Senior Environmental Operations Specialist - Public Health
Center for Community Health
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Job Summary
The Clark County Solid Waste program is seeking applicants for position of Environmental Operations Specialist/Environmental Operations Specialist, Sr. This position is part of a team whose activities range from public outreach and education to the management of a private-public solid waste system that serves residents and businesses throughout the county and multiple jurisdictions. The Solid Waste program is currently in the process of several contract updates and long-range planning, so we are excited to bring someone on board with experience in contract development and management, strong communication and organization skills, and an ability to quickly develop effective working relationships with a broad array of partners.
Positions in this class are responsible for performing a variety of field and office assignments that require the application of standard principles in the development and operation of solid waste management systems. Duties include responsibility for capital projects, including overseeing design work, project estimating, and project management; activities to comply with federal, state and local environmental regulations to implement solid waste plans; leading inspections of public and private solid waste facilities; and for providing technical assistance and contract compliance.
This position is currently completely remote due to COVID-19 requirements. It is expected that once it has been deemed safe we will adjust to a mixture of in-person collaboration work, field work, and remote work. Remote work residency is limited to Washington and Oregon (no exceptions).
This position is represented by PROTEC17, Professional and Technical Employees.
First review of applications will be August 26. This posting may close at any time on or after August 26 without additional warning.Qualifications
This position will be responsible for the following (time estimates are approximate):
Contract and Collection Program Oversight (40% of time)
leading contract and program oversight and enforcement for the collection of residential recycling and yard debris/organics. This includes, but is not limited to, gaining a working knowledge of the requirements and expectations they establish, developing an effective working relationship with contractor(s) and stakeholders, and enforcing the expectations of the contract, and evaluating and assisting in the development of new programs.
working with contracts staff and stakeholders to implement new contracts for public benefit services or amendments.
supporting contract management for hauling, transportation, and disposal services.
Stakeholder Management (25% of time)
coordinating and facilitating Clark County’s primary advisory groups: the Solid Waste Advisory Commission and the Regional Solid Waste System Steering Commission.
participating in committees or groups related to solid waste or other topics that align with the Solid Waste program goals
Data Management (30% of time)
developing and implementing a data management processes to collect, analyze and distribute information to stakeholders.
Designs and produces reports
Other responsibilities may occasionally include; conduct research to inform project; supporting team members in projects, field activities, and events; attending regular team and partner meetings. (5% of time)
Positions in this class are responsible for performing a variety of field and office assignments that require the application of standard principles in the development and operation of solid waste management systems. Duties include responsibility for capital projects, including overseeing design work, project estimating, and project management; activities to comply with federal, state and local environmental regulations to implement solid waste plans; leading inspections of public and private solid waste facilities; and for providing technical assistance and contract compliance.
This position is currently, completely remote due to COVID-19 requirements. It is expected that once it has been deemed appropriate, the Solid Waste program will adjust to a mixture of in-person collaboration work, field work, and remote work. Remote work residency is limited to Washington and Oregon.
Education and Experience:
Four (4) year degree with major coursework in public administration, finance, engineering, environmental science, or related field.
Two (two) years of experience working with the public in areas related to solid waste management, recycling, moderate risk waste, or environmental education.
Senior-level: Master’s Degree and minimum two (2) years’ experience in a position comparable to an Environmental Operations Specialist.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Ideal candidates should be able to demonstrate skills or knowledge in the areas of:
general solid waste issues and processes
public policy development process and practices
strong proactive communication; building effective working relationships
contract development and management, including evaluating contractor performance and contract enforcement
developing, implementing, and evaluating public service programs
evaluating public service programs against metrics such as access to and impact of the system on communities of color, the elderly, and other underserved population in Clark County
data collection and management - ability to analyze data, synthesize reports, as well as applying data to inform decisions
organization and time management
presenting to a variety of audiences and meeting facilitation
project management including planning, scheduling, developing, and evaluating budgets, and managing time and resources
Clark County’s Solid Waste and Environmental Outreach program, or other similar programs
interest and willingness to continuously improve in the areas listed above, and to apply new information and changes in the technological, social, and environmental landscape to how work is accomplished and evaluated
Knowledge of: Federal, State, and local regulations pertaining to solid waste; recycling processing equipment, risk management, contracts and legal documents, project management related to capital improvements; planning and permitting processes; capital finance and rate setting; planning and budgeting; work standards and codes applicable to the job.
Ability to: prepare detailed documentation and communications in the form of technical papers, written reports, and a variety of memos and letters; establish effective working relationships and communication with contractors, consultants, legal counsel, staff, media, public officials, regulatory agencies, property owners, business groups, and the public; effectively plan and organize work and complete tasks within prescribed timeframes; comprehend, interpret, and implement applicable regulations governing environmental impacts; analyze and evaluate complex problems and devise solutions; independently exercise sound judgment when working with diverse stakeholders; adapt quickly to unanticipated changes in priorities and timelines; maintain professional composure when dealing with difficult individuals or contentious issues; read, understand, and interpret a variety of technical design plans, maps, and charts; research and prepare grant proposals, and administer grant funds; maintain a valid driver’s license.
Examples of Duties
KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties vary by position and may include but are not limited to the following:
Plan and prepare requests for proposals, budgets, selecting contractors, negotiating contracts, general contract management.
Coordinate the work of consultants as it relates to assigned projects.
Respond to, investigate, and resolve citizen complaints as they pertain to Clark County’s Solid Waste system.
Serve as staff representative on various technical advisory committees, commissions, and interest groups, with local and state partners.
Track project and program performance measures to evaluate effectiveness of operational activities and monitor program progress; publish necessary reports and documents.
Research grant funding opportunities, prepare grant proposals, and administer grants.
Review and approve reimbursements and invoices; participate in the preparation of the program budget and monitor budget to ensure expenditures are within appropriations.
Interpret applicable laws, new legislation, codes, and policies to assure county compliance. Plan and manage the solid waste and recycling infrastructure including: customer service, collection services, regional system operations, and revenue tracking.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
General Statement
Organizational responsibilities include understanding and promoting the public health mission of the department; providing courteous, respectful, efficient customer service to all department clients; honoring diversity of all department employees and constituents; participating in department training; and striving for personal excellence in public health work.
Knowledge of:
Key components of cultural competency; awareness of differences, attitude to examine beliefs and values, knowledge of differences and skills to effectively and appropriately work across cultures.
Skills:
Apply understanding and knowledge of cultural differences and similarities when working with diverse populations.
Other Necessary Qualifications:
Must be able to respond to public health emergencies or exercises at any time, except while on scheduled vacation or other leave. In addition, leaves may be cancelled under public health emergencies.
Must protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal law.
Must adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines, including but not limited to timely completion of mandatory trainings.
Possess a valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance and has access to reliable transportation.
Must adhere to the Department employee immunity policy and provide documents as requested.
Maintenance of specific licenses (if appropriate).
SELECTION PROCESS
If you wish to upload a resume or other documents: Resumes and documents must be attached together in the ‘Resume Upload’ section of the application. Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.
Application Review (Pass/Fail) – An online application is required. Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.
Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) – This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not be limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.
Oral Interview – The interview will be job related and may include, but not be limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.
Employment References will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.
It is the general policy of the County that new employees should be hired at the lower steps of the applicable range and advance through the range at the normal progression.
Salary Grade
Local 17 Engineers.211 ($33.31 - $42.54) per hour
Close Date
Open Until Filled