Program Manager II - Solid Waste Operations Manager, Public Works

Clark County, WA•Vancouver, WA

46d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.
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
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management credential is preferred.

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

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.
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.

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