Public Utilities Operations Manager

The Lee County Solid Waste Department seeks an experienced and strategic operational leader to serve as Solid Waste Operations Manager. This on-site leadership role is responsible for directing the County’s customer-facing Contract and Ordinance Compliance group, which oversees multiple specialized operations, service contracts, regulatory programs, and community-facing initiatives that support effective and sustainable waste management across Lee County.

The Solid Waste Operations Manager oversees franchise hauling contracts valued at approximately $50 million annually, manages an operating budget of about $3 million, and is responsible for ensuring fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency, and alignment with department goals.

This role provides strategic direction, staff leadership, and operational oversight within one of Lee County Government’s largest public-facing departments.

About the Community

Located in Southwest Florida along Interstate 75, Lee County is a vibrant and rapidly growing region spanning roughly 811 square miles and serving more than 800,000 residents. The county seat is Fort Myers and includes the communities of Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Sanibel, Estero, and Fort Myers Beach. The area offers a dynamic economy, strong community partnerships, and an exceptional quality of life.

What You’ll Do

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead, supervise, and develop technical and administrative staff within the Contract and Ordinance Compliance group.
• Provide strategic direction for operational programs, contractor performance, and ordinance compliance initiatives.
• Oversee franchise hauling contracts and ensure alignment with performance standards and departmental goals.
• Manage operating budgets, contract oversight, program policies, and procedures.
• Represent Solid Waste in professional organizations, committees, and interagency partnerships.
• Participate in and support emergency response operations.

Contract & Ordinance Compliance

• Manage, monitor, and evaluate franchise collection contractor performance; implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Oversee enforcement of County waste and recycling ordinances and assist with nuisance abatement and building code violation resolution.
• Develop and implement procedures that support regulated entities in meeting compliance requirements.
• Manage contracted inspection services under the FDEP regulated storage tank program.

Operations, Outreach & Program Oversight

• Oversee household chemical waste diversion programs and collection center operations.
• Direct the Solid Waste call center and ensure high-quality customer service delivery.
• Manage community-wide education and outreach efforts aligned with the County’s communication strategy.
• Facilitate business and institutional recycling participation and promote waste-reduction practices.
• Coordinate Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) recycling statistics and reporting.
• Support County-wide disaster recovery operations by assigning field inspections and customer service resources.

Program Development & Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of work group programs; implement operational and process improvements.
• Coordinate program prioritization, scheduling, and resource allocation for ongoing and future initiatives.
• Procure and oversee consultants and contractors; direct supervisory and project management staff.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with County departments, contractors, community partners, and external agencies.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, health, and environmental regulations.

Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Public Administration, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Public Works Management, Urban or Regional Planning, Sustainability, Industrial Operations, Operations Management, Facilities Management, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related field
   AND
• Three (3) years of experience in municipal solid waste operations, public utilities, public works, environmental compliance, or related operational fields

AND

•  One (1) year of supervisory experience

Additional Requirement (Required for All Applicants)

• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants with one or more of the following are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Five (5) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal solid waste operations
• Experience managing franchise collection contracts and solid waste ordinance compliance
• Supervisory or management experience within a solid waste or public works organization
• Familiarity with GIS, Accela, and enterprise asset management (EAM) platforms such as Cartegraph
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Adobe Suite
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, codes, and contract terms
• Demonstrated success managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Principles and practices of public-sector solid waste management and contract administration
• Ordinance development, enforcement procedures, and compliance requirements
• Effective supervisory, leadership, and project-management techniques
• Customer service operations and community outreach strategies
• Data analysis and the ability to use metrics to inform operational decisions
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to change
• Capacity to manage multiple projects with accuracy and efficiency

Work Environment & Requirements

• Full-time position; Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Ability to travel to sites and facilities throughout the county
• Participation in emergency operations as required

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

All County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.