Job Description

The City of Modesto is seeking a dedicated  Integrated Waste Program Manager to lead and coordinate key areas such as solid waste, composting, waste-to-energy, and landfill operations. The ideal candidate will bring five years of progressively responsible experience—including two years in a supervisory role—and hold a Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, civil engineering, public administration, or a related field. If you’re passionate about driving sustainable waste solutions and enjoy managing complex programs with a collaborative spirit, we invite you to apply and join our mission to create a cleaner, greener future.

Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:

3% COLA effective July 1, 2026

2.5% Education Incentive (bachelor’s degree)

5% Education Incentive (master’s degree)

The Integrated Waste Program Manager is responsible to plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the activities in various assigned areas such as the solid waste division, the compost facility, the waste to energy facility, and the landfills; to negotiate and administer complex agreements; and to provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Director.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened  for the purpose of determining who is most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant’s responsibility to fill out the “Education” and “Work Experience” sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application form with the words “see resume”. The following information is provided for you to use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is  unable  to schedule make-up examinations.

Applicants may be screened to the most qualified and invited to continue to the next phase of the testing process which may include a writing exercise.

Tentative Schedule:

Writing Exercise

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Human Resources reserves the right to change the testing process to best meet the needs of the City. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions :

• Manage, organize, and direct activities of assigned services and activities related to the Solid Waste Division, the Compost Facility, the Waste to Energy Facility, and the landfills.
• Develop and implement divisional goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Direct, oversee, and participate in the development of work plans; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
• Prepare the budgets for assigned divisions; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; administer the approved budget.
• Appoint personnel with final approval of the Department Head; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures as required; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the Department.
• Establish performance standards and evaluate performance of subordinate personnel.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Waste-to-Energy Plant, a joint powers authority including budget development, projecting income from tipping fees and energy sales, and projecting expenditures for operations; oversee contractor performance, negotiating amendments, and extensions to the contract; represent the City’s interest in bond issuance; review financial statements, fund balances, and trust accounts; develop recommendations on investments for funds and monitor the power market to make recommendations on alternatives for future sale of energy.
• Oversee the development, preparation, and implementation of public education and marketing campaigns designed to secure public input and participation in Modesto’s integrated waste programs.
• Prepare grant applications and administer grants; monitor legislation and enforce code provisions regarding illegal dumping, disposal of hazardous materials, and garbage, green waste, and recycling provisions.
• Research, prepare, and present technical and administrative reports to Council, commissions, and a variety of committees; prepare written correspondence.
• Negotiate, manage, and oversee complex agreements and ensure services are provided in compliance with contracts; prepare and review cost estimates for proposed work and recommend final acceptance of completed work.
• Represent the division and department to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary on a variety of integrated waste issues.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare and make presentations as needed, and prepare written correspondence.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.

Marginal Functions:

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of :

• Principles and practices of integrated waste management programs.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
• Principles and practices of budget development, implementation, and monitoring.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Public relations approaches use in negotiation and gaining compliance.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to :

• Organize, implement, and direct comprehensive programs related to assigned divisional operations.
• Perform the most complex work of the assigned division.
• Work under the pressure of deadlines; analyze, research, and solve a wide range of problems.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Effectively conduct public presentations.
• Ensure project compliance with federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
• Interpret, explain, and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Coordinate, prepare, and administer multiple budgets.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database operations.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience :

• Five years of increasingly responsible experience involving integrated waste management, solid waste, recycling, or composting program operations, including two years of supervisory responsibility.

Training :

• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental science, civil engineering, public administration, or a related field.

License and Certificate:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.

Mobility : frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting.  Lifting : frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds.  Vision : constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.  Dexterity : frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.  Hearing/Talking : frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.  Emotional/Psychological : frequent decision making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone.  Environmental : frequent exposure to noise.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Positions require occasional overtime or weekend work and the ability to travel.

Tagged as: Science/Engineering

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