The City of Long Beach, California is seeking an Environmental Services Bureau Manager to oversee the functions of the Bureau, coordinating with two direct reports that manage operations, administration, public outreach, communication, and regulatory compliance. They will oversee a $60 million annual revenue refuse enterprise fund, a $18 million annual revenue general fund among other revenue and expense funds. This Manager plays a pivotal role within the Public Works Department, responsible for the effective and environmentally sound management of recycling, refuse, and organics collection, as well as street sweeping and parking enforcement operations. This position will also lead city staff programs, manage contracted services, and ensure compliance with state and federal mandates. This role requires strategic planning, effective communication, and proactive engagement with stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a technically say administrator and transformational leader who is enthusiastic about sustainability, resource management, and positive leadership methodologies. Lead a dynamic team committed to environmental sustainability and exceptional service delivery.
Apply now and help shape the future of waste management in Long Beach!
THE COMMUNITY
Ideally located on the Pacific Ocean south of Los Angeles, adjacent to Orange County, the City of Long Beach, California (population 470,000) is frequently described as a series of strong, diverse interwoven smaller communities within a large city. Enjoying an ideal Southern California climate, Long Beach is home to an abundance of cultural and recreational options. The Long Beach Convention Center, Aquarium of the Pacific, Queen Mary, and the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, plus a wide variety of other attractions (two historic ranchos, three marinas, and five golf courses), serve to draw 6.5 million visitors a year. The City is also home to California State University, Long Beach and Long Beach City College. Cal State Long Beach is the second largest university in the state and was recently ranked the No. 3 best–value public college in the nation. Covering approximately 50 square miles, Long Beach is supported by a wide mix of industries with education, health and social services, manufacturing, retail trade, and professional services comprising the highest representation. Known for its livable and desirable neighborhoods, Long Beach was named by America’s Promise Alliance as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People two years in a row. While it offers all the amenities of a large metropolis, many say Long Beach offers the added benefit of having maintained a strong sense of community and cohesiveness despite its growth. A superb climate, quality schools, a vibrant downtown, and a wide variety of neighborhoods help make Long Beach one of the most livable communities in the country.
CITY GOVERNMENT
Long Beach, a charter city formed in 1897, is governed by nine City Council Members elected by district and a city-wide elected Mayor. Other elected officials include the City Attorney, City Auditor, and City Prosecutor. The elected officials are elected to staggered four-year terms. The City Council appoints the City Manager and City Clerk. The City Manager is responsible for the efficient administration of all City departments, excluding those under the direction of a separately elected official, Board or Commission. Long Beach is one of only three cities in California with its own Health Department and one of the very few municipalities with its own Water and Energy Resources Departments. In 2019, the City of Long Beach and Plenary Properties Long Beach unveiled the completion of the new four-building Long Beach Civic Center, which includes a new City Hall and Port Administration Building. The tree-lined pedestrian plaza is reflective of an innovative public-private partnership and the Civic Center is designed to revitalize the civic core of downtown to serve residents, attract visitors, and provide safe and efficient city operations. The City is supported by a FY2023 total budget of $3.2 billion with a General Fund budget of $669 million. It has a FY 2023 Capital Improvement Budget of $500 million. Long Beach employs approximately 6,048 full-time equivalent staff.
THE DEPARTMENT & BUREAU
The Public Works department consists of six bureaus, supporting the core mission and functions of the City of Long Beach in providing outstanding service to residents, businesses, and community partners. These bureaus include Business Operations, Engineering, Project Management, Public Service, Transportation Project Management, and Environmental Services. The City has embarked on a five year infrastructure investment plan to revitalize infrastructure, prepare Long Beach to be a showcase for the world during the 2028 Olympics, and continue to improve and enhance parks, major corridors, and visitor-serving areas. Click here to learn more about the Department and the Elevate 28 Infrastructure Plan.
The award-winning Environmental Services Bureau preserves the upkeep of the cityscape with street sweeping operations that span from major corridors to its residential streets, and a robust refuse and recycling collection service that serves more than nearly 120,000 residential and commercial customers, Actively partnering with the community, ESB has sponsored, hosted, and led community education about reducing waste, collecting household hazardous waste (such as pharmaceuticals), and connecting businesses and non-profits with its Long Beach Exchange Program, which provides for re-use of items such as office equipment. The Bureau also enforces vehicular state and local violations and assists in vehicle impounds related to stolen vehicles, scofflaws, and other incidents.
CURRENT BUREAU PRIORITIES &UPCOMING PROJECTS
- RESIDENTIAL ORGANICS COLLECTION. Implementation of a new residential organic materials collection program over the next 12-18 months that will restructure refuse operations, pivot collections to a team-based model, and work toward compliance with state mandates.
- PAPERLESS OFFICE. Transitioning the Bureau to a paperless work model, contributing to the Department's mission to eliminate waste, integrate technology and optimize operational efficiencies.
- AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READERS. The Street Sweeping Division is currently preparing to roll out an automated license plate reader system that will streamline operations and improve efficiency.
- FEASIBILITY STUDY. Along with the growth of the Bureau and integration of Electric Vehicles, the Manager will work closely with stakeholders to determine the needs and feasibility of charging stations, parking requirements and other infrastructure necessary to support the new Organics Collection program.
THE POSITION
Reporting to the Public Works Director, the Enironmental Services Bureau Manager will directly oversee two General Superintendents (Operations and Administration) and indirectly manage the Bureau's approximately 265 total staff. They will maintain high-level oversight of the Bureau's revenue and expense funds, private hauler and vendor contracts, regulatory compliance, grant pursuit and management, and education and community outreach efforts, as well as essential operations across the Bureau's six divisions. This Manager will place a heavy emphasis on culture creation and teambuilding, with the goal of continuing to cultivate a collaborative, positive, and fulfilling work environment for staff. The Bureau Manager will also interface frequently with other departments, City leadership, regulatory agencies, stakeholders and the public, and will foster partnerships, collaboration and communication in these relationships.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate for this role is a seasoned leader and administrator in waste management or public works, with prior experience in a complex service delivery setting. The ideal Bureau Manager will also have familiarity with California's environmental regulatory landscape. They will be technically savvy, with an innovative mindset and the ability to embrace and implement cutting edge technologies and solutions. Relationship building skills are key in this role, as are adaptability and active listening. Fostering a collaborative team environment across many disciplines and staff backgrounds is critical. This Manager will be a highly driven and energetic leader focused on the Bureau's mission: to deliver core services, reduce waste and create a more sustainable future for the city and the planet.
CORE COMPETENCIES for this role include...
STRATEGIC PLANNING. Develops and implements long-term strategies aligned with City objectives and environmental sustainability goals.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT. Proficient in budget oversight, financial planning, and resource allocation to maintain fiscal responsibility and efficiency,
CHANGE MANAGEMENT. Navigates and leads through change effectively, fostering adaptability and resilience within the team.
CULTURE CREATION. Fosters a positive work culture, ensures staff feel heard and valued, and promotes collaboration, morale, and employee engagement.
COMMUNICATION. Uses strong verbal and written communication skills to convey complex information to diverse audiences, including staff, stakeholders, and elected officials.
Recruitment Brochure: CLICK HERE
HOW TO APPLY: For first consideration, apply by June 7th at Environmental Services Bureau Manager - Long Beach, CA - WBCP, Inc. Jobs (applicantpool.com)
SAVE THE DATES
Round one interviews will take place in person on June 24th. Finalists will move forward to round two virtual interviews on July 1st. Selected candidates must be available for both dates.
The City of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of Long Beach is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work by supporting staff and community partners. We are committed to promoting transparency by publishing updated demographic information for employees, including workforce diversity data and pay by race and gender.
The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act.
QUESTIONS?
Please contact your recruiter, Lauren Gerson:
- lauren@wbcpinc.com
- 866-929-WBCP (9229) toll free
- 541-664-0376 (direct)