Career Center

Are you a natural leader with a passion for building strong teams and driving operational excellence?

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is searching for a dynamic, natural leader to take the lead of our essential frontline operations within the Solid Waste Operations Division. If you possess a strong, proven background supervising the collection, transfer, and recycling of solid waste, and are passionate about leading teams with integrity, vision, and purpose, we want you!

This pivotal role requires a team-focused crew chief ready to supervise daily disposal operations. You will be instrumental in ensuring efficiency, safety, and operational excellence, directly contributing to SPU's mission to keep Seattle one of the most livable cities in the country.

In this critical leadership position, you will be the driving force behind the operation. You will serve as a dedicated trainer and motivator to build a high-performing, accountable, and collaborative team culture. You will also direct daily disposal operations and guide your crew to uphold the highest standards in waste management and service delivery.

You will be reporting to the North Transfer Station (1350 North 34th Street) and the South Transfer Station (130 South Kenyon) occasionally.

About Seattle Public Utilities: SPU is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.?

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out these links:

• SPU Website
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

We know work isn't only about what you do it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions.
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

• Staff Development: Train and mentor crew members to meet all operational and safety standards.
• Team Leadership: Cultivate a positive and respectful work environment while holding the team accountable for results.
• Process Improvement: Use performance data to drive continuous improvement in operations and decision-making.
• Collaboration: Partner with management to identify and implement best practices and process enhancements.
• Operational Oversight: Monitor equipment, schedules, and compliance to ensure effective and timely waste disposal.

Experience: Two (2) years of experience in transfer station or solid waste operations and one (1) -year related lead or supervisory experience. (Combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).

Education and Experience Equivalency: Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.

Desired Qualifications:

The successful candidate is a proactive leader, effective trainer, and focused problem-solver who drives measurable improvements.

• Trainer & Mentor: Proven ability to successfully create and train groups on complex processes, ensuring consistency and high performance.
• Structure & Solutions: Proactively identifies problems, finds effective solutions, and establishes clear operational structure.
• Team Leadership: Expert in conflict management, fostering high morale, and driving accountability.
• SOP Management: Creates, updates, and consistently trains staff on new and existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Data-Driven Results: Communicates successes using measurable data (e.g., productivity increases, process improvements) to demonstrate operational impact.
• Compliance & Safety: Knowledge of safe handling of hazardous substances and excellent safety awareness is required.
• Communication: Strong written skills (memos, SOPs) and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Work Ethic: Proven history of excellent attendance, taking initiative, and managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Work outdoors in all types of weather at a garbage transfer station, around garbage, odors, dust, vectors, and noise.
• Must be able and willing to work weekends and holidays as assigned.
• Ability to tolerate odors associated with waste materials

License, Certification, and Other Requirements:

• Valid Washington driver's license prior to commitment of employment.

Workplace Environment: This position is fully on-site. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.