Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management (PDSWM) is seeking an experienced, visionary Executive Director to lead a multi-faceted, integrated solid waste management system serving a two-county joint powers board. The system includes a waste-to-energy plant, material recovery facility, ash landfill and processing, compost facility, and environmental center (household hazardous waste, recycling, and community education programs).
Position Summary
The Executive Director administers all PDSWM facilities and programs, provides leadership and direction to professional and technical staff (50+ employees), and ensures compliance with MPCA, EPA, and other regulatory requirements. The Director works closely with the Board of Directors to develop policy, manage finances, guide strategic growth, and maintain strong relationships with counties, haulers, legislators, and community partners.
Typical Schedule
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with additional hours as needed for meetings and events.
- Reports to the Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management Board of Directors and Designated Representatives
- Supervises the Construction Manager, Maintenance Manager, Operations Manager, MRF Manager, Office Manager, Environmental Coordinator, and Landfill Manager
- Provides direction for the duties of all professional and technical staff – responsible for review and oversight of 50+ employees
Examples of Work
- Administers a multi-faceted integrated solid waste management system including waste to energy plant, material recycling system, ash landfill, ash processing facility, compost facility, recycling programs, household hazardous waste collection and community education program for a two-county solid waste joint powers board.
- This position must take the initiative in developing and implementing solid waste programs with input from the community.
- Organizes and coordinates all district functions and directs all duties of professional and technical staff.
- Ensures that all operations and reporting are in conformance with the MPCA and EPA rules and regulations.
Education, Experience & Abilities Required
Key responsibilities
- Lead and manage operations of the waste-to-energy, material recovery facility, environmental center, landfill, ash processing, compost facility, and related programs through subordinate managers.
- Develop and administer operating and capital budgets; oversee financial management, reporting, and grant funding.
- Provide timely, accurate information and recommendations to the Board; implement Board decisions and directives.
- Direct strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and major construction and capital projects.
- Recruit, develop, and lead staff; ensure effective supervision, training, and performance management.
- Represent PDSWM with legislators, regulatory agencies, media, haulers, community groups, and professional associations.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or at least four years of related experience, including at least one year as a Department Head of an
- Environmental Resources Department or MSW processing facility.
- Demonstrated experience in solid waste management, public sector or utility-type operations, or related fields.
- Valid class D driver’s license
Knowledge, skills, and abilities
- S trong knowledge of integrated solid waste systems, including combustion, recycling, landfilling, composting, and hazardous waste.
- Proven ability in fiscal management, personnel management, and organizational leadership.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to build effective relationships with boards, staff, agencies, and stakeholders.
- Ability to analyze complex issues, make sound decisions, and implement new methods and technologies.