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Clark County Washington

Program Manager II - Solid Waste Operations Manager, Public Works

Public Service Center Full time

Job Summary

The Program Manager II – Solid Waste Operations Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for Clark County’s solid waste, recycling, and materials management programs. This position manages complex projects, contracts, and partnerships that directly support waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable materials management across the region.

This position reports directly to the Solid Waste and Recycling Division Manager and works closely with the Division Manager on strategic planning, policy development, and long-term vision for the division. The incumbent plays a central role in implementing initiatives that strengthen the County’s solid waste infrastructure, ensure environmental compliance, and enhance system performance and efficiency.

A major focus of this position is management of the Solid Waste Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which oversees maintenance and capital projects at the privately owned three transfer stations located in Clark County as described in the Master Services Agreement (MSA).
The Program Manager II develops project-specific CIP agreements, scopes, and schedules; coordinates with engineers, consultants, and contractors; and ensures that all projects are delivered safely on time, and within budget.

The Program Manager II is also responsible for oversight of the County’s recycling and yard debris collection contracts, as well as post-closure maintenance and environmental compliance activities at Leichner Landfill. This position requires a high level of collaboration, organization, and technical understanding—working across disciplines with public works engineers, project managers, design teams, operations staff, and regional partners to advance key infrastructure and operational projects.

The incumbent also collaborates closely with the Solid Waste Education and Outreach Manager to ensure alignment between operational priorities, capital investments, and public education initiatives.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.
  • Master’s degree preferred.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience managing solid waste, environmental, public works, or capital improvement programs, including supervisory and budgetary responsibilities.
  • Demonstrated project management experience is required; Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management credential is preferred.

Knowledge of: 

  • Principles and practices of solid waste system management, including transfer, disposal, and recycling operations.
  • Solid waste planning, Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plans, and related state requirements.
  • Household hazardous waste management and environmental compliance principles.
  • Project and capital program management, including planning, scheduling, risk management, and performance monitoring.
  • Engineering design and construction processes, procurement, and contract management.
  • Federal, state, and local solid waste and environmental regulations.
  • Emerging legislation and policy trends affecting solid waste and materials management.
  • Public sector budgeting, financial reporting, fund, and contract management.
  • Intergovernmental coordination and partnership development.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, as well as Smartsheet or equivalent project management software for tracking budgets, contracts, and project performance.

Ability to:

  • Lead complex capital and operational projects with multiple partners and stakeholders.
  • Develop and manage budgets and contracts with fiscal accountability.
  • Apply structured project management practices to deliver results on time and within scope.
  • Interpret and review technical design plans and project documentation.
  • Analyze and advise on legislative and policy changes impacting division operations.
  • Communicate clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.
  • Build collaborative relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders.
  • Supervise and develop staff to achieve program excellence.

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 November 24th. This recruitment may close at any time on or after the first review date with no additional notice.

Examples of Duties

Key Responsibilities:

Program and Project Leadership

  • Plan, organize, and direct operations related to the County’s solid waste and recycling systems, including transfer station and disposal contracts.
  • Provide leadership in solid waste planning, ensuring consistency with the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan (CSWMP) and state requirements under RCW 70A.205.
  • Oversee County-managed programs including recycling and yard debris collection contracts, post-closure landfill operations, and related environmental compliance.
  • Lead the development and implementation of operational goals, strategies, and performance metrics supporting County priorities in waste reduction, recycling, and resource recovery.
  • Collaborate closely with the Division Manager on strategic considerations, policy recommendations, and long-range planning.
  • Partner with the Solid Waste Education and Outreach Manager to coordinate operational and educational priorities.

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Management

  • Manage the Solid Waste and Recycling Division’s Capital Improvement Program, overseeing maintenance, design, and construction projects at three regional transfer stations.
  • Develop and execute project-specific CIP agreements, scopes of work, budgets, and schedules in collaboration with Public Works Engineering and other stakeholders.
  • Review and provide input on design plans and specifications; coordinate project timelines; and ensure deliverables meet operational, environmental, and safety standards.
  • Support project managers in executing projects effectively, providing leadership, technical guidance, and policy interpretation as needed.
  • Serve as the division’s primary liaison with engineering, procurement, and contractor teams to ensure project and contract success.
  • Manage consultant contracts and provide oversight for project management, permitting, and construction-related activities.

Strategic Planning, Policy, and Legislative Coordination

  • Collaborate with the Division Manager on strategic planning, organizational development, and vision-setting for the division.
  • Monitor and evaluate emerging legislation, regulations, and policy trends related to solid waste, recycling, and materials management at the state and federal levels.
  • Analyze potential impacts of legislation and advise leadership on appropriate policy responses and operational adjustments.
  • Lead implementation of the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan (CSWMP), coordinating updates with regional jurisdictions and stakeholders.
  • Prepare reports, policy briefs, and recommendations for senior leadership, County Council, and advisory committees.

Fiscal and Contract Management

  • Manage a program budget including forecasting revenues, expenditures, and fund balances.
  • Develop and oversee annual budgets, rates, and capital improvement plans.
  • Negotiate, administer, and monitor complex service, interlocal, and environmental compliance agreements (e.g., transfer, disposal, recycling, post-closure maintenance).

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with cities, contractors, state agencies, and community partners.
  • Represent the County at local, regional, and state meetings, ensuring alignment and communication across jurisdictions.
  • Work collaboratively with the Solid Waste Education and Outreach Manager to coordinate communications related to operations, projects, and infrastructure improvements.
  • Coordinate the Solid Waste Advisory Commission (SWAC) quarterly meetings and provide support to SWAC committee chair.
  • Participate in the Regional Solid Waste Systems Steering Committee (RSWSSC) quarterly meetings and provide regular updates to city partners.

Leadership and Supervision

  • Supervise and mentor professional staff, including Environmental Operations Specialists and other technical personnel.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
  • Support staff development through coaching, training, and professional development.

Performance Measurement and Reporting

  • Track and analyze system performance metrics, including waste generation, diversion, and recycling rates.
  • Ensure compliance with state reporting requirements and grant conditions.
  • Identify opportunities for operational efficiency and continuous improvement.

Other Duties

  • Participate in division and department leadership initiatives.
  • Support emergency response and continuity planning related to solid waste and recycling operations.

Salary Grade

M2.203

Salary Range

$7,497.00 - $10,496.00- per month


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.