Assistant Chief of Environmental Resources

We are hiring! Charles County Government is currently recruiting for an Assistant Chief of Environmental Resources  to become a part of the Department of Department of Public Works team.  

The hiring range is $87,911.27 - $115,163.88 annually commensurate with experience.  

THIS IS NOT A REMOTE POSITION: New hires are eligible to telework after six months of employment following a satisfactory performance appraisal and subject to department approval.

This Assistant Chief of Environmental Resources oversees complex operations, activities, and projects for the Environmental Resources Division to include solid waste management; recycling; litter control; waste reduction; construction, operation, maintenance, and closure of active and inactive county landfills and other related facilities; operation of the scale house, permanent and mobile drop-off centers, and compost facility; leachate collection and disposal; methane extraction systems; administration of curbside collection, processing, and other contracts; and compliance with environmental regulations and permits. Reviews and modifies schedules to confirm financial and personnel resources are appropriate, reasonable, and properly sequenced to minimize downtime and meet deadlines. Provides managerial, supervisory, or technical guidance to employees and contractors and verifies work is completed in a safe, efficient, quality, and cost-effective manner and complies with applicable codes, standards, regulations, and contracts.

• Oversees complex operations, activities, and projects to assure the scope of work and budget are aligned with goals and objectives. Consults with senior management or end users to discuss the needs or issues related to the activities or projects. 
• Reviews schedules and progress reports prepared by employees and contractors to confirm financial and personnel resources are appropriate, reasonable, and properly sequenced to minimize downtime and meet deadlines. Adjusts schedules as needed to increase efficiency and effectiveness or minimize impact on current or planned activities and projects.
• Assumes and performs the Chief’s duties and responsibilities during the absence of the Chief of Environmental Resources.
• Plans and coordinates the schedules and work performed by employees and contractors such as environmental scientists, field engineers and technicians, project inspectors, civil and structural engineers or maintenance workers. Performs quality control reviews to verify work is completed in a safe, efficient, quality, and cost-effective manner and mandatory inspections are performed at the appropriate intervals. 
• Communicates with contractors, regulatory or oversight agencies, customers, citizens, and other agencies or parties in response to requests for information, to explain work requirements, or to provide technical assistance.
• Prepares and reviews accident or injury reports related to work performed by employees and contractors. Ensures corrective action plans for violations or concerns are implemented timely and reduce the risk of reoccurrence. Confirms employees and contractors are knowledgeable of applicable codes, standards, regulations, and contract requirements or specifications as well as how to prevent, detect, and correct unsafe conditions or violations.
• Hires, trains, supervises, and disciplines personnel in accordance with county policies and procedures. Evaluates work performed by employees and contractors to assure compliance with applicable codes, standards, regulations, and contracts. Mediates and resolves disputes, complaints, and claims.
• Advises employees on the available methods for procuring goods or services based on prior experience and technical knowledge. Establishes or provides input for contractor qualifications and selection criteria. 
• Ensures required qualifications and selection criteria are adequate for contracted activities or projects and serve on selection committee to interview firms and evaluate proposals. Attends preconstruction and progress meetings when required or appropriate. 
• Prepares, reviews, compares, and evaluates estimates, change orders, and contracts for proposed work. Makes physical observations or refer to technical drawings as needed to confirm work requirements. Applies skills, knowledge, and experience to determine the best option.
• Reviews and approves requisitions for goods and services and ensure asset forms are completed in accordance with county procurement policies. Reviews requests for progress and final payments and approve invoices for payment.
• Generates and reviews reports as needed or requested for management analysis. Establishes productivity standards, analyzes results, and makes necessary adjustments to improve efficiency and achieve better workflow processes, measures, and results.
• Assists with the development, implementation, and review of strategic plans and annual budget for the division. Analyzes operations, activities, projects, and costs to identify priorities, allocate resources, and strengthen operations. 
• Oversees inventory and records management. Coordinates the acquisition, transfer, and disposal of assets. Recommends replacement of obsolete equipment or systems.
• Establishes, documents, and updates standard operating procedures. Reviews and evaluates new or existing industry standards, codes, regulations, and practices to develop procedures.
• Prepares oral and written presentations. Leads or participates in meetings or on committees as needed or requested. Performs other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Environmental Management, or other field that is applicable to solid waste management. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience, which includes supervisory experience, in solid waste management, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Licenses or Certifications:

Must possess a valid driver's license.

Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Manager of Landfill Operations (MOLO) is required.

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION, AND EMPLOYEES IN THIS POSITION ARE SUBJECT TO RANDOM DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING.

Maintain confidential information.

Subject to call back in emergencies.

Work is subject to frequent interruptions and inflexible deadlines.

This position is required to receive climate competency training level 2.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of codes, standards, regulations, and practices related to engineering as applicable to a solid waste disposal program.
• Knowledge of design, use, maintenance, and repair of landfills as well as the equipment and materials used for landfill operations.
• Knowledge of appropriate allocation and coordination of personnel and financial resources.
• Knowledge of county policies and procedures, standard operational practices, and safety regulations.
• Knowledge of customer service and quality standards.
• Knowledge of basic office procedures, computers, and iPads.
• Ability to lead, motivate, develop, and direct employees.
• Ability to set, prioritize, and achieve goals. 
• Ability to effectively manage conflict and resolve disputes.
• Ability to read and understand work orders, plans, specifications, and instructions.
• Ability to successfully communicate, both orally and in writing.  
• Ability to actively listen to customers, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to make precisely coordinated movements and grasp or assemble small objects.
• Skill to evaluate costs and benefits of potential actions to determine the most appropriate solution.
• Skill to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions.
• Skill to prepare accurate records and reports.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is partly sedentary with periods of moderate physical activity.  Typical positions require employees to walk or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 100 pounds; climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding; bend, kneel, crouch, and crawl; reach, hold, grasp, and turn objects; feel the size, shape, and temperature of items; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards. The work requires the ability to speak normally, to use normal or aided vision and hearing, and to detect odors.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Primary duties of this job are performed in a general office, shop, or field environment with some work performed outside during inclement weather.

Department: Public Works Facilities/Environmental Resources

Pay Grade: 118

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Telework Eligible: Yes

Reports to: Chief of Environmental Resources

Supervises: Recycling and Litter Control Superintendent, Environmental Compliance Manager, and contractorsfor household hazardous waste, litter control, yard waste processing, and curbside collection of recycling and yard waste. May provide supervision and direction to other employees or contractors as assigned or needed to complete work.

Salary : $87,911 - $115,164