Environmental Section Director

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

5d • $9,337 - $15,792 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director for the Environmental Section is selected by and accountable to the Deputy Commissioner for the Consumer Protection Division. Leads, directs, coordinates, and manages the operations and activities of the Environmental Section. Establishes policies and standards to license and regulate programs in the Section (e.g., lead, asbestos, abusable volatile chemicals, youth camps, tattoos and body piercing) to protect and improve public health. Must thoroughly know and understand applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the Section. Develops and monitors annual budgets that ensure the Section has the necessary funds to carry out goals and objectives, including federal and applicable grants. Implements Section programs and develops systems to oversee, monitor, evaluate and improve effectiveness of programs. Interprets and implements applicable federal and state laws, Department rules and policies. Develops and implements strategic plans, policies, and programs. Establishes goals and objectives for the Environmental Section. Manages Section stakeholder relationships, including advisory councils, legislative offices, and consumer groups. Oversees Section efforts during the legislative sessions, including bill analyses, cost estimates and legislative inquiries. Works under limited supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a science related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in an operational / administrative management role directing professional staff.
• Experience within the past 5 years in public administration (development / implementation of government policies) in a regulatory field.
• Experience managing complex projects and initiatives impacting multiple units, departments, or divisions.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas.
• Knowledge of the Texas legislative process and rule development process.
• Knowledge of Environmental program planning, administration, and implementation.
• Knowledge of public health principles and management techniques.
• Skill in developing, reviewing, and/or writing executive-level reports.
• Skill in strategic planning, budget management, human resource management, contract management, and project management.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in working collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
• Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives and data, and implementing solutions.
• Skill in drafting legislative bill analyses and cost estimates.
• Ability to coordinate activities with a variety of state and federal organizations involved in Environmental programs.
• Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in others.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives and plan, assign, and evaluate the work of others.
• Ability to use effective leadership skills including motivating, recruiting and educating staff.
• Ability to develop and implement effective customer service delivery systems.
• Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.

Nice To Haves

• MPH, MPA, MBA or equivalent
• Experience directing an Environmental program
• Experience directing and managing staff distributed across multiple geographic areas

Responsibilities

• Effectively leads, manages, and provides overall vision and strategic direction for the Environmental Section.
• Directs the overall planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of programs and policies to promote effective program administration and service delivery.
• Makes well-informed program management decisions impacting programs.
• Reviews and evaluates impact of proposed federal and state laws on Section programs in the state.
• Assesses, evaluates, and improves programs.
• Ensures rules and standards established by the Department are fair, equitable, and consistent with state and federal law.
• Develops relevant rules affecting the Department and Division.
• Provides technical assistance to individual licensees and registrants.
• Monitors legislative hearings at the Capitol, provides legislative testimony, and assists the Deputy Commissioner in preparing to provide testimony.
• Develops partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborates with the Deputy Commissioner and other colleagues.
• Promotes partnerships with stakeholders at national, federal, and state levels by encouraging collaboration and participation in opportunities to define desired outcomes for Section programs.
• Oversees the coordination of applicable Advisory Committee activities.
• Implements customer service and organizational improvement principles.
• Develops new approaches to achieve Section goals and objectives.
• Leads, manages, and develops staff through data analysis, performance evaluation, consultations, coaching, and training.
• Responsible for hiring, assigning work, performance review, disciplinary action recommendations, scheduling, and approving leave.
• Maintains an engaged, properly trained, and supported team.
• Ensures the effective deployment of human resource policies, procedures, work processes, and values.
• Develops coherent teams and empowers employees.
• Manages resources of the Environmental Section to achieve goals and objectives in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Provides input into the development of the Division’s legislative appropriations requests.
• Manages the Environmental Section budget, including input on budget development, staff allocations, and effective and efficient use of resources.
• Develops and manages federal and applicable grants.
• Represents the Department by making presentations and providing information to the general public.
• Responds to requests by legislators and other public officials.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in Environmental programs by attending seminars/workshops and actively participating in professional organizations.
• Completes other duties as assigned to include, but not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director