Environmental Services Manager

Salary Range

9,225.00 - 12,481.00

Job Summary

The Environmental Services Manager is responsible for overseeing three primary areas within the Environmental Services Division of the Public Works Department:

• Solid Waste (including the garbage/recycling/organics collection contract, neighborhood programs and outreach, as well as planning/technical assistance functions - staff of 5+)
• Urban Forestry (covering education/outreach, permitting/planning functions, and program development - staff of 4+)
• Water Resources Education Center (environmental education center, indoor and outdoor exhibit spaces and public facility operations - staff of 4+)

The Environmental Services Manager will be providing management to staff, budgets (three funds), a public environmental education center, and the program outcomes as well as the technical analysis and decision-making roles in each of these program areas. This position includes administration and oversight of the citywide solid waste collection contract and technical support to regional partners for transfer/disposal contract. This position fosters partnerships in collaboration with agencies, private sector and environmental nonprofits.

This is a full-time, regular, exempt position.

Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Coordinate, plan, and evaluate results of the City's Solid Waste program, and assist staff leading coordination of Urban Forestry and Water Resources Education activities and outcomes. Request and monitor budgets, track direct reports activities/progress, report on successes and opportunities for improvement, identify goals and priorities for program implementation and improvement.

• Oversee and guide direct reports, actively participate in managing program tasks, review and analyze data/special studies, develop reports and recommendations, identify operational and outreach strategies to develop program services and functions.

• Procure, manage, and maintain contracts with private waste operators, nonprofit entities, or consultant firms, assign projects and schedules, oversee assignments, and provide input on a variety of technical solid waste factors.

• Select, mentor, and supervise employees to support programs, objectives, and messaging of the division. Make assignments, lead reviews and facilitate professional development for staff. Support problem solving through regular one on one and/or team meetings.

• Coordinate with agency, private sector and other partners on program and service delivery issues, policies, and priorities. Work across organizational lines to identify and develop programs that leverage resources and address priority outcome goals, including development of future ownership and governance structure for public ownership of regional transfer station facilities.

• Advise on regulatory requirements pertaining to Solid Waste. Represent the City's interests through providing input on regional and local plans; Solid Waste Management plan, evaluating findings of the regional studies, implementation of capital improvement plans for transfer stations, as well as other City plans

• Biosolids Planning, Climate Framework, Strategic plan and Comp Plan. and in identifying City, partner agency, private or nonprofit contractor practices and work scopes.

• Communicate with other City Departments, managers, policymakers, and community members to explain Solid Waste programs and services and to address challenges, issues, and concerns. Clarify problems and identify refinements needed in program operations, policies and processes while informing and involving other decision-makers as appropriate.

• Undertake other duties, including professional development, training, and networking with colleagues in other communities and across the waste industry. Assess Solid Waste industry practices and innovations that are potentially relevant to our community and promote recognition for and understanding of our efforts by colleagues outside the city and by our own community members.

• Pursue funding opportunities for solid waste, assist or advocate for funding opportunities for urban forestry and water education. Including funding opportunities that advance the City's climate action and equity framework.

• Prepare and present at City Council meetings when needed/requested, including for ordinance updates, adoption of policy or plans, contract, and budget approvals. Act as a City Solid Waste subject matter expert and/or representative on local or state advisory boards, commissions, and as staff liaison to Council on pertinent topics.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

• Six (6) years of solid waste industry experience strongly preferred. Although not required, the ideal candidate may have 10+ years of senior level waste industry experience which would include expertise in policy development, experience developing and implementing waste utility service, experience developing and implementing programs designed to minimize waste to landfill, utility rate setting, revenue/budget management, and experience working in government or other institutions.

• Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field required.

• Master's degree in Environmental Management, Public or Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

• Microsoft Office

• Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

• Possession valid State Driver's License

Knowledge

• Operational characteristics and standard practices used in the soldi waste industry as related to service development, private or municipal collection, transfer, processing, and disposal of wastes.

• Solid waste industry and practices for delivering municipal or contracted solid waste collection and disposal services.

• Utility functions within public works or planning departments at the local level.

• Utility rate setting and public budgeting/administration practices.

• Contract development, management, and evaluation strategies.

• Building and maintaining effective partnerships with other agencies and non-profit organizations.

• Current awareness of pending or new f federal, state, and local waste management legislation and regulation.

• Community engagement and communication methods.

• Familiar with environmental education programs or ability to learn from staff to support in a managerial capacity.

• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.

• Use of personal computers and basic software

Abilities

• Research and analyze policies, comparative practices, and program outcomes relevant to the program areas and propose strategies and solutions that will be effective at the local level.

• Work within the organization and with partners to plan and manage projects and programs that implement the organizations' goals.

• Strong, demonstrated program and project management skills.

• Identify, research, and write proposals for external funding opportunities (grants, sponsorships, etc.) for Solid Waste and assist teams with securing grant or outside project funding for programs.

• Analyze financial information and models for development of customer rates or contract rate structures.

• Analyze impact of City waste management activities and prepares reports, draft policy, or ordinance updates as necessary for the Public Works Director, City management and/or Council.

• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software.

• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver's Operating Principles.

• Model to the values of the City of Vancouver: Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative, Compassionate, Empowered.

• Implement policies and actions to promote and advance the Environmental Services teams and the City's strategic plans.

• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with City employees and external partners.

• Always provide exceptional customer service. Consistently provide high level public service.

• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work. Build and foster relationships with partner agencies, community organizations, and potential funders. Effectively communicate program goals and priorities to build sustainable partnerships.

• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Prepare clear, concise, and complete documents, reports, and correspondence.

• Maintain regular and dependable attendance.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, and a driving abstract.

Job Posting End Date

Open Until Filled