Solid Waste Enforcement Program Manager

Position Summary

Hello, we're Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Waste Prevention and Environmental Services Department (WPES) is looking for a Solid Waste Enforcement Program Manager to plan, coordinate, and implement strategies, policies, and procedures to investigate and enforce the solid waste requirements of Metro Code Title V, administrative rules, Metro issued solid waste authorizations, and other regulatory instruments. This position has no supervisory responsibility but may provide leadership and guidance to staff.

The Solid Waste Enforcement Program Manager leads and coordinates solid waste compliance cases from the initial investigation through final resolution, which may include serving as Metro's primary representative at contested case hearings. The person in this position will gathers facts and evidence and interpret applicable rules, laws and policies to develop enforcement recommendations, and then prepare formal enforcement documents and strategies to achieve compliance with Metro's solid waste requirements in a timely, consistent, predictable, and equitable manner.

WPES is committed to leading with equity in everything we do. We are guided by the 2030 Regional Waste Plan, which is focused on advancing racial equity, reducing the environmental and health impacts of products, maintaining and improving our garbage and recycling system, and rectifying the historic and ongoing inequities of that system on communities of color and others in our region. If you are committed to advancing racial equity and dismantling systems that oppress people of color and other disadvantaged communities, and to fostering increased livability, sustainability and justice throughout the region, we invite you to join us in this critical work.

As the Solid Waste Enforcement Program Manager you will:

• Plan, develop, and execute regional solid waste compliance strategies, policies, and procedures in coordination with internal and external parties to achieve accountability with Metro's regulatory requirements and advance Regional Waste Plan and other solid waste policy objectives.

• Lead and collaborate with staff and leadership in developing compliance strategies, advising management on a variety of enforcement related issues, and executing enforcement actions. Build and maintain strategic relationships, serve as primary point of contact with external parties on compliance matters, and lead complex coordination efforts with the regulated parties, government organizations, and the public.

• Research and develop strategies to incorporate and center environmental justice and racial equity analysis into solid waste compliance and enforcement decision-making processes. Convene, lead, and participate in interagency and interdisciplinary committees and work groups to advance program objectives.

• Develop and manage intergovernmental agreements, budget, procedural guidelines, and administrative documents for solid waste enforcement program. This includes administering the contracts for the contracted law enforcement investigators and managing the Metro vehicles and equipment used by the contractors. It will also include coordinating the hearings officers for contested cases, and private contractors or consultants as appropriate.

• Collect, track and analyze a variety of complex data to support program objectives. May develop methodologies, design computer applications, and produce data products to meet and communicate program metrics. Report on program progress to a variety of audiences which may include Metro Council, Metro senior management, Office of Metro Attorney, internal teams and external parties.

• Develop and implement policies, procedures, administrative rules, and Metro Code requirements. Ensure that Metro's regulatory requirements are uniformly applied to solid waste authorizations as appropriate.

• Develop and implement outreach and communication strategies and tools to effectively inform and solicit input from the public and industry stakeholders about compliance and enforcement processes and program objectives.

• Represent Metro at meetings with a variety of groups, committees and elected officials and respond to public and other inquiries and concerns.

• Conduct ongoing evaluation of the enforcement program to identify, develop, and lead program improvements. Perform complex technical research to plan and develop critical solid waste compliance processes and strategies. Present issues, findings, and recommendations to WPES Directors, Chief Operating Officer, Metro Council, and external parties.

• Advance the implementation of Regional Waste Plan and WPES DEI Plan goals and objectives.

• Fulfills Metro's core values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation and sustainability.

• Complies with Metro and Metro's visitor venues policies, procedures and applicable work rules; applicable law; and collective bargaining agreements.

• Prioritize safety and follow safety policies, practices and procedures.

Attributes for success

• Skill in analyzing and interpreting laws, rules, and regulations and applying them to specific circumstances.

• Skill in obtaining, organizing, analyzing, and evaluating information from a variety of sources related to the elements of a legal action.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups regarding complex or sensitive issues or regulations.

• Ability to effectively organize, direct, and coordinate program activities.

• Commitment to practice continuous improvement - research new possibilities, contribute ideas and stay current in field of work.

• Decision making, discretion, problem analysis and resolution, and independent judgment

• Knowledge of principles and practices, and the legal requirements, regulations, and laws applicable to environmental code enforcement for solid waste.

• Proficient computer skills with the ability to effectively communicate, gather data and generate reports; and the ability to learn new programs, including ongoing maintenance and administration.

• Experience in public policy development processes and practices.

• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships and contribute to a positive team atmosphere; engage others in ways that foster respect and trust.

• Ability to encourage and appreciate diversity in people and ideas - seek to understand the perspectives of others.

• Knowledge of program/project management principles and techniques

• Develop, organize, and coordinate complex solid waste environmental compliance assignments.

• Work independently and as part of a team, coordinating activities with other internal departments and/or external agencies.

• Assist management in policy analysis and formulation and assessing the consequences and outcomes of program initiatives

• Actively participate on committees and/or attend meetings as assigned.

• Discretion with confidential information

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro's goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

Learn more about Metro's Diversity Action Plan

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications

• Four years of experience in a similar position and

• A Bachelor's Degree in applicable area of study; or

• Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Working Conditions

• Work under the direct supervision of the Standards and Compliance Manager, and routinely work independently in close consultation with the Office of Metro Attorney (OMA), internal teams, external organizations, government agencies, and subject matter experts to investigate and develop enforcement recommendations.

• The regular schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend or evening work. The position has the option of working remotely, although this position will be required to work in-person at the Metro Regional Center on a regular schedule, at minimum one Tuesday per month as well as staff meetings, and other times that in-person attendance is required.

• The manager will work with you to identify a schedule that balances the operational needs of the department and your needs. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington to work at Metro.

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with minimal physical exertion.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Knowledge of solid waste regulation, code enforcement, public policy development, and environmental compliance.

• Ability to represent Metro and communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Solid waste industry experience.

• Knowledge of legal concepts, principles, terminology, and standards, including the rules of evidence and standards of proof.

• Knowledge of the administrative law process.

• Knowledge of legal research and investigation techniques.

• Previous experience working in a union environment.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed online application.
• A cover letter that highlights your qualifications and interest in this position

Note that any additional materials submitted outside of the required application packet will not be reviewed or considered by Metro.

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications

• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates

• Consideration of top candidates/interviews

• Testing/assessments

• Reference check

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The full-salary range for this position is Step 1. $86,860.80 to Step 7. $116,417.60. However, unless a candidate's qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro's internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between Step 1. $86,860.80 to the equity range Step 4. $100,547.20.

This position is not eligible for overtime and is represented by AFSCME 3580It is classified as a Program Manager. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Additional Information

Questions?

Recruiter: Carrie Gundermann

Email: carrie.gundermann@oregonmetro.gov

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework

Positions designated as "hybrid telework," meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro's "How to apply" page.

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Metro

Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area's garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home.