The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Interlocal Solid Waste Authority (the “Authority” and/or “ISWA”) is seeking an experienced leader to manage activities related to ISWA contractors, employees, drivers, equipment, and transfer station sites including those related to the receipt, transportation and disposal of municipal solid wastes for ISWA Members and Participating Entities, or as otherwise presented at or handled by ISWA facilities, including the ISWA transfer stations that are presently located in Franklin County and Lincoln County, Tennessee, and any future facilities. Key responsibilities of the Solid Waste Director/General Manager include overseeing transfer station personnel and operations, infrastructure, planning, regulatory compliance, government reporting, and fiscal management, all within the oversight by and reporting to the ISWA Board. The ISWA is a Part 9 Solid Waste Authority pursuant to the State of Tennessee Solid Waste Authority Act, T.C.A. §68-211-901 et seq.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE POSITION

The fundamental reason for this position is to implement, develop, lead and administer for the Board all activities of the Authority in its provision of the interlocal and regional solid waste programs. Primary responsibilities include managing and maintaining two existing regional transfer stations, planning for expansion of future infrastructure, assuring regulatory and fiscal compliance, and advising the Authority’s Board on issues related to the successful administration of the programs. This job classification develops work programs with considerable independence and is responsible for achieving desired results. This position has direct supervisory authority to manage ISWA staff. This position reports directly to the ISWA’s Board.

 

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA) STATUS:  This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 

·         Receives policy direction from the Board of Directors. Must be capable of establishing and keeping detailed and accurate records as required by the ISWA Board, regulatory agencies, and financial entities. 

·         Exercises direct supervision over assigned management, professional, technical and/or administrative support staff.  Plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, and budgets the overall activities and operations of the ISWA in the areas of: Transfer Station operations as directed by the Board -- including hiring adequate staffing, researching heavy equipment specifications, and recommending purchases; maintenance of building and equipment; long-range program and infrastructure planning; and, contract negotiations for municipal solid waste receipt, transportation, and disposal.

·         Responsible for conducting the operations in a manner which provides the best possible service at the least amount of cost. Must advise and assist the Board; represent the Authority’s goals and interests locally, regionally and at the State levels; provide leadership to the organization and coordinate activities with Member and Participating Entities, vendors, customers, agencies, outside agencies, organizations and the community.

·         Directs, develops, and coordinates operations, policies, maintenance, upgrades, and research for the Authority. Oversight responsibility for contracts with vendors -- including equipment calibration, maintenance and repair. Writes, comments upon and reviews bid specifications for machinery, buildings, infrastructure, containers, equipment, tools, and other materials; manages contracts for vendor services such as landfill disposal, waste hauling, and recycle brokering.

·         Oversees the administration of budget, assuring compliance with financial rules, internal controls, and ISWA policies and objectives. Assures all financial policies are followed by employees responsible for financial tasks.

·         The manager exercises full supervisory responsibility including performance reviews, hiring, training, safety procedures and policies, and disciplinary actions as established or directed by the Board and adopted personnel policies.

·         Assures that the Authority operates in compliance with all municipal, County, State, and Federal regulations governing solid waste handling, transport, and disposal.

·         Ensure all environmental health and safety practices are followed. Schedule on call management seven (7) days a week.

·         Establishes a program safety policy that complies with State and Federal safety regulations.

·         Monitors and adjusts service levels based on public demand and business necessity within the limits of approved budget and Board oversight. Works with other regional partners to solve solid waste issues while using innovative skills to adapt to changes in the solid waste industry. Maintains customer relations and responds to complaints and questions related to operation.

·         Communicates, orally and in writing; prepares and reviews written materials and attends meetings and conferences to keep informed of current solid waste issues and practices; provides reports to the Authority, at least monthly and as requested; advises the Board and provides management data for assessment of program activities and productivity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The Solid Waste Director/General Manager should have demonstrated knowledge and experience:

·         Managing solid waste collection, transfer, and/or disposal using industry accepted best practices and procedures; or, similar technical or professional experience.

·         Understanding principles and practices of supervision, budgeting, and public administration; such as forecasting additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitoring and approving expenditures; requesting and implementing periodic or mid-year adjustments.

·         Following and complying with federal, state and county policies, procedures, rules, regulations and laws, particularly those as related to solid waste.  

·         Administering contracts or service agreements; soliciting bids and RFPs.

·         Supervising multi-disciplinary teams.

The Solid Waste Director/General Manager must have demonstrated ability to:

 

·         Plan and organize data, coordinate programs, and make decisions.

·         Prepare and submit a wide variety of financial, administrative, and operational reports to the Board; keep the Board advised on financial matters, regulatory issues, and the present or future needs of the Authority through conducting on-site reviews, inspections and analysis.

·         Represent the Authority to elected officials, outside groups, and organizations; provide technical assistance as necessary.

·         Research and analyze pending legislation/regulations and identify impact to Authority programs and activities.

·         Receive, research and resolve the more complex or sensitive inquiries and complaints.

·         Manage several teams of solid waste operators, including subordinate team lead and administrative staff, with capability of prioritizing workloads and responding appropriately to emergency and unscheduled work requests.

·         Prepare, justify, and administer an operations budget; prepare capital improvement budgets as part of long-range objectives; determine and implement long-range objectives.

·         Evaluate continuous improvement efforts to streamline and promote efficiency and cost effectiveness.

·         Produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper grammar.

·         Develop and implement outreach and education program activities as directed.

·         Research grant opportunities and review grant guidelines and requirements to assess compliance with requirements and risks associated with receiving grants; prepare grant analyses and proposals; develop, maintain, and monitor grant budgets and award milestones; and, ensure all requirements are being met and submitted accordingly.

·         Select, motivate and evaluate personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operations; observe and review staff members to ensure conformance to standards.

·         Operate and use modern office equipment and technology, including computers and applicable software, and enter data or information into a terminal, laptop, or other keyboard device.

·         Prepare and present effective oral or written presentations, reports, and other necessary correspondence.

·         Study problems, develop and suggest innovative solutions and contribute effectively to the accomplishment of Authority goals, objectives, and activities.

·         Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, Authority management, other governmental organizations, vendors, and the public.

·         Work with and maintain the confidentiality of information.

·         Support the Board or Authority, and perform related duties as assigned.

Experience

The position requires a combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to at least five (5) years management or administrative experience in a field such as solid waste, a closely related integrated management field, or other complicated governmental, regulatory, or technical professional experience. The position also requires ability/skills in personnel management/supervision, budget administration, effective communication, and general office management. Must possess and maintain at least a valid Tennessee driver’s license for the type(s) of equipment to be operated. The successful candidate shall also fulfill and pass pre-employment background screenings to determine an applicant’s qualifications, competence, and ability to perform essential job functions, and applicants may be subject to and must satisfy extensive screening procedures including but not limited to certain alcohol/drug testing, background checks, and qualifying for a fidelity bond at the expense and discretion of the ISWA.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

TDEC Landfill Operator’s Training (LOCT)

OSHA Hazwopper (40-Hour Hazardous Waste Training)

TDEC Erosion and Sediment Control Level I

TDEC SUIT Training (Inspector Training for Transfer Stations and Convenience Centers)

Certifications issued from Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)

UT-CTAS COCTP Training (Budgets, Internal Controls, HR, Purchasing)

 

Locations

Tennessee, including but not limited to: Lincoln County, Franklin County, Bedford County, Metro - Moore County/City of Lynchburg, City of Tullahoma, City of Shelbyville, and other towns within the regional area.

Salary and Benefits

This is an exempt, full-time salaried position with benefits. The salary range will be determined by the candidate’s experience. The anticipated salary range for this position will be dependent upon candidate’s qualifications and experience.  Benefits will be negotiable.  Annual leave and sick days to be provided.

 

How to Apply

ISWA will be accepting applications from interested candidates through at least MARCH 1, 2024, or until the position is filled.  Submit the following immediately:

Ř  Cover letter

Ř  Comprehensive Resume

Ř  Copies of Certifications (if available)

 

Please scan and send via email to the University of Tennessee County Technical Assistance Service, attention Kim Raia, at Kim.Raia@tennessee.edu, to the University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service, attention John Chlarson, at John.Chlarson@tennessee.edu, and to ISWA’s counsel, David Higney, at dhigney@gkhpc.com. 

Applicants also can mail their cover letter, comprehensive resume and copies of certifications (if available) to: Grant Konvalinka & Harrison P.C., Attn. DCH-ISWA, 633 Chestnut Street, Suite 900 – Republic Center, Chattanooga TN 37450.

 

ISWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Board will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.