Senior Planning Specialist (Zero Waste Programs), Grade 25

WHO WE ARE

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is a nationally recognized and award-winning agency with the mission to enhance the quality of life in our community by protecting and improving Montgomery County's air, water, and land in a sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and industry-leading way while fostering smart growth, a thriving more sustainable economy and healthy communities. DEP is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and values diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures. DEP encourages BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), immigrants, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. 

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Planning Specialist to join the Zero Waste Programs Division (ZWPD). 

The successful candidate will have the ability to collect and analyze complex information to recommend innovative, effective ways to reduce waste disposal in the County and design new programs and policies to move the County closer to zero waste. 

Specifically, the ideal candidate will have:

• Thorough knowledge of the strategies for and approaches to Zero Waste.
• Excellent research and analysis skills, including the ability to analyze and interpret numerical research data and evaluate the impacts of current or proposed programs and initiatives to reduce waste and increase recycling.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to persuade and to present complex information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private sector representatives.
• Skill in project management and supervision of technical studies
• Experience in Zero Waste programming, including development of plans, procedures, laws, regulations and programs.
• Experience in developing new and improving existing programs to reduce waste, reuse and recycle more. 
• Experience presenting, explaining, justifying and defending complex solid waste related mandates, policies and issues to various audiences and segments of the community.
• Experience managing projects and technical studies pertaining to waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, including multiple deliverables, milestones and deadlines.

This position will be responsible for identifying and planning strategies to reduce waste, increase recycling, and help drive the County closer to zero waste. 

Key duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Researching and analyzing information, evaluating impacts of policy and program proposals in terms of cost effectiveness, stakeholder impact, and likely diversion.
• Identifying gaps and areas for improvement in the County's waste management and recycling programs; and recommending, planning, and coordinating the implementation of new and enhanced waste reduction and recycling programs, policies, and technologies
• Compiling information and research on policies, programs, and technologies in use in other jurisdictions to determine their feasibility in Montgomery County. 
• Reviewing and analyzing data on waste generation and recycling to identify gaps in programs and policies to target future efforts. 
• Analyzing the effectiveness of current recycling and waste reduction programs to identify areas for additional focus.
• Comprehensively plan new and enhanced programs, including identifying relevant steps, timelines, resource needs, and communication plans.
• Writing policy proposals, including new or amended regulations, bills, and/or guidance documents.
• Creating and communicating compelling and data-supported justifications for the adoption of new programs and policies, including for internal and external audiences.
• Developing programs to address near-term priority areas, including construction and demolition waste, reuse and repair, organics diversion, and alternative technologies to manage municipal solid waste.
• Working closely with other DEP and County representatives to incorporate feedback and ensure that new programs are designed to be feasible and coordinated with existing programs.
• Identifying and planning near-term actions that can be taken to make meaningful program quickly on priority Issues.
• Working with other planning staff in the ZWPD to develop short-, medium-, and long-range plans and projections layout out the County's path toward zero waste.

This position involves occasional field work which includes site visits to solid waste, recycling, and other facilities.

This position requires the ability to attend meetings or perform work at locations outside the office.

This position requires possession of a valid driver's license and the ability to drive a County vehicle to attend site visits, stakeholder meetings, and other events outside the office. 

This position requires completion of a pre-employment Medical History Form to assess your ability to safely perform the essential duties of the role.

This position is designated as one that requires filing a Financial Disclosure Statement and you will be required to disclose information about your financial affairs.

Occasional evening or weekend work outside of normal business hours may be required. 

To ensure a positive workplace and to comply with federal, state and County laws, the incumbent is responsible for completing mandatory trainings within the first three to six months or within the specified timeframe. 

Experience: Five (5) years of experience in planning, developing, and/or implementing waste reduction and recycling programs, policies, or initiatives.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in an appropriate planning specialization or related field such as environmental studies, environmental science, environmental policy, planning, engineering, public administration, public policy, economics, political science, or related field.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education or experience may be substituted.

License: Possession of a valid Class "C" (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant's state of residence when required for job-related duties.

Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following. 

• Experience developing a new or improved program that had a quantifiable impact on reducing waste or recycling more.
• Background in federal, state, or local government waste and recycling policies, programs, and initiatives.
• Experience presenting, explaining, justifying and defending complex solid waste related mandates, policies and issues to various audiences and segments of the community.
• Experience managing projects and technical studies pertaining to waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, including multiple deliverables, milestones and deadlines.
• Experience developing metrics and other methods of evaluating the impact of recycling outreach or other behavior change strategies.