Category: 
Job
Organization: 
DeKalb County


Location: Decatur, GA

Deputy Director, PW Sanitation

Salary: $190,000+ (negotiable, depending on experience and qualifications)

Closing: Open until filled

Join DeKalb County Government as Deputy Director, Sanitation & Beautification. Lead with Integrity. Drive Operational Excellence! 

Are you a proven leader with a passion for public service and community impact? Do you thrive on building strong teams, managing large-scale operations, and driving innovation in essential public services? If so, DeKalb County Government is seeking you to be our next Deputy Director, Sanitation & Beautification.

Ideal Candidate Profile – Deputy Director, Sanitation & Beautification

The ideal candidate is an accomplished public works leader with 10+ years of progressive experience in solid waste management and at least 3 years in senior leadership of a comparably sized operation. They hold a degree in Public/Business Administration, Engineering, or Environmental Sciences and bring expertise in strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and large-scale operations management. Skilled in leading diverse teams, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, and fostering intergovernmental and community partnerships, this individual demonstrates strong decision-making, integrity, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. They maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license and will obtain/hold the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Manager of Collection Systems certification. This position will report to the Director of Public Works.

Leadership & Management

  • Demonstrated success in managing, coaching, and developing a large, diverse staff.
  • Skilled in workforce planning, scheduling, performance evaluations, and employee relations.
  • Strong communicator and liaison between staff, executive leadership, elected officials, and external stakeholders.

Strategic & Operational Expertise

  • Ability to set departmental vision, develop strategies, and implement policies aligned with Countywide goals.
  • Experienced in business process improvement, contract/fee structuring, and intergovernmental agreements.
  • Adept at preparing and managing multimillion-dollar budgets, including operations, capital projects, and enterprise fund oversight.

Regulatory & Technical Knowledge

  • Comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and local regulations governing solid waste, composting, emissions, wetlands, and related permits.
  • Skilled in negotiating with regulatory agencies and ensuring full compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Environmental Protection Division (EPD), and other requirements.
  • Serves as technical advisor on environmental compliance and waste management best practices.

External Representation & Community Engagement

  • Trusted spokesperson with the ability to represent the County at senior-level meetings, board sessions, and community forums.
  • Actively engages with professional associations (e.g., Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), American Public Works Association (APWA) to promote best practices and foster innovation.
  • Capable of building community partnerships and enhancing the County’s public image.

Key Attributes

  • Strategic thinker with sound judgment and decision-making skills.
  • Strong leadership presence, with integrity, accountability, and initiative.
  • Skilled in balancing operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and community/environmental stewardship.

DeKalb County values its employees and offers a highly competitive total rewards package, including:

  • Salary: $190,000+ (negotiable, depending on experience and qualifications)
  • Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
  • Life insurance benefit equal to 2.25 times annual salary
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Peach State Federal Credit Union
  • 11 paid holidays
  • Paid leave -13 days of sick leave and a minimum 15 days of annual leave per year
  • Relocation reimbursement

How to Apply:

For full job description and to submit an application, go to: https://ertd.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/C...