Environment Science & Compliance Section Manager

King County•Multiple locations in King County, WA

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

Shape the future! Deliver what matters! Lead with impact! We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Environmental Science and Compliance Section Manager to lead and oversee environmental compliance operations within a complex and highly regulated solid waste system. This leadership position is responsible for advancing scientific understanding and operational excellence related to storm water, wastewater, leachate, air quality and environmental management while ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations governing active and closed landfill operations. This is a newly created leadership role designed to build and shape the future of environmental science and compliance within the Solid Waste Division. This is an opportunity to build meaningful environmental initiatives that directly impact sustainability, regulatory excellence, operational performance, and community stewardship. This role is ideal for a forward-thinking leader who is passionate about environmental science, compliance leadership, and building high-performing teams. Within the first year, you will have the opportunity to build a modern, innovative Environmental Science and Compliance Section recognized for scientific excellence, regulatory credibility, operational partnership, and strategic influence across the organization. Success will include establishing a strong team culture, strengthening compliance performance, improving environmental reporting and data analytics, advancing operational understanding of stormwater, wastewater, and leachate systems, and developing long term environmental strategies that position the Division as an industry leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship. About this Role: The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise, strong regulatory knowledge, and proven executive leadership capabilities with the ability to lead large multidisciplinary teams, influence organizational strategy, and establish a high performing program from the ground up. You will shape a team that can operate with clarity, fostering a culture grounded in ownership, critical thinking, and continuous improvement. This is a unique opportunity to create lasting organizational impact by designing systems, developing talent, shaping environmental strategy, and building a team known for collaboration, accountability, innovation, and operational excellence. About the Team: The Solid Waste Division is tasked with ensuring safe, environmentally protective management of waste and recycling for King County, serving 1.3 million residents. We operate 8 transfer stations, 2 rural drop boxes, and the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill – the only operational landfill in the county. We also maintain custodial responsibility for 9 closed landfills. Our solid waste system ensures that unincorporated King County and 37 cities have access to safe, efficient garbage transfer and disposal, and recycling services. We serve all cities in the county except for Seattle and Milton, which are part of separate solid waste systems. SWD is committed to the principles of equity and social justice. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences in our workforce and are committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. SWD strives to provide equitable services to residents and businesses across King County. This position reports directly to the Solid Waste Division Director. The work environment is fast paced with high demands and fun at the same time. Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice: King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. In this position, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity . Apply now for a rewarding career at the Solid Waste Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks. Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits , and growth opportunities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher, or equivalent experience in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, or a related scientific field.
Extensive experience in environmental compliance, landfill operations, solid waste management, or related regulated industry.
Strong knowledge and demonstrated understanding of federal and state environmental regulations related to active and closed landfills, storm water, wastewater, leachate, groundwater, and air quality compliance.
Comprehensive understanding of environmental permits, compliance obligations, and regulatory reporting requirements.
Demonstrated success leading large teams and managing complex environmental programs at an executive or senior leadership level.
Ability to analyze complex scientific and operational data and translate findings into strategic operational decisions.
Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive accountability in a large operational environment.
Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
Decision Quality: Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
Develops Talent: Developing people to meet both their career goals and the organization’s goals.
Drives Vision and Purpose: Painting a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action.
Racially Just: Identify and replace racists systems and structures with anti-racists and pro-equity approaches.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in an Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, or a related scientific field.
Experience working with or in a utility similar to Solid Waste.

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership and strategic oversight for all environmental stewardship, compliance, permitting, and regulatory programs associated with active and closed landfill operations, transfer stations, and maintenance facility.
Lead the development and advancement of scientific and compliance programs related to storm water, wastewater, leachate, groundwater, air quality, and environmental monitory systems while driving continuous improvement and sustainable operational practices.
Build, lead, and develop a high performing Environmental Science and Compliance Section within SWD by establishing organizational structure, operational priorities, team culture, accountability standards, and leadership development.
Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations through oversight of permitting, inspections, audits, compliance reporting, corrective action plans, and regulatory agency coordination.
Serve as a strategic advisor and cross functional partner by analyzing environmental risks and operational data, influencing organizational strategies, and strengthening relationships with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, consultants, and operational leadership.