Solid Waste Route Supervisor

Solid Waste Route Supervisor

Salary

$52.11 - $57.46 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

5037-26

Department

Environmental Services

Opening Date

08/25/2026

Closing Date

9/14/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

Are you a proactive, human-centered leader who excels at motivating teams, guiding operations, and delivering exceptional customer service? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where you help shape services that meet the diverse needs of the community? If so, this may be the opportunity you've been looking for!

The City of Tacoma is recruiting for a Solid Waste Route Supervisor in our Environment & Public Works Department. We are seeking candidates with strong leadership abilities, a collaborative mindset, and a proven track record of providing customer-focused services in a team-oriented setting. We recognize that leadership experience is gained in many ways and applicants with transferrable skills in supervision, coordination, or customer-focused work are encouraged to apply.

Our ideal candidate will be a person who has many of the following competencies:

• Situational Adaptability - Picks up on situational cues and adjusts in the moment. Readily adapts personal, interpersonal, and leadership behavior. Understands that different situations may call for different approaches.
• Builds Effective Teams - Forms teams with appropriate and diverse mix of styles, perspectives, and experience. Establishes common objectives and a shared mindset. Creates a feeling of belonging and strong team morale.
• Optimizes Work Processes - Identifies and creates the processes necessary to get work done. Seeks ways to improve processes, from small tweaks to complete reengineering.
• Self-Development - Shows personal commitment and takes action to continuously improve. Accepts assignments that broaden capabilities
• Communicates Effectively - Is effective in a variety of communication settings: one-on-one, small and large groups, or among diverse styles and position levels. Attentively listens and encourages open expression of diverse ideas and opinions.
• Decision Quality - Makes informed decisions, even in the absence of complete information. Relies on a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment when making decisions.
• Directs Work - Provides clear direction and accountabilities. Delegates and distributes assignments and decisions appropriately. Monitors progress by maintaining open communication on work and results.
• Resourcefulness - Marshals resources (people, funding, material, support) to get things done. Applies knowledge of internal structures, processes, and culture to resourcing efforts.
• Ensures Accountability - Takes personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and failures. Establishes clear responsibilities and processes for monitoring work and measuring results.
• Values Safety - Promotes a safe work culture and work environment.

In the Environment & Public Works Department we believe everything we do supports healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound, leaving a better Tacoma for all. The Focus on healthy neighborhoods and a Thriving Puget Sound defines the core values of the Environmental Services Department and our clear focus on: Customers, Employees and Operations with the three following statements:

• Customers- Partner with the community on customer-valued services to meet the diverse needs of Tacoma neighborhoods
• Employees- Foster safe culture built on trust, conversation and equity
• Operations- Operate using best practices and innovation to meet changing environmental and community needs.

HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS + THRIVING PUGET SOUND = A BETTER TACOMA

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in supervision of daily operations of solid waste collection and transfer activities; assist in developing, planning, organizing, scheduling and monitoring solid waste collection and transfer activities to ensure safe and efficient operations
• Investigate and resolve customer service and nuisance code complaints; educate customers on Tacoma Municipal code requirements and enforce compliance when necessary; contact and provide information to residential customers and local businesses regarding appropriate waste collection, disposal services and recycling practices and procedures; recommend service-level rate adjustments when necessary
• Develop and implement work schedules to assure efficient service; dispatch personnel, assign tasks and equipment
• Respond to solid waste fleet vehicle incidents, fluid spills and property damage; mitigate environmental impacts and oversee cleanup measures; conduct vehicle incident and spill investigations, prepare applicable reports
• Coordinate with drivers and fleet personnel to ensure that scheduled repairs and maintenance of assigned equipment are completed; conduct routine fleet vehicle, equipment and safety audits
• Supervise and evaluate the work of assigned personnel; develop and communicate expectations; provide coaching and feedback; facilitate required safety and operational training; conduct regular one-on-one and team meetings; perform disciplinary action as appropriate; prepare employee development objectives and conduct performance reviews
• Analyze customer data, route data, tonnages, waste types and collection methods to develop efficient collection routes; develop key performance indicators and prepare and maintain a variety of associated operational records and reports
• Promote and foster a culture focused on safety; work with Safety personnel to develop and maintain safety programs and procedures
• Operate a variety of office equipment and machines such as a computer, radio and telephone; operate a motor vehicle including pickup trucks as needed
• Perform related duties as assigned

Qualifications

An equivalent combination to: graduation from high school (or equivalent) AND:

Three (3) years of increasingly-responsible experience in solid waste operations providing work direction to others

OR

Three (3) years of increasingly-responsible experience in a customer service field resolving customer complaints and providing work direction to others

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Washington State drivers license at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter.
• Obtain First Aid certification and Flagger certification within six (6) months of appointment with maintenance thereafter.
• Obtain Asbestos Hazard emergency Response Act (AHERA) certification, at the expense of the Solid Waste Division, within one (1) year of appointment with maintenance thereafter.

Knowledge & Skills

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of effective leadership principles and team supervision
• Understanding of customer service best practices and community-focused service delivery
• Familiarity with operational planning and coordination in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of communication strategies for guiding, motivating, and supporting staff
• Awareness of methods for evaluating service performance and implementing improvements
• Understanding of workplace safety practices and adherence to departmental standards
• General knowledge of City of Tacoma streets

SKILLS:

• Ability to learn laws, regulations and rate schedules related to solid waste operations and apply knowledge to specific field problems

• Plan, coordinate and schedule the work of others

• Maintain a courteous and cooperative relationship with the general public and others

• Understand and follow oral and written directions

• Strong written and oral communication

• Basic computer skills, software applications, and radio procedures

• Observe legal and defensive driving practices

NOTE: Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it!

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

City of Tacoma's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, were on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. Were committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you're passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacomas geographic area. Downtowns Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and Americas Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.

Applicants who are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) MUST attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4 (proof of military discharge form) at time of application to be eligible for review for Veterans Preference points.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

Supplemental Questions

This is a competitive selection process. Applicants will be required to respond to written questions outlining their experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to Supplemental Questions #7 to #13 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test. These questions will be scored based on the information provided. It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers, including your roles in the position and key activities. DO NOT respond with 'see resume' in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score. Providing false information will result in disqualification.

Accommodations: We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation during this process, please contact Human Resources at (253) 591-5400.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $52.11 - $57.46

Annual Salary: $108,388.80 - $119,516.80

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

01

The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your application. Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your application. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. Please indicate "Yes" to show that you have read and understand these instructions.

• Yes
• No

02

Are you a high school graduate or the equivalent, such as a General Education Degree (GED) or Home School certification?

• Yes
• No

03

Which of the following best describes your qualifications for the Solid Waste Route Supervisor position?

• Three (3) years of increasingly-responsible experience in solid waste operations providing work direction to others
• Three (3) years of increasingly-responsible experience in a customer service field resolving customer complaints and providing work direction to others
• I do not meet the qualifications as listed in the job announcement.

04

This position requires the successful candidate to have a valid Washington State Drivers license by their first day of work if selected for the job.

Do you now possess or will you be able to possess a valid Washington State Drivers license by your first day of work if you are the candidate selected for the job?

• Yes
• No

05

List any training and certifications that you have received that are applicable to the solid waste and/or customer service field and the respective year. If you have no experience please respond with none.

06

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST:

Questions #7-13 are the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to any of your application materials, and will provide scores based solely upon your answers to the questions. Your answers must stand on their own merit. DO NOT respond with see resume in lieu of answering this question, as raters will not have access to your resume or application and this will result in a score of 0 points and you will fail the test. Your score on the experience and training test will only reflect your response to the questions asked.

Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions #7-13.

• Yes
• No

07

This position requires coordinating work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Explain your approach to organizing staff, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining service quality under pressure.

08

Please describe your approach to promoting and enhancing safe and efficient operations. Share an example where you were responsible for maintaining effective operations while fostering a culture of safety. What did you do and what were the results?

09

Customer service is central to this role. Provide an example of how you identified and responded to a community or customer need. What steps did you take, and how did you measure success?

10

Please provide a specific example of a time when you strengthened a working relationship through effective communication. What actions did you take, why were they effective, and what was the result?

11

Describe a time when you led a team through a challenging operational or service-related situation. What was your role, how did you guide the team, and what was the outcome?

12

What kind of experiences have you had in relating with people that have racial, gender or cultural backgrounds that are different from your own? Describe a specific situation in which you worked with a diverse group of people or person over a period of time. Based on this experience, what did you learn?

13

Describe a situation in which you managed a conflict between employees, team members, or customers. Describe your approach and the final outcome.

14

Please tell us how you learned about this job opportunity.

• City of Tacoma website
• City of Tacoma job interest card
• internet search
• Union job posting
• Military job posting
• Word of mouth
• Community organization
• Professional organization
• Other

15

If you answered, "professional organization", "community organization", or "other" to the previous question, please tell us exactly how you learned about this job. Thank you, your answer will help with future recruitment efforts.

Required Question

Employer City of Tacoma

Address Human Resources Department

747 Market Street

Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone 253-591-5400

Website http://www.tacoma.gov