Environmental Operations Specialist Sr. - Public Works, Solid Waste and Recycling

Job Summary

The Environmental Operations Specialist, Senior provides advanced technical, operational, and programmatic support to Clark County’s solid waste, recycling, and materials management programs with the Solid Waste and Recycling division. This position supports the implementation of operational initiatives, regulatory compliance activities, contracts, and planning efforts that sustain and improve the County’s solid waste system.

Reporting to the Program Manager II – Solid Waste Operations Manager, the Senior Environmental Operations Specialist is part of a team of Environmental Operations Specialist, Senior positions within the Solid Waste Operations team. The position works collaboratively with team members, program managers, engineers, consultants, contractors, and regional partners to support day-to-day operations, field activities, inspections, investigations, data tracking, and contract support.

This role serves as a key technical resource for operational coordination and compliance follow-through and works cross-functionally across the Solid Waste Operations team. Duties and focus areas may shift based on business needs, program priorities, and operational demands. The position also works closely with the Solid Waste Education and Outreach team as needed to support coordination between operations, infrastructure, and public-facing initiatives.

The position requires a high degree of independence, technical judgment, and collaboration and plays a critical role in ensuring solid waste facilities, programs, and services operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable regulations.

Engineer positions are represented by PROTEC17, Professional and Technical Employees.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of experience working with the public in areas related to solid waste management, recycling, moderate risk waste, or environmental programs.
• Senior level: Master’s degree and a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a position comparable to Environmental Operations Specialist.
• Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of solid waste and recycling system operations.
• Solid waste planning and implementation of Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plans.
• Landfill operations, closure, and post-closure care requirements.
• Environmental compliance and pollution source control principles.
• Public-sector contract administration and procurement processes.
• Capital and operational project support practices.
• Public-sector budgeting and grant administration fundamentals.
• Applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
• Principles and practices of project management.

Ability to:

• Provide technical and operational support for complex programs and projects.
• Conduct inspections, investigations, and compliance evaluations with professionalism and accuracy.
• Interpret regulations, permits, contracts, and technical documents.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with staff, contractors, regulators, and the public.
• Organize work, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Maintain professional composure in challenging or sensitive situations.
• Use Microsoft Office tools and tracking systems to manage data, reports, and documentation.
• Use project management tools such as SmartSheet

Work Environment:

Work is performed in both office and field settings and includes travel to solid waste facilities, landfill sites, HHW event locations, project sites, and meetings with partners and stakeholders. Field work may involve uneven terrain and active operational sites. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support events, projects, or emergency response activities.

Selection Process:

Resume and other 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 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, not 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 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.

First review of candidates will be January 30th. This recruitment may close on or after the first review date with no additional notice.

Examples of Duties

KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program and Operational Support

• Provide technical and operational support for County solid waste and recycling programs, including transfer station operations, recycling services, landfill post-closure activities, and related compliance requirements.
• Support implementation of the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan (CSWMP) through data collection, operational coordination, and compliance tracking.
• Assist program managers with operational planning, performance tracking, and implementation of program priorities.
• Serve as a technical point of contact for regulated entities, contractors, and internal staff regarding operational requirements and corrective actions.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Event Coordination and Support

• Coordinate and support Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events, including event planning, logistics, vendor coordination, and on-site operational support.
• Serve as a technical and operational point of contact during HHW events to ensure compliance with safety protocols, environmental requirements, and contract provisions.
• Assist with pre-event planning, including site coordination, equipment needs, staffing support, and communication with contractors and partner agencies.
• Support post-event activities such as documentation, reporting, invoice review, and data tracking.
• Identify operational issues and recommend improvements to enhance HHW event safety, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Recycling, Yard Debris, and Organics Collection Contract Support

• Provide technical and operational support for the County’s recycling and yard debris collection contracts, including contract compliance monitoring and coordination with service providers.
• Assist with planning, evaluation, and implementation activities related to collection services, service levels, and operational requirements.
• Support contract administration activities such as reviewing reports, assisting with invoice verification, tracking performance metrics, and documenting compliance issues.
• Collaborate with contractors and city stakeholders related to recycling and yard debris collection services as needed.
• Serve as a technical resource to help address service issues and corrective actions in coordination with program managers.

Future Organics (Food Waste) Planning Support

• Support planning activities related to future organics and food waste collection programs, including research, data gathering, and evaluation of operational models.
• Assist with analysis of service delivery options, infrastructure needs, and impacts to existing collection systems.
• Support pilot programs, planning studies, or phased implementation efforts related to organics collection.
• Coordinate with internal staff, consultants, and regional partners to support alignment between operations, infrastructure planning, and public education.

Regulatory Compliance, Inspections, and Investigations

• Conduct inspections of solid waste facilities, closed landfills, and other regulated sites to verify compliance with permits, contracts, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct site assessments at the transfer stations in accordance with current triennial inspections guidance.
• Track compliance issues and support corrective action implementation.

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Support

• Provide technical and field support for the Solid Waste and Recycling Division’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) under the direction of program managers.
• Assist with project coordination activities such as scheduling, documentation, site access, and communication with consultants and contractors.
• Support review of project scopes, schedules, and cost estimates by providing technical input, observations, and field-based feedback.
• Assist with tracking project progress, documenting issues, and supporting resolution of operational or compliance concerns.
• Support preparation of reports, records, and documentation associated with CIP projects and Master Services Agreement (MSA) requirements.

Leichner Landfill Support

• Provide limited technical and operational support to the Leichner Landfill Project Manager as requested.
• Assist with field visits, inspections, documentation, and coordination related to post-closure maintenance and compliance activities as needed.
• Support tracking and organization of project-related information and records if needed.
• Provide on-site or logistical support for landfill-related activities when needed.

Contract, Grant, and Fiscal Support

• Assist with preparation of requests for proposals (RFPs), scopes of work, and technical specifications.
• Support contract administration activities, including compliance monitoring, invoice review, and documentation.
• Assist with grant research, application preparation, and grant administration.
• Support budget tracking and monitoring to ensure expenditures align with approved appropriations.

Data, Performance Tracking, and Reporting

• Track operational and program performance measures related to solid waste and recycling services.
• Assist with preparation of reports, summaries, and documentation for leadership, advisory committees, and regulatory agencies.
• Maintain organized records related to inspections, contracts, grants, and program activities.

Partnerships and Coordination

• Support coordination with cities, contractors, consultants, and state agencies on operational and compliance matters.
• Represent the County on technical workgroups or advisory committees as assigned.
• Coordinate with the Solid Waste Education and Outreach team to support alignment between operations, infrastructure, and public communication.

Other Duties

• Support emergency response and disaster debris planning and operations as assigned.
• Participate in division initiatives, training, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Salary Grade

Local 17 Engineers.11

Salary Range

$39.34 - $53.10- per hour

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Recruiter

Rori Jones

Email:

Rori.Jones@clark.wa.gov

Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Employee Benefits and additional compensation

Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation.  Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation.  More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Retirement Information

All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice. 
 

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/

If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.