Sanitation Administrator

Job Description:

Sanitation Administrator

Description

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Plans, organizes, and directs the operations and activities of the Sanitation Division.

The principal function of an employee in this class is to provide administrative oversight to all Sanitation Division activities. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Public Works Director but extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. Supervision is exercised over the work of all employees within the Sanitation Division. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, business and community groups, outside contractors, state and federal officials, representatives of the media and the public.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering, Biology or a related field; and
• Considerable experience in public works operations with a management role; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Please note: College transcripts must be submitted with your application or separately to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department by email to humanresources@dmgov.org, by fax to 515-237-1680, or by mail to 1551 E. MLK Jr. Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50317 on or before the application deadline.

Required Special Qualifications

• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer background check, physical examination and drug screen,
• Possession of a valid Iowa driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility.
• On-call status.

Please note: If you possess an out-of-state license, you must submit a certified driving record by the application deadline. Failure to submit all required documentation may cause application disqualification.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the work of Division supervisors in completing solid waste, recycling, yard waste and street cleaning operations.
• Develops policies and procedures designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of Division operations and address solid waste environmental needs within the City of Des Moines.
• Develops and administers the Division budget.
• Organizes resources within the Division, including developing equipment and materials specifications, requisitioning supplies and coordinating maintenance.
• Coordinates projects with other City Departments, outside contractors, state and federal agencies/monitoring officials, other governmental jurisdictions and/or authorities.
• Receives, investigates and resolves complaints from the public.
• Ensures environmental conditions within the City’s refuse management, recycling and related operations meet the objectives of properly processing solid waste, hazardous materials and recyclable material.
• Oversees emergency operations, including vegetative debris collection and disposal following windstorms.
• Oversees cost accounting within the Division and provides cost estimates on major projects planned and pending.
• Provides status reports to the Public Works Director and Deputy Director on Divisional operations, any major shift in policies or procedures and recommendations for future development.
• Participates in various aspects of personnel administration within the Division, including hiring, termination, grievance procedures and coordinating employee training.
• Performs special projects for the Public Work Director as requested.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Responds to residents’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Maintains on-call status.
• Performs other duties as required.

Click here for Benefit Summary

Closing Date/Time: 1/7/2026 4:00 PM Central

Salary:

$104,852.80 - $149,801.60 Annually