Solid Waste Management Program Manager (EMS Band 3)

The Department of Ecology is currently looking to fill the Solid Waste Management Program Manager (Exempt Management Service Band 3) position. This position reports to Ecology’s Deputy Director and is located at our Headquarters Building in Lacey, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

 

We are seeking an experienced leader, strategic thinker, and forward looking, creative problem solver to manage and lead our Solid Waste Program. This position is responsible for regulatory and non-regulatory elements of the solid waste management system including oversight of solid waste facility permitting, remedial action at landfills, local government planning for solid waste management, and providing technical assistance to local governments in establishing and optimizing waste reduction and recycling programs. This position represents the Director of Ecology on a wide variety of solid waste management issues, working hard to find unique solutions to reduce, reuse, and recycle for a healthy environment in harmony with a strong economy for everyone.

 

This is an exciting and challenging position for a proven leader. It's an opportunity to become part of a dynamic executive leadership team that engages federal, state, local, Tribal, elected officials and environmental group interests to create innovative partnerships. It is through these partnerships that we pursue our commitment to meeting current solid waste management, pursue solutions for a clean future for people and the natural environment.

Our Mission at the Department of Ecology is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations. 

Program Mission: The mission of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) program is to reduce wastes through prevention and reuse, keep toxics out of the environment, and safely manage what remains.

Modern Work Environment:  Ecology employees have some opportunity to telework in combination with working in the office and/or in the field based on position and business need. This position is expected to work in the office/field at least 60% of the time and may telework up to 40% of the time. It is a requirement that while employed by the State of Washington, employees’ primary residence must be within the State of Washington. 

Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, we will review applications on May 15, 2023. In order to be considered, please submit an application on or before May 14, 2023. If your application isn't received by this date, it may not be considered. The agency reserves the right to make a Hire any time after the initial screening date.  

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information 

Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. Join a team that is highly effective and collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people. To learn more, check out our Strategic Plan. 

Ecology cares deeply about employee wellness; we go beyond traditional benefits, proudly offering:

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology’s work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.

Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.

Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.

 

Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.

Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.

We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.   

Duties

We're looking for an experienced leader to manage our Solid Waste Management(SWM) program. In this role, you will serve as a principal advisor, decision-maker and spokesperson in carrying out the responsibilities of the program. You will be responsible for the administration and management of the state of Washington’s Solid Waste Program under state and delegated federal law to assure protection of public health and the environment and preservation of the state’s natural and economic resources. This position is responsible for regulatory and non-regulatory elements of the solid waste management system including oversight of:

 

You will also manage the regulatory activities of the Industrial Section engaged in air, water, and waste issues at the state’s largest point sources for pollution (oil refineries, pulp and paper mills, and aluminum smelters). You will facilitate a proper single-point-of-contact status with these facilities, and work to provide predictable regulation in cooperation with Ecology’s Air Quality, Water Quality, and Hazardous Waste Programs. In addition, you will work with EPA to align state and federal interests for the operation and regulation of these facilities.

 A Key Member of Ecology's Executive Management Team

It is critical that this important position maintains the highest standards of personal, professional, and ethical conduct to support the state's commitment to efficient, effective, and accountable government.

 

This is a highly visible role with other federal and state agencies involved in environmental management with impacts on the development of local government decisions and infrastructure for solid waste and recycling activities and facilities. This includes influencing litter prevention and cleanup at all government levels.

 

As a key member of Ecology’s Executive Leadership Team, you will:

 

Qualifications

A total of eleven years of experience and/or education.

Experience: in professional level management, which includes the following:

Please note: Experience in each of the areas may have been gained concurrently. 

Education: With a major study in environmental, physical or natural science, environmental studies, engineering, public administration, planning public policy, political science, law, or other related qualifying discipline.

 

All experience and education combinations that meet the requirements for this position: 

The ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license.

We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not have some (or all) of the desired experience below. 

Note: Having some (or all) of this desired experience may make your application more competitive in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Supplemental Information

Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Need an Accommodation in the application and/or screening process or this job announcement in an alternative format?

Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable. 

Per Governor Inslee’s Directive 22-13.1, state employees must be fully vaccinated effective November 4, 2022. Providing proof of being fully vaccinated is a condition of employment and your vaccine status will be verified prior to starting work. Being fully vaccinated means two weeks after you have received the second dose in a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use, licensed or otherwise authorized or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or listed for emergency use or otherwise approved by the World Health Organization. If you have questions, please contact Careers@ecy.wa.gov with “COVID-19 vaccination” in the subject line.  

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.  

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Heather Bartlett at: Heather.Bartlett@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Heather to inquire about the status of your application.

To request the full position description: email careers@ecy.wa.gov

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State's environment. A career in public service allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.