Public Utilities Operations Manager
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Public Utilities Operations Manager
Salary
$100,419.80 - $139,770.59 Annually
Location
Fort Myers, FL
Job Type
Full-Time Regular
Job Number
07835OB
Department
Solid Waste
Opening Date
03/16/2026
Closing Date
4/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA
Exempt
Description
Benefits
Questions
Description
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.
Duties and Responsibilities
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.
Education, Experience, Licensing
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
Supplemental Information
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.
Lee County Board of County Commissioners offers a comprehensive, and affordable benefits package. Our Board works in the best interest of employees and strives to provide the most complete, high-quality benefits package available at the lowest possible cost to the employee. Our Board continues to remain steadfast in maintaining one of the lowest levels of employee costs in our area.
Lee County's benefits package is offered to both regular Full-time positions and Part-time positions that are regularly scheduled to work 60 hours or more bi-weekly. Medical benefits may be offered to On-Call, Temporary, Seasonal, and Intern employees who meet the Affordable Care Act eligibility criteria.
Lee County employees eligible to participate in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) are required to contribute 3% of each paycheck to FRS. If you have retired from the Florida Retirement Pension plan you will not be eligible for renewed membership in either of the FRS retirement plan options. Retirees of the Investment Plan are eligible for renewed membership in the Investment Plan only. FRS reemployment rules apply for both.
Below is a brief breakdown of what's included in the benefits package that is offered to our employees.
For a more detailed look into our benefits package, please click visit our webpage at www.leegov.com/hr/Documents/Employee%20Benefits/2024%20Benefits/FULLTIME%20ACTIVE%20LCBOCC%202024%20Plan%20Year%20OE%20Guide%20FINAL%20AON%202023.09.12.pdf.
To view our employee paid premiums, please visit: https://www.leegov.com/hr/Documents/Employee%20Benefits/2024%20Benefits/2024%20Active%20Employee%20Rates.pdf
Health Benefits:
Medical Insurance
Plans include, but are not limited to: routine, preventative, mental health, hospitalization, and prescription drug benefits.
Vision, Fitness, Weight Management, Natural Products and Services, and Hearing discount programs available.
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Medical Reimbursement Account
Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
Pharmacy, including Mail-Order Pharmacy
Informed Health Lines (Nurse Hotline)
Basic Life Insurance (1x or 2x Annual Salary at no cost to employee)
Optional Life Insurance
Long-Term Disability (60% of pre-disability salary at no cost to employee)
Short-Term Disability
Sick Leave Pool
Flu vaccinations
Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits:
Florida Retirement System (FRS)
Two Retirement Plan Options:
1) FRS Pension Plan (Defined Benefit)
2) FRS Investment Plan (Defined Contribution)
Deferred Compensation (457) Plans
Financial Savings/Management Programs
Eligible for membership with Suncoast Credit Union
Employee Leave Benefits
Holiday Pay - 11 Paid Holidays Annually
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Vacation Leave
Bereavement & Civic Duty Leave
Family and Medical Leave
Military Family & Medical Leave
Educational Leave
Employee Assistance Program
Services available to employees that offers guidance, support, resources and information for personal and work-life issues. Confidential and provided at no charge to employees and their dependents.
United Way 2-1-1 (Lee County Employee Resource Program)
Lee County BOCC has partnered with United Way 211 to provide an Employee Resource Program which assists BoCC employees who may be experiencing distress due to economic hardship, health or other factors.
Educational Assistance
Reimbursement for coursework taken at an accredited college or university that is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities relating to the official duties that the employees perform.
01
What is your highest level of education completed?
GED
High School
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
PhD
None of the above
02
Which of the following best describes your experience in municipal solid waste, public utilities, public works, environmental compliance, or similar operational fields? (Be sure to include this experience in the Work History section of your application.)
No experience
Less than 2 years
2-4 years
4-7 years
More than 7 years
03
In which of the following operational areas have you worked? Select all that apply: (Be sure to include this experience in the Work History section of your application.)
Municipal solid waste collection or recycling programs
Contracted hauling or franchise waste collection oversight
Public utilities operations
Public works field operations or maintenance programs
Environmental compliance or permitting
Hazardous waste or household chemical waste programs
Regulatory inspections or enforcement
Disaster response or recovery support
Community outreach or public-facing service programs
Large-scale customer service operations
Other (Please explain in your Work History section)
04
How many years of supervisory experience do you have? (Be sure to include this experience in the Work History section of your application.)
None
Less than 1 year
1-2 years
2-5 years
More than 5 years
05
Do you possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record?
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
Lee County Government
Address
P.O. Box 398 ATT: Human Resources Fort Myers, Florida, 33902
Phone
(239) 533-2245
Website
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/leecounty
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