Executive Director, Pollution Control Services

Harris County•Houston, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Harris County Pollution Control Services Department (HCPCS) is dedicated to protecting citizens from environmental impacts through consistent enforcement of state and federal regulations, aiming for clean air, water, and proper waste management. The Executive Director (ED) of Pollution Control, reporting to the County Administrator, will provide leadership and management for all HCPCS operations. This includes developing and implementing the department's mission, vision, and strategic plan. The ED will also review permit requests, drive countywide sustainability and climate action strategies, and develop departmental policies, including community monitoring. Ensuring compliance and enforcement of environmental rules and regulations is a key responsibility. The role involves educating the public on environmental risks and preventive measures, and advocating for sound environmental policies at all government levels to enhance the quality of life for Harris County residents.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Toxicology, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field.
Five (5) years of experience supervising professional staff in relevant environmental enforcement fields, including experience with environmental policy, pollution control and response, environmental toxicology, and/or emergency response.
Additional experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
Knowledge and understanding of principles, practices, and program areas related to environmental toxicology, technical air, water, and soil pollution control functions and activities.
Broad knowledge and understanding of current developments, literature, and sources of information regarding air, water, and soil quality management.
Working knowledge of environmental policy, pollution control and response, environmental toxicology and/or emergency response.
Working knowledge of current environmental regulatory issues and a strong understanding of relevant rules, regulations, and laws/statutes.
Working knowledge of sustainability strategies, energy and technology solutions that address climate.
Must possess demonstrated leadership skills.
Must have staff development and management experience including but not limited to planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, budgeting, and fiscal management.
Skilled in exercising sound independent judgment within policy guidelines.
Ability to effectively communicate and work with leadership teams and the public.
Proficient use of computer software for email communication, budget management, and database retrieval.
Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Environmental Toxicology, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Provides broad oversight of Pollution Control Services (PCS) operations and staff by directing the work of divisions through division managers, section supervisors, and support staff.
Executes the department's mission, vision, strategic plan, goals, and objectives.
Oversees recruitment, onboarding, training, and employee development to ensure departmental operations align with organizational priorities and desired outcomes.
Reports to the Commissioner’s Court regularly and leads initiatives and achieves goals set by the Harris County Strategic Plan.
Guides departmental requests, budget preparation, and provides primary fiscal oversight of departmental general funds and grants.
Evaluates resource needs to support departmental programs, operations, staffing, contracts, and strategic priorities.
Establishes measurable departmental goals and objectives and oversees core environmental programs and operations, including field monitoring, inspections, sampling, laboratory testing, data collection, community monitoring, and related regulatory activities.
Oversees the development and implementation of community monitoring strategies and evaluates departmental operations to achieve environmental and public health outcomes.
Provides technical and policy support to County departments in developing internal pollution-mitigation and sustainability strategies that comply with applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
Ensures federal, state, and local environmental laws, rules, regulations, and statutes are appropriately interpreted and applied through departmental monitoring, compliance, and enforcement activities.
Oversees regulatory actions, including the issuance of Violation Notices, recommendations for civil and criminal cases, fines, penalties, and compliance and enforcement actions.
Reviews and comments on environmental permits and related regulatory matters to prevent or minimize adverse impacts on the environment and public health.
Develops, directs, and evaluates departmental environmental policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations.
Leads the development and advancement of pollution control, environmental protection, and climate-related policy priorities.
Monitors, analyzes, and interprets legislative and regulatory developments at the local, state, and federal levels.
Provides experts recommendations, policy guidance, and formal responses to Commissioners Court and other governing bodies as required.
Identifies opportunities for changes to environmental policies, rules, regulations, and law and advocates for appropriate changes through established channels.
Develops and maintains effective working relationships with local, state, and federal agencies and participates in multi-jurisdictional compliance and enforcement activities.
Establishes cooperation agreements involving data and resource sharing with Harris County departments, other governmental entities, and nongovernmental organizations.
Represents PCS in intergovernmental matters and advances coordinated approaches to environmental protection and pollution control.
Provides departmental leadership during environmental emergencies and may serve in Incident or Unified Command structures.
Oversees environmental response activities, including air, soil, and surface water monitoring.
Coordinates departmental response efforts with the County's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and other response partners.
Represents the department in legal proceedings and provides testimony as required.
Represents PCS before professionals, community stakeholders, governmental entities, and the general public.
Conducts presentations and educational activities regarding environmental and public health issues.
Develops and implements strategies to increase public awareness of PCS activities and environmental risks.
Educates the public regarding environmental risks and preventive measures.
Responds to media inquiries and interview requests.
Serves as an advocate for sound environmental and pollution control policies at the local, state, and federal levels.