Recycling and Materials Management Section Chief

State of North Carolina•Raleigh, NC

1d•$67,122 - $93,550•Hybrid

About The Position

The primary mission of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is to provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the lead stewardship agency for the protection of North Carolina's environmental resources. The organization, which has offices from the mountains to the coast, administers regulatory programs designed to protect air quality, water quality, and the public's health, and works to advance in all-of-the-above energy strategy that fits North Carolina's needs. DEQ also offers technical assistance to businesses, farmers, local governments, and the public and encourages responsible behavior with respect to the environment through education programs provided at DEQ facilities and through the state's school system. DEQ touches the lives of all North Carolinians in many ways to enhance and ensure our quality of life. This position supervises the day-to-day operations of the Recycling and Materials Management Section (RMMS) to meet the goals and objectives in the Department, Division, and Section. Drawing on knowledge of solid waste reduction, recycling, and circular economy principles, the RMMS Section Chief manages a dynamic team of recycling and materials management specialists that work to grow NC’s material recovery infrastructure and provide recycled-content feedstock for manufacturing throughout the state and beyond. RMMS Section Chief oversees the implementation of legislatively required and strategic activities in support of the growth of recycling infrastructure, waste reduction, and material recovery programs. Key program responsibilities of the Section include the administration of targeted grant programs, analysis of environmental and programmatic data, publication of guidance documents and reports, development of engagement and training events, and one-on-one technical assistance to clients. The Section Chief ensures the successful completion of projects, administration of programs, and delivery of service to clients. In addition, this position analyzes key programmatic metrics and data to inform strategic planning and leverages resources, policies, and other tools to expand statewide material recovery. In collaboration with DEACS management team, RMMS Section Chief builds and maintains cooperative relationships with NC DEQ regulatory divisions in support of recycling and sustainable materials management and the growth of North Carolina’s circular economy.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of progressive experience in environmental work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of solid waste reduction, recycling, and circular economy principles.

Responsibilities

Supervise day-to-day operations of the Section to meet strategic goals, project deliverables, and expected timelines.
Oversee the implementation of legislatively required and strategic activities in support of the growth of recycling infrastructure, waste reduction, and material recovery programs, including grant administration, annual data collection, management and analysis, and the delivery of client technical assistance.
Manage grant-funded activities, budget, timelines, and reporting requirements.
Analyze key programmatic metrics and data to inform strategic planning for the Section, Division, and Department.
Set programmatic strategies and initiatives, identifying how to apply and leverage resources, policies, and other tools to achieve those goals.
Make presentations to a variety of internal and external stakeholders on program strategies, initiatives, grant opportunities, and other performance metrics.
Build cooperative relationships with external partners and NC DEQ regulatory divisions in support of recycling and sustainable materials management and the growth of North Carolina's circular economy.