Seattle Public Utilities
Disposal Crew Chief – Seattle Public Utilities
Position Description: Are you a natural leader with a passion for building strong teams and driving operational excellence? Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is searching for a dynamic, natural leader to take the lead of our essential frontline operations within the Solid Waste Operations Division. If you possess a strong, proven background supervising the collection, transfer, and recycling of solid waste, and are passionate about leading teams with integrity, vision, and purpose, we want you! This pivotal role requires a team-focused crew chief ready to supervise daily disposal operations. You will ensure efficiency, safety, and operational excellence, directly contributing to SPU's mission to keep Seattle one of the most livable cities in the country. You will serve as a dedicated trainer and motivator to build a high-performing, accountable, and collaborative team culture. You will also direct daily disposal operations and guide your crew to uphold the highest standards in waste management and service delivery. You will report to the North Transfer Station (1350 North 34th Street) and the South Transfer Station (130 South Kenyon) occasionally.
About Seattle Public Utilities SPU is a community‑centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations. SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.
Job Responsibilities
Train and mentor crew members to meet all operational and safety standards.
Cultivate a positive and respectful work environment while holding the team accountable for results.
Use performance data to drive continuous improvement in operations and decision‑making.
Partner with management to identify and implement best practices and process enhancements.
Monitor equipment, schedules, and compliance to ensure effective and timely waste disposal.
Qualifications Two (2) years of experience in transfer station or solid waste operations and one (1) year related lead or supervisory experience. Combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability. Education and Experience Equivalency: Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.
Desired Qualifications
Trainer & Mentor: Proven ability to successfully create and train groups on complex processes, ensuring consistency and high performance.
Structure & Solutions: Proactively identifies problems, finds effective solutions, and establishes clear operational structure.
Team Leadership: Expert in conflict management, fostering high morale, and driving accountability.
SOP Management: Creates, updates, and consistently trains staff on new and existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Data‑Driven Results: Communicates successes using measurable data (e.g., productivity increases, process improvements) to demonstrate operational impact.
Compliance & Safety: Knowledge of safe handling of hazardous substances and excellent safety awareness is required.
Communication: Strong written skills (memos, SOPs) and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
Work Ethic: Proven history of excellent attendance, taking initiative, and managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
Work Environment / Physical Demands
Work outdoors in all types of weather at a garbage transfer station, around garbage, odors, dust, vectors, and noise.
Must be able and willing to work weekends and holidays as assigned.
Ability to tolerate odors associated with waste materials.
License, Certification, And Other Requirements
Valid Washington driver's license prior to commitment of employment.
Additional Information
Workplace Environment: This position is fully on‑site. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
The full salary range for this position is: $45.74 – 53.27 per hour.
SPU’s safety program requires a pre‑employment medical assessment as a condition of employment in this position.
This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
How To Apply
A COMPLETE NeoGov/City of Seattle online application
Resume AND Cover letter addressing your knowledge and experience, related to this position.
Candidates submitting an INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE will NOT be considered.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Vanessa Fowler (vanessa.fowler@seattle.gov)
EEO Statement The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Benefits The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long‑term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City’s website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans
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About Seattle Public Utilities SPU is a community‑centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations. SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.
Job Responsibilities
Train and mentor crew members to meet all operational and safety standards.
Cultivate a positive and respectful work environment while holding the team accountable for results.
Use performance data to drive continuous improvement in operations and decision‑making.
Partner with management to identify and implement best practices and process enhancements.
Monitor equipment, schedules, and compliance to ensure effective and timely waste disposal.
Qualifications Two (2) years of experience in transfer station or solid waste operations and one (1) year related lead or supervisory experience. Combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability. Education and Experience Equivalency: Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.
Desired Qualifications
Trainer & Mentor: Proven ability to successfully create and train groups on complex processes, ensuring consistency and high performance.
Structure & Solutions: Proactively identifies problems, finds effective solutions, and establishes clear operational structure.
Team Leadership: Expert in conflict management, fostering high morale, and driving accountability.
SOP Management: Creates, updates, and consistently trains staff on new and existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Data‑Driven Results: Communicates successes using measurable data (e.g., productivity increases, process improvements) to demonstrate operational impact.
Compliance & Safety: Knowledge of safe handling of hazardous substances and excellent safety awareness is required.
Communication: Strong written skills (memos, SOPs) and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
Work Ethic: Proven history of excellent attendance, taking initiative, and managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
Work Environment / Physical Demands
Work outdoors in all types of weather at a garbage transfer station, around garbage, odors, dust, vectors, and noise.
Must be able and willing to work weekends and holidays as assigned.
Ability to tolerate odors associated with waste materials.
License, Certification, And Other Requirements
Valid Washington driver's license prior to commitment of employment.
Additional Information
Workplace Environment: This position is fully on‑site. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
The full salary range for this position is: $45.74 – 53.27 per hour.
SPU’s safety program requires a pre‑employment medical assessment as a condition of employment in this position.
This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
How To Apply
A COMPLETE NeoGov/City of Seattle online application
Resume AND Cover letter addressing your knowledge and experience, related to this position.
Candidates submitting an INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE will NOT be considered.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Vanessa Fowler (vanessa.fowler@seattle.gov)
EEO Statement The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Benefits The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long‑term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City’s website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans
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