Manager II (Zero Waste Strategies) at Montgomery County, MD Government

Manager II (Zero Waste Strategies), Grade M2
Montgomery County Government
Department of Environmental Protection
2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, Maryland 20902

Salary Range: $105,649 - $186,583
   

The mission of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is to enhance the quality of life in our community by protecting and improving Montgomery County’s air, water, and land in a sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and industry-leading way while fostering smart growth, a thriving more sustainable economy and healthy communities. DEP is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and values diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures. DEP encourages BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), immigrants, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.
 

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is seeking an experienced Manager II to lead the Zero Waste Team.  This team is responsible for designing and implementing changes to how Montgomery County handles its solid waste and recycling in an ongoing effort to aim for zero waste.  Program priorities include managing solid waste materials in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, providing exceptional, reliable, and cost- effective solid waste materials management services to County residents now and in the future, and modernizing our solid waste materials management system through a process that is robust, independent, data-driven, and transparent.

The successful candidate will have the following experience, knowledge, and skills:
 

• Development and management of integrated solid waste management, waste diversion, recycling, and related environmental programs with complementary focus on zero waste materials management practices.  
• Experience in procurement and contract management, budget and financial management, and human resources management.
• Experience in and knowledge of Federal, State, and County solid waste management laws, principles, policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership, administrative and management skills.
• A commitment to communicating with all levels of the organization consistently, accurately and in a timely manner.
• A positive commitment to embracing social justice and racial equity, diversity and personnel practices that ensure that the organization is an environment that encourages individual opportunity and excellence regardless of race, sex, individual or cultural differences.
• A willingness to appropriately confront issues and make tough recommendations and decisions.
• Developing a multi-year capital improvements program plan and budget, and annual Operating budget.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, strong sense of collaboration, and “people” skills, with expertise in consensus building, conflict resolution, mediation and working with issues for positive resolution – both within the organization and with external organizations and stakeholder groups. 

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
This senior level position will be responsible for the planning, developing, coordinating, and managing a number of significant and complex Aiming for Zero Waste (AZW) projects as well as support the integration of implementable zero waste practices into existing programs and facilities for the County. The position will oversee the development and implementation of an integrated project schedule, integration of contractors supporting the AZW initiative, and ensure effective integration of new technologies and operations within the existing materials management operations. Additionally, this position will be responsible for managing significant budget and contracts in excess of $3 million in FY2025 and large capital budgets in out years.

•  Managing a team of professional and technical staff and consultants engaged in planning, design, and implementation of aiming for zero waste programs. 
• Coordinating development and implementation of the integrated project plan and schedule to achieve the waste diversion goals necessary to transition the County’s solid waste management system from its current reliance on incineration toward innovative material management practices in a manner that is cost effective, and supports the County’s environmental, equity, and Climate Action Plan goals and objectives.
• Overseeing the development and implementation of stakeholder engagement plans designed to educate County officials, stakeholders, and residents/businesses on the need for enhancements to the County’s solid waste management system, and the benefits and impacts of the enhancements.
• Coordinating with County, Maryland Department of the Environment, and other senior-level officials on major AZW program and policy matters. 
• Analyzing the impact of new AZW initiatives, programs, and policies against existing permits, regulations, budget, and programs, and develop impact analyses and recommendations.
• Preparing and overseeing annual budgets and procurements as well as the administration of contract(s) for planning, design, and implementation of zero waste initiatives and programs.
• This position requires possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a County vehicle to attend meetings and perform other work at locations throughout Montgomery County, and occasionally in nearby jurisdictions or in remote areas that may not be readily assessable by public transportation.
   
  Occasional evening or weekend work outside of normal business hours may be required.
   
  As a manager/supervisor of unionized employees, this position has a responsibility for fostering a positive working environment based on mutual trust, respect, and cooperation.
   
  To ensure a positive workplace and to comply with federal, state and County laws, the incumbent is responsible for completing mandatory trainings within the first three to six months or within the specified timeframe.
   
  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  Experience:  Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in managing the planning, design, and/or implementation of complex program changes or initiatives in Solid Waste, Recycling Management Systems, or other significant municipal capital improvement programs, three (3) years of which were in a supervisory or executive capacity.
    Note: The term “executive” is further defined as a high echelon or high-level position in an organization that is assigned technical research, management advisory services responsibilities, or policy-making duties and responsibilities that exerts considerable influence on organizational policy, plans, and operations through technical research, management advisory services, and/or policy-making duties and responsibilities (e.g., County positions at Grade 30 or above).
   
  Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.
   
  Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
   
  License: Possession of a valid Class “C” (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant’s state of residence.
   
  Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences
  All applicants will be reviewed by OHR for minimum qualifications.  Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be rated “Qualified,” placed on the Eligible List, and may be considered for interview.  Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are same grade or higher will be placed on Eligible List as a “Transfer” candidate and may be considered for interview.  
   

Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following:
 

• Experience managing, planning, designing, and implementing zero waste initiatives, programs and/or projects.
• Experience with integrating zero waste practices into existing solid waste management, waste diversion, and recycling programs. 
• Experience supervising professional and technical staff including coordinating work programs, developing performance plans, conducting performance evaluations, recruiting and hiring employees.
• Experience with government and/or private sector procurement, contract management, and human resources management. 
• Experience developing, defending, implementing, and managing large annual operating and multi-year capital improvements program/project budgets.
• Experience in strategic planning, and project evaluation and assessment including benchmarking and developing performance metrics. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental administrators and managers, senior program management staff, representatives of public and private sector agencies, business and community groups and organizations including the development and implementation of stakeholder engagement programs.

If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume. You may also be required to provide a writing sample.

Montgomery County Government offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

To view the complete job announcement and to apply, please visit our website at www.work4mcg.com, 
click on “Search Jobs and Apply”.  Search Manager II (Zero Waste Strategies).
Interested candidates must create an online account in order to apply.

This Recruitment Closes September 23, 2024

All resume submissions must address the preferred criteria for the position,
preferably in a separate section of the resume.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Resume Preparation Tips
listed under the “Career Resources” tab on the Office of Human Resource’s MCG Careers webpage.

EOE. M/F/H.