Solid Waste & Recycling Manager

THE POSITION

The Solid Waste & Recycling (SW&R) Division within Washington County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is searching for a Solid Waste & Recycling Manager. If you are a mission-driven leader with an equity mindset and passionate about making our community clean and sustainable through recycling and waste prevention, this is a great opportunity for you!

• Effective 8/26/2023, this recruitment will be open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received, and the posting may be closed at any time without further notice. Washington County reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period. *
• It is anticipated that the first initial application screening will start the week of 9/11/2023 for the applications submitted by Sunday, 9/10/2023. This posting will remain open and applications received after 9/10/2023 may be considered if needed. **
  
  

Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are core values of Washington County Health and Human Services. Employees are expected to honor the life experiences of all individuals with whom they come into contact and recognize the impact of past injustices, microaggressions, and trauma.

To learn more about us, please use this link: Solid Waste & Recycling

About The Opportunity

We are seeking an innovative and experienced leader to manage the Solid Waste & Recycling division. In this role, you will apply a visionary mindset backed by your leadership skills to manage and successfully operate the division. This division is responsible for managing and enforcing private-sector service providers for collection, storage, transfer, and disposal of solid waste in a franchised system, as well as enforcement of the County's nuisance and noise ordinances in the unincorporated area. You will also utilize your extensive knowledge and experience working with waste management and recycling processes, regulations, and best practices. Additionally, you will be an advocate for the Solid Waste & Recycling division, while also supporting the priorities and strategic initiatives of the larger HHS department as a member of the HHS leadership team.

Under the general supervision from the Assistant Director of HHS, this leadership role helps oversee the daily operations of the Solid Waste & Recycling division, which is comprised of 16 devoted staff members. This position oversees unincorporated Washington County's $42 million garbage and recycling system and prudently manages the division's consolidated operating budget of roughly $2.9 million.

In this position, it is essential to have the ability to proactively navigate complex issues in a highly political environment and lead others through changes. Also, the ability to thrive both internally and externally while supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts is critical in this role. HHS vision for Washington County is a healthy, equitable, and supportive community!

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Who We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate for this position is a people-centric leader with exceptional communication and problem-solving skills. They are also passionate and dedicated to leading a trauma-informed organization with a strong racial equity lens. Additionally, they have:

The Ability To

• Learn quickly, collaborate with all stakeholders, and stay open to new ideas and feedback.
• Unify staff around a shared vision.
• Build collaborative relationships with people across all levels - direct service staff, supervisors, leadership, executive-level (County Administrative Office), elected officials (Board of Commissioners), and community partners.
• Think big picture while also having strong attention to detail.
• Identify problems and find creative solutions with people who may have differing perspectives.
• Empower staff and trust the subject matter experts.
• Communicate in a way that is transparent, proactive, and break down complicated information into easy-to-understand content.
  
  

Experience With

• Applying knowledge of public sector solid waste & recycling industry.
• Working in a fast-paced political environment, while also managing a highly technical and policy-driven program.
• Utilizing strong analytical and problem-solving skills to tackle operational challenges, optimize processes, and improve service efficiency.
• Leading, engaging, and empowering staff.
• Managing and balancing budgets.
• Navigating and supporting effective change management.
  
  

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all the hiring criteria described above.

Why Washington County?

Are you interested in challenging, meaningful, and rewarding work? Join Washington County in our commitment to advancing racial equity. Our Board of Commissioners worked closely with various community stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Resolution. Adopted in February 2020, this resolution commits to the equitable delivery of Washington County’s services, resources, and opportunities for growth and development to every county resident.

Check Out Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program on the "Benefits" tab above!

Essential Job Duties

Washington County organizes its positions into classifications and classification descriptions are typically written broadly. To review this classification including full duties, please use this link: Solid Waste & Recycling Manager.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Must meet one of the following criteria to be considered.

• A Master’s Degree in environmental science, public administration, natural sciences, or a related field; AND Four (4) years of experience in solid waste management, recycling, or a related field, which includes at least two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience. OR
• A Bachelor's Degree in environmental science, public administration, natural sciences, or a related field; AND Six (6) years of experience in solid waste management, recycling, or a related field, which includes at least two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience.
  
  

Please be clear and specific in the applicable sections of the employment application about how your background is relevant. This information must also be consistent with your supplemental question responses. Please note: Answers to the supplemental questions are typically evaluated separately from your application.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Washington County is committed to using a Merit-based System in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Our Commitment To You

Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Selection Process

• Apply today! In lieu of a resume, we ask that you complete and submit an online application, which will be used to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and to determine starting pay in accordance with the provision of the Oregon Equal Pay Law.
• MQ Review: Human Resources will screen applications for MQs beginning the week after the posting closes. Additional preferred qualifications screening may be applied prior to the interview step depending on the number of applications received.
• Subject Matter Expert Review: Your responses to the supplemental questions may be evaluated and scored by a panel of subject matter experts. Your total score for this examination will affect your placement on the eligible list (a list of candidates eligible for interviews).
• Panel Interview(s): The top 6 – 8 candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview.
  
  

Please note: candidates that are successful in the evaluation process may have their applications referred for additional vacancies in the same classification, or job family.

Veterans' Preference

If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points.

Accommodation Under The Americans With Disabilities Act

Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or e-mail: Careers@washingtoncountyor.gov at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Status of Your Application

You will be advised by e-mail of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email. If you "opt out" or "unsubscribe" from email notifications in NEOGOV, it will impact our ability to communicate with you about this and other recruitments.

Questions (?) Regarding This Recruitment

Yeji Seo, Talent Acquisition Business Partner

Yeji_Seo@washingtoncountyor.gov

Additional Resources

New to GovernmentJobs.com?

• Visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/home/applicationguide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the application process.
• For technical support, contact Government Jobs' Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.
• Washington County is a drug-free workplace *
  
  

Management, Administrative and Professional Personnel System (MAPPS) - FLSA exempt employees are paid on a salaried basis. The premise of salaried/exempt employment is that established compensation recognizes the time and effort needed to accomplish all assigned job duties. Job responsibilities may require work outside of the employee's standard work week or a work week in excess of 40 hours.

For more information on the MAPPS policy, please review the specific document using this link:Click Here

This position is not represented under a collective bargaining agreement.

Regular and limited duration full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week and job share employees are eligible for benefits beginning on the first of the month following employment. Job share employees are responsible for 50% of the premium. Part-time regular, variable hour, and temporary positions are not eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Check Out Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program!

Benefits

Washington County values your dedication to lead the future of our community through public service. Our total compensation package, which is comprised of more than just your annual salary, was built to show our commitment to the physical and financial health and wellbeing of you and your family. Your total compensation package includes a comprehensive benefits program with medical, dental, and vision coverage at up to 95% employer paid! Other benefits you’ll enjoy as part of your total compensation package include:

• Paid Time Off - 11 paid holidays including one floating holiday, 12 vacation days for new employees (accrual rates increase based on length of service), AND up to 96 hours of sick leave per year (unused sick leave accumulates from year to year without limit to provide pay and security if needed).
• Wellness Program - Washington County has been named one of Oregon’s Healthiest Employers by the Portland Business Journal for the past 7 years. We are proud to receive this award and will continue to make your health and wellbeing a priority by providing resources and support to help you and your family live and work well. Resources include smoking cessation, weight management, and stress management classes (online or telephonic with a personal health coach); discounts on gym memberships, fitness activities, and sports tickets; and Health & Wellness events and onsite flu shot clinics.
• Alternative Care Coverage
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life and Disability Insurance (both County-provided and voluntary)
• Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• Emergency Travel Assistance
• TriMet Hop Card at no cost to the employee
• Bike lockers and repair stations
• A charitable giving program
• Oregon College Savings Plan
  
  

To learn more about our Benefits and Wellness program and view our current benefits guide, plan summaries, and premium rates, click here.

Already have medical, dental, and vision coverage? No problem! Full-time employees who choose to waive medical, dental, and vision coverage will receive a $125 monthly contribution into a tax-free Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account, which can be used to reimburse you for qualified out-of-pocket medical care costs, such as copays, deductibles, and prescription drugs. HRA accounts offer many benefits including significant tax savings, and no annual “use it or lose it” requirement. Proof of other creditable coverage is required.

01

The Minimum Qualifications Of This Position Are

• A Master's Degree in environmental science, public administration, natural sciences, or a related field; AND Four (4) years of experience in solid waste management, recycling, or a related field, which includes at least two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience. OR
• A Bachelor's Degree in environmental science, public administration, natural sciences, or a related field; AND Six (6) years of experience in solid waste management, recycling, or a related field, which includes at least two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience.
  
  

Do you meet the minimum qualifications for this position?

Note: One (1) year of work experience is the equivalent to 2080 hours (Ex: 40 hours/week x 52 weeks = 2080 hours).

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

Education: Please select your highest level of education completed?

• Master's Degree or higher
• Bachelor's Degree
• None of the above
  
  

03

Education: In the space provided below, describe the focus of your college education and/or degree(s) related to this position.

If this does not apply to you, enter N/A.

04

Experience: Please select the number of years of experience in solid waste management, recycling, or a related field.

• 8 or more years of experience
• 7 years but less than 8 years of experience
• 6 years but less than 7 years of experience
• 5 years but less than 6 years of experience
• 4 years but less than 5 years of experience
• Less than 4 years of experience
• No experience
  
  

05

Experience: Select your years of experience in public sector specific solid waste management, recycling, or a related field.

• 7 or more years of experience
• 6 years but less than 7 years of experience
• 5 years but less than 6 years of experience
• 4 years but less than 5 years of experience
• 3 years but less than 4 years of experience
• 2 years but less than 3 years of experience
• 1 year but less than 2 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• No experience
  
  

06

Experience: Select your years of lead or supervisory experience in solid waste management, recycling, or a related field.

• 5 or more years of experience
• 4 years but less than 5 years of experience
• 3 years but less than 4 years of experience
• 2 years but less than 3 years of experience
• Less than 2 years of experience
• No experience
  
  

07

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT REVIEW: The following supplemental questionnaire will be used to assist us in determining if you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in this position. Your responses to the questions will be evaluated and scored by a panel of subject matter experts. Your total score for this examination will affect your placement on the eligible list (a list of candidates eligible for interviews). The higher the score, which includes any applicable veterans' preference points, the higher the ranking on the eligible list. Generally, top 6 – 8 candidates are referred for each vacancy starting with the top ranked candidates.

We want to hear your authentic voice and original answers. Plagiarism in any form may result in lower scores and/or candidate removal from a recruitment. The County defines plagiarism as presenting the work of others as your own. Examples include copying work, using AI-generated text, and receiving assistance from others.

Instructions & Helpful Tips

• Answer each question carefully and accurately in the space provided. Unless otherwise instructed, ONLY the answers included in the space provided will be considered.
• Make sure your responses are clear, concise, and complete. Your responses should also reflect what is documented in the education and work experience sections of your employment application.
• If a question consists of multiple parts, answer each part separately.
• Provide examples! Examples should be relevant to this position and question, and can be from your formal education, work experience (paid, internship, volunteer), and/or training, unless otherwise indicated in the question.
• When describing a process or procedure, make sure to clearly describe your duties and responsibilities.
• Minimize the use of jargon, abbreviations, and acronyms.
• Each question is scored separately, so do not combine answers or refer to your answer from a different question.
• Before submitting your application, proofread your answers including grammar and spelling.
• Failure to follow the instructions may result in an incomplete application and removal from consideration.
  
  

By selecting yes below, you are indicating that you have read and understood the information provided, and agree to the above instructions.

If you have any questions, please contact the assigned Talent Acquisition Business Partner or email Careers@washingtoncountyor.gov.

• Yes
  
  

08

The Solid Waste & Recycling Division does a variety of work including (a) policy development, (b) regulatory oversite of garbage and recycling system, (c) code enforcement, and (d) training and outreach.

In 250 words, please share your experience with each of these components

• Required Question