THE OPPORTUNITY
For an executive who thrives at the intersection of operations, public service, and environmental stewardship, few opportunities offer the scope and impact of this role. As Environmental Services Director, you will lead an essential enterprise at an important moment – strengthening core operations, protecting the environment, rebuilding organizational capacity, and helping shape a cleaner, more sustainable future for Tucson.
ABOUT TUCSON
People have lived in the Tucson area for more than 12,000 years, making it one of the longest continuously inhabited regions in North America. The City honors the tribal nations who have cared for this land since time immemorial and recognizes it as the ancestral homeland of the Tohono O'odham and Pascua Yaqui Nations. These nations remain central to the region's culture and traditions. Tucson's story also reflects the rich heritage of the Sonoran borderlands. Mexican and Mexican American communities, along with ranching, mining, the railroad, the military, education, and many immigrant communities, helped shape the city we know today. With a population that is more than 40% Latino, Tucson’s culture is enriched through vibrant traditions, culinary excellence, family-centered values, and a deep sense of community that shapes the city’s identity and spirit.
With 330 days of sunshine each year and mountain ranges in every direction, Tucson is a year-round destination for outdoor recreation. Tucson offers a rare mix of history, culture, outdoor adventure, and innovation. Whether you're looking for a place to live, work, or lead, you'll find a welcoming community, stunning desert landscapes, and a city committed to building a strong future.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Environmental Services Department is at the center of Tucson’s efforts to build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient community. The department delivers essential services every day while leading some of the City’s most important environmental and sustainability initiatives with an annual budget of $83.2 million and 264 dedicated employees. Core operations include residential and commercial waste and recycling collection, landfill operations, household hazardous waste, resource recovery, environmental compliance, and sustainability programs.
The department operates a large, complex municipal service organization that touches every neighborhood and business in Tucson. At the same time, it is evolving beyond traditional waste management to focus on resource conservation, waste reduction, and long-term environmental outcomes. The department is a key partner in implementing Tucson Resilient Together, the City’s climate action and adaptation plan. Its sustainability portfolio includes zero waste, resource recovery, and circular economy initiatives; residential recycling and FoodCycle composting, and organics diversion; urban forestry and the TREE (Tree Resource Education and Ecology) Center; waste reduction and greenhouse gas reduction strategies; and environmental education and community engagement.
THE POSITION
Reporting to an Assistant City Manager, the Environmental Services Director provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for one of the City’s most visible and service-oriented departments. This executive position is responsible for planning, organizing, and evaluating comprehensive environmental services programs that include solid waste collection, recycling, environmental compliance, operations and maintenance of active and closed landfills, sustainability initiatives, customer service, and related public services. As a member of the City’s Executive Leadership Team, the Director works collaboratively across the organization to deliver reliable, environmentally responsible, and fiscally sound services while advancing the City’s strategic priorities. The Director serves as the City’s principal advisor on environmental services matters and represents the City with elected officials, regulatory agencies, regional partners, and the community. Key responsibilities include strategic leadership and department administration, environmental compliance and sustainability, financial and resource management; customer service and community engagement; and solid waste and environmental services operations.
The City of Tucson seeks a collaborative, strategic, and forward-thinking executive who pairs strong operational leadership with a commitment to public service and environmental stewardship. The City welcomes candidates from a range of backgrounds who bring the following strengths: executive leadership, labor relations experience, financial and business acumen, critical thinking and decision making, operational leadership and industry knowledge, strategic vision and operational excellence, and customer service and environmental stewardship.
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Environmental Science, Engineering, Environmental Management, or a closely related field.
Experience: Seven years of progressively responsible management experience leading teams of people in public works, utilities, or related municipal or private sector operations, including significant supervisory responsibility.
Residency Requirement: Residency within the City of Tucson is required after being hired.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The Environmental Services Director position has an anticipated hiring range of $190,000 - $220,000, depending on qualifications. In addition, the City provides an excellent executive benefit plan including a generous defined benefit pension plan, with five-year vesting, the ability to transfer from other Arizona pension plans and the ability to purchase service credit. In addition, the City offers a voluntary 457(b) plan as an additional retirement investment vehicle. For a full list of benefits, click here.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply no later than Monday, October 12, 2026. Submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter below.
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
This recruitment has closed and is no longer accepting applications.
%20(2)%20(2).png)
