Deputy Director, PW Sanitation

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.

Make a Difference in DeKalb County!

DeKalb County is the fourth-largest county in Georgia, home to an estimated 780,000 residents. Spanning approximately 271 square miles, the county includes part of Atlanta, as well as the cities of Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stonecrest, Stone Mountain, Tucker, and several unincorporated areas. With easy access to four major interstates and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), commuting is convenient. DeKalb County is experiencing remarkable growth, offering plenty to explore. Discover more at www.DiscoverDekalb.com.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the County’s top elected official. The County has 45 departments with the department heads reporting to the CEO through the Chief Operating Officer (COO). Like other County governments, there is a Board of Commissioners (BOC) that comprises the legislative branch, a court system that is the judicial branch, and other elected officials and constitutional officers.

The Deputy Director, reporting to the Director of Public Works, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the County’s Sanitation and Beautification operations. This role partners closely with the Director to drive initiatives that ensure clean, safe, and visually appealing communities across DeKalb County. The Deputy Director leads efforts to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen interdepartmental collaboration, and advance community engagement initiatives that promote environmental stewardship and civic pride. Additionally, this position oversees and manages an annual budget of approximately $110 million, ensuring the effective allocation of resources to support the County’s mission and long-term sustainability goals.

Total Rewards Highlights

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

This position is Merit-Exempt and serves under the purview of the CEO.

Apply today and help us keep DeKalb County clean, sustainable, and thriving!