Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY 24-00093
Department: Utilities
Division: Utilities - Refuse Disposal
Opening Date: 03/29/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
OPPORTUNITY
The City of Santa Maria is seeking an accomplished and visionary professional for its next Deputy Director of Utilities. This forward-thinking leader will be responsible for the Solid Waste Division of the Utilities Department.
Position will be open until filled. For first consideration, apply by May 3, 2024.
Anticipated Hiring Range: $170,000 - $210,000 annually DOQ/DOE
The Deputy Director - Solid Waste is responsible for the administration, operation, and financial stability of the Solid Waste Division of the Utilities Department. The Solid Waste Division has a dedicated team of over 60 full-time positions assigned to several distinct areas: collections operations (refuse (trash), mixed recycling, and organic waste), landfill operations, street sweeping, regulatory compliance (both disposal and recycling diversion), and engineering, with a total annual operating budget of just over $15.4 Million. The position is performed under the general direction of the Director of Utilities with wide leeway allowed for the exercise of independent professional judgment.
THE DEPARTMENT
The Utilities Department provides water, sewer, refuse collection, and disposal services to the growing City of Santa Maria, California, located on the beautiful Central Coast of California. The mission of the Utilities Department is to provide efficient utility services through the use of progressive innovation, excellent customer service, and the wise use of public resources for the long-term benefit of the community.

The Solid Waste Division of the Utilities Department operates a regional landfill seven days a week and performs waste collection services throughout Santa Maria six days a week. The active landfill site, the Santa Maria Regional Landfill, provides solid waste disposal and recycling services to northern Santa Barbara County and southern San Luis Obispo County. In 2023, the landfill processed over 100,000 transactions and accepted approximately 353,800 tons of material. The collection program services approximately 20,000 residential accounts and over 1,400 commercial accounts each week.

THE POSITION
The Deputy Director - Solid Waste has responsibility for the efficient and economic utilization of staff, material, and equipment in the disposal, recycling, transport, and handling of solid waste, in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and the planning, design, construction, and operation of solid waste facilities.

The Solid Waste Division is currently designing and permitting the Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF) at Los Flores, a Class III landfill, that will receive waste from urban and the rural areas of northern Santa Barbara County, with the capacity to receive waste from southern Santa Barbara County, as necessary. The Deputy Director - Solid Waste will be responsible for continuing that major initiative for the City of Santa Maria, along with the planning and implementation of other solid waste related capital projects, including an expansion of the liner system at the existing landfill and planning for electrification of the refuse collection fleet in coordination with Public Works Fleet Division.
IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT
The ideal candidate for this leadership position is an experienced solid waste professional who possesses a bachelor's degree in environmental studies, civil engineering, public administration, or related field, and has advanced knowledge, experience, and strategic insights into the solid waste industry and current State regulations. They will have experience managing staff and leading teams, effectively communicating on complex projects, experience with budgeting and forecasting (Prop 218 rate setting experience is a plus), and identifying solutions to challenges. In addition, they will have demonstrated experience developing strategic partnerships in a government setting and advancing policies that support regional cooperation through teamwork, communication, and action-driven leadership.

REQUIRED SUBMITTALS (due with application)

1. Cover letter highlighting experience and explaining interest in position.
2. Rsum as a supplement to the online application.
3. Organizational chart of agency with most recent comparable experience, showing number of direct reports (span of control) and responsible program areas (functions).

DUTIES
These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and nature of the assignment and the following are examples of duties:

• Plans, organizes, manages, leads, and evaluates the overall operations of the department or major programs or projects. Has authority over department or program staff and/or leads multiple programs and/or divisions within a department or city-wide.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates departmental standards, policies, goals, and outcomes.
• Makes broad policy decisions for a department, work that is performed, and delivery of customer services.
• Prioritizes and allocates resources within the department or city-wide; oversees the development of the department or city budget; and balances fiscal priorities among divisions, projects, and programs.

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience and/or education directly related to the level of leadership and the scope of organizational authority/responsibility required by the position:
   (a) Possession of the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution in environmental studies, civil engineering, sanitary engineering, public administration, or related equivalent fields;
   (b) Five or more years of increasingly responsible experience in the management of operations or activities of municipal solid waste collection and/or disposal and/or regulatory compliance; and
   (c) Four or more years of experience managing complex capital projects and leading large teams.
2. Mastery of the desired core competencies listed below and the ability to immediately demonstrate these competencies consistent with the position's level in the leadership series and the specific work assignment.
3. Current technical/professional knowledge of the complex principles, methods, standards, and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession:
   (a) Construction practices, engineering design, drafting, inspections, and surveying.
   (b) Regulations (local, state, federal) pertaining to the permitting, construction, operation, and environmental management for landfills.
   (c) Municipal solid waste collection and disposal operations and equipment.
   (d) California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
   (e) Budgeting, rate-setting, and financial management principles and practices.
   (f) Effective leadership, supervision, performance management, evaluation, and training.
4. Possession of license(s) and/or certifications associated with the assignment:

(a) Valid California Class "C" driver's license; and
(b) Valid Manager of Landfill Operations (MOLO) Certificate issued by SWANA is highly desirable.
DESIRED CORE COMPETENCIES
Strategic Leader
Incumbents should have a solid foundation of Individual Contributor, Front Line Supervisor and Middle Manager core competencies identified by the organization.

• Mission Focus - understand and support the organization's mission, believe in it, value it, and display commitment.
• Visioning - imaginative, able to create a vision of the future, communicate it clearly and enthusiastically to others.
• Strategic Thinking - act with the future in mind, understand the factors influencing strategy, and consider future impact when weighing decisions.
• Business Thinking - see the organization as integrated and interlocking; understand the impacts of changes.
• Diplomacy - work within the organization's power network; recognize personal agendas, balance internal politics, and work well with elected officials.
• Global Mindset - see their city role in a larger context within the community, region, and beyond; value diversity and other points of view, identify partnership opportunities, and exhibit coalition-building skills.
• Risk Taking - willingness to take calculated chances to achieve goals; gracefully accept failure, learn, & move forward.
• Leadership Identification - identify with leaders and enjoy positions of responsibility and authority.
• Presentation Skills - comfortable and confident in front of an audience; effectively deliver messages and engage with the public and stakeholders.

SELECTION PROCESS

The completed electronic application packet will include the online application, including supplemental questions, and electronic attachment of a resume and cover letter. If a resume and cover letter are not attached, your application will be considered incomplete. If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, please call the NEOGOV help line for assistance at 1-855-524-5627 .
Application Ranking: Application, including resume, cover letter, and supplemental questions will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank will be determined by their complete application packet upon meeting the employment standards of the position and be certified to the Eligibility List.
The most qualified applicants will be screened and invited to the Departmental selection interviews with the hiring department once a candidate has been certified to the Eligibility List. Note: only those applicants who best fit the needs of the Hiring Department will be considered for this opportunity.
Prior to an offer of employment, the selected candidate may undergo a background check to the satisfaction of the City.
The following benefits vary by bargaining unit. For full benefit information please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding or compensation resolution available at
Retirement
The City of Santa Maria is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Your benefit factor is determined by the retirement formula, age, service credit and final compensation. Based upon your bargaining unit and hire date the benefit factor will vary.
Health Insurance
Medical Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). There are four Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO's) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) to choose from. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit. See Memorandum of Understanding for eligibility requirements.
The City has a medical insurance benefit program which provides either payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents, or cash payment if you and your dependent(s) already have health benefits. Evidence of major medical health insurance coverage is required for those employees who receive the cash payment.
Dental Insurance
Dental Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through The Standard covering 100% of Preventive; 90% of Basic; and 60% of Major with a minimal deductible. The plan includes a Max Builder option rewarding insured employees and their dependents who use only a portion of their annual dental benefit maximum. The benefit amount varies per
bargaining unit.
Vision Insurance
Vision Insurance is available to employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is through VSP and covers an annual Well Vision exam and an allowance towards prescription glasses. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week are eligible for Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Supplemental life, spousal and dependent child options are also available. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week, excluding Sworn Police and Fire shall participate in the short-term and long-term disability plan with coverage up to 66 2/3% of salary. Sworn Police and Fire are covered through their respective bargaining unit.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
The City offers a flexible spending account option for Dependent Care and Health Care Expenses. With these plans, employees can choose to place a portion of their earnings into a personal reimbursement account on a pre-tax basis. Doing so lowers employees' taxable income for the year and allows them to pay for their qualified dependent care and eligible health care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Employee Assistance Program
The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through AETNA for all full and part time employees and their eligible dependents. The confidential EAP program can refer employees to professional counselors and services that can help resolve emotional health, family and work-life issues, or provide help with childcare and eldercare assistance, financial and legal services, identity theft recovery services and daily living services.
Wellness Program
Offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being. The City's Wellness Program includes ergonomic evaluations, flu shots, and Wellness Workshops during lunch and after work.
Access to the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center for employee and immediate family members.Access to the Weight room at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to employee discounts and special offers on travel, entertainment, shopping, dining and services.
Mentorship Program
This professional development program of mentoring and job shadowing provides mentees with an opportunity to be mentored by experienced staff with the objective of developing specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the participants' leadership skills and promote professional growth.
Succession Planning
The academies are offered to all employees including those that are not yet in a supervisory role, but are interested in becoming leaders within the organization as well as our executive management team who have an interest in honing their skills and helping to prepare our future leaders. In addition to multiple leadership academies, the City offers quarterly Speaker Series, a corporate Toastmasters club available for City employees, site tours of various departments, and more.
Deferred Compensation
Employees may participate in the City's 457 Deferred Compensation Plan sponsored by either Empower or CalPERS Supplemental Income. The plan enables employees to save salary and earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. A City match is available based upon representation.
The City also provides an IRS approved 401(a) plan sponsored by Empower for managers represented by Non-Represented Full-Time Management & Confidential (NMAC).
Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP)
Based upon your bargaining unit the City may participate in a PEHP plan that will provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket cost of qualified medical expenses such as prescription drugs, doctor co-pays, eyeglasses and cover the reimbursement of medical insurance premiums upon separation or retirement.
Holidays
The City offers seven (7) paid holidays per year. In addition, based upon your bargaining unit a bank of floating holiday hours is available to be used at the employee's discretion.
Vacation
The City initially offers two weeks of paid vacation per calendar year for all full time employees. Accrual rates increase thereafter based upon your bargaining unit.
Sick Leave
Sick leave shall accrue a rate of eight hours for each month of continuous service, or approximately two weeks per year for all full time employees. Employees may use up to half of their annually accrued sick leave for family illness and up to five days (40 hours) per calendar year for bereavement leave.
Management Leave
Management level employees may receive a prorated amount of management leave time each new calendar year.
Educational Incentive Program
In addition to regular pay when education is in addition to the regular requirements of the job specifications and is work related.
Tuition Reimbursement
Based on your bargaining unit, you may be reimbursed for tuition and book costs of approved job related courses. The maximum amount of tuition reimbursement in any calendar year will vary based upon your bargaining unit.
Auto Allowance
Management level employees may receive auto allowance based upon the need of the position.
Telephone/PDA Stipend
Management level employees may receive a telephone and/or PDA stipend based upon the need of the position.
Bilingual Pay
Bilingual pay is provided to employees who are required by their department head to use both English and Spanish in communicating with the public while performing the duties of his/her position and who demonstrate appropriate skills in both speaking and understanding the Spanish language shall receive compensation. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
01

Please describe up to three major initiatives where you have served as project manager including type of project, length of project, cost of project, brief project description, community impact, challenges encountered, and lessons learned.
02

Describe your experience working to build consensus on policies, projects, and/or programs involving multiple stakeholders.
03

Describe your leadership style providing examples of the contribution and positive benefit to your organization.
Required Question