Enterprise Program Manager (Refuse Manager)

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community.   

Directs, coordinates, supervises, and manages the operations of the Enterprise Section, including Refuse Enterprise, Right-of-Way, and Energy and Sustainability Programs, within the Municipal Services Division of the Public Works Agency; provides responsible and complex administrative support to higher-level management.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

This is a single administrative management classification in the Municipal Services Division of the Public Works Agency. The incumbent has managerial oversight responsibility of Enterprise Section programs and activities, including the Refuse Enterprise, Right-of-Way, and Energy and Sustainability Programs. The Enterprise Program Manager classification is distinguished from the next higher Deputy Public Works Director / Parks, Fleet, and Facilities Manager classification in that the latter classification has management oversight over all Municipal Services Division functions, provides divisional direction, has higher decision making authority, and handles higher level responsibilities. The Enterprise Program Manager classification is distinguished from the lower level classifications in that the former classification has managerial oversight over all Enterprise Section functions, a broader scope of work, higher decision making authority, and more complex responsibilities.

• Administers and manages the City’s Refuse Enterprise Program, including program development and implementation, contract and grant management, compliance with state mandates and other regulations, public education, and solid waste code enforcement.
• Develops and oversees solid waste compliance and enforcement programs, and organic waste and recycling programs and activities, including solid waste compliance field inspections and citations, the investigation and remediation of complaints and violations, compliance with Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan requirements, and solid waste outreach and educational programs.
• Develops and manages the City’s waste hauler contract; ensures waste hauler abides by contract provisions; and ensures the resolution of waste hauler questions and concerns from City officials and staff, residents, and commercial businesses.
• Develops and manages right-of-way activities, such as bus stop and kiosk maintenance and advertising, and permitting of digital billboards and banners, streetlight banners, and news boxes.
• Oversees the City’s right-of-way programs and activities, including the administration of applications and permits; ensures public right-of-way items are installed and maintained in compliance with program and regulatory policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Supports the City’s Energy and Sustainability Program goals through various citywide energy efficiency projects and activities; identifies grant funding opportunities.
• Implements, administers, and oversees section short- and long-term goals, objectives, policies, procedures, strategies, and priorities; adheres to the City’s Strategic Plan.
• Assists in the development, monitoring, and administration of the section budget; directs the forecasting of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; determines availability of funding for various projects and services; monitors and approves expenditures; and requests adjustments, as necessary.
• Monitors refuse enterprise related trends and developments; monitors and responds to changes in relevant regulations.
• Prepares, publishes, presents, and maintains a variety of reports and records; conducts and oversees complex section research and studies.
• Conducts and evaluates a variety of organizational studies for effectiveness of service delivery methods and process improvement management; recommends modifications to programs and procedures; and implements program and process improvements.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews work activities, projects, and programs; monitors work flow; continuously reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; and works with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Selects, trains, deploys, supervises, develops, and motivates assigned section staff; establishes performance standards and evaluates employee performance; works with employees to correct deficiencies; and implements disciplinary procedures with the department head.
• Develops, negotiates, and monitors complex requests for proposals and contracts.
• Works and coordinates with other City departments, including the City Attorney’s Office, on section matters, and outside agencies, such as CalRecycle, OC Waste & Recycling, and the Orange County Transportation Authority, for compliance planning, implementation, and monitoring, as appropriate.
• Represents the City, or delegates such authority, in regard to community, local, and state agencies and professional organizations.
• Manages public information issued and released pertaining to section; oversees responses to general inquiries from citizens and customers; and responds to and resolves the most difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
• Serves and participates on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees to ensure the City’s interests are protected; prepares and presents staff reports and other correspondence; and provides information regarding section matters.
• Conducts internal audits and quality control; coordinates and responds to external audit reviews.
• Ensures division record management is in accordance with legal requirements and City policy.
• Provides responsible and complex assistance to management staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum qualifications may be met via an equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions. Experience and education must provide the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in public works program administration, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, urban planning, or a related field.

Special Requirements: 

• Possession and retention of an appropriate and valid driver’s license is a condition of continued employment.
• Must be willing and able to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Advanced principles, techniques, and practices of program and project management.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local public sector laws, codes, and regulations.
• Principles and practices of public administration.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Contract and program development, administration, and management.
• Principles and practices of program, policy, and operational needs analysis and evaluation.
• Public works programs services and activities, such as right-of-way programs.
• Principles and practices of refuse and recycling.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance management.
• Research methods and techniques.
• Principles and practices of data collection, business letter writing, and report preparation.
• Proper English usage, grammar, and punctuation.
• Principles of communication and public speaking.
• Data management.
• Safety practices and procedures.
• Modern office practices, procedures, methods, and equipment.

Skill in:

• The use of personal computers and business software applications, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel.
• Dealing effectively with employees and the public with tact and discretion.
• Engaging in sound problem solving.

Ability to:

• Oversee, coordinate, and direct the day-to-day operations of refuse enterprise programs and activities.
• Understand, interpret, apply and administer, and enforce Citywide and departmental codes, policies, and procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations, including those relating to refuse enterprise, right-of-way maintenance and sanitation programs, and energy and sustainability programs.
• Recommend, implement, and evaluate goals, objectives, programs, projects, policies, and procedures.
• Analyze complex issues and data, conduct complex research, and make sound recommendations.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Develop and implement innovative and effective solutions.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Communicate tactfully, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Negotiate effectively.
• Make formal oral presentations.
• Participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets.
• Perform arithmetic and standard statistical calculations accurately.
• Develop, oversee, track, and administer complex agreements, contracts, and grants.
• Research and develop new revenue sources.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Plan, organize, and prioritize a variety of work, projects, and activities in an effective and timely manner to meet deadlines.
• Ensure recordkeeping is in compliance with policies and procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, the public, vendors, and those contacted in the scope of work.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Received: Receives general direction from the Deputy Public Works Director / Parks, Fleet, and Facilities Manager and/or other management staff.

• Exercised: Exercises various levels of supervision over professional, technical, and clerical staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Environmental Conditions: Work is generally performed in standard office and, occasionally, field settings. Occasional travel to different sites is required. Occasionally works on various types of surfaces, including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Incumbents may be exposed to gas, smoke, smells and scents, loud and noisy conditions, indoor and outdoor lighting, dirt and dust, wind and pollen, and variable weather conditions.

• Physical Conditions: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in office and field settings; operate motor vehicles; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, twist, and walk; lift and carry up to twenty (20) pounds; push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including the use of a computer keyboard; utilize sight, hearing, speaking, reading, writing, and math ability to exchange information; see with normal vision and visual range, with or without correction; and hear in the normal audio range, with or without correction.

All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire.  Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.    To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide.  
 
 Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department.  Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, 2026 (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list.  

Based on the number of applications received, the Human Resources Department may waive the oral interview examination and evaluate those applicants who meet the requirements described above through an examination of record.  The examination will be based on a review of the application materials submitted and will include an assessment of training, experience and performance with the City of Santa Ana.  Applicants must pass this review in order to be placed on the eligible list. 

The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.