and ensure that programs/projects meet timelines and are accomplished within appropriated budget.
- Manage the development and implementation of the solid waste program and the County’s Solid Waste Management Plan.
- Research, analyze, and evaluate solid waste legislative actions on the local, state, and federal level.
A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.
- Additional education or experience which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of this position may substitute on a year for year basis
- Four or more years of experience in solid waste management or related field
- Two or more years of supervisory experience
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, business, public administration, or related field
