Section Chief, Stormwater Inspection & Maintenance Program (Manager III, Grade M3)

Montgomery County•2425 Reedie Dr Wheaton MD 20902 USA, MD

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is a nationally recognized and award-winning agency with the mission to enhance the quality of life in our community by protecting and improving Montgomery County's air, water, and land in a sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and industry-leading way while fostering smart growth, a thriving, more sustainable economy, and healthy communities. DEP is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and values diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures. DEP encourages BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), immigrants, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. The Stormwater Management BMP Inspection and Maintenance (SWIM) Section, part of the Watershed Restoration Division, ensures that more than 27,000 stormwater management facilities and County stream restoration projects are properly inspected, maintained, and compliant with State law, County Code, and the County’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. We coordinate across agencies, municipalities, and the business community to solve complex engineering, regulatory, and compliance challenges. The Department of Environmental Protection seeks an experienced leader and technical program manager to serve as Section Chief, Manager III, for the SWIM Section. The ideal candidate brings deep stormwater management expertise, strong program administration skills, and demonstrated success managing large operation and maintenance programs. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas: Stormwater management principles, practices, requirements, and systems Developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating stormwater programs Stormwater management BMPs inspection, operation, and maintenance -- including environmental site design (ESD) and low impact development (LID) Stream restoration inspection and maintenance Asset management, databases, and GIS platforms Procurement and contract administration, budget development and financial oversight, and human resources management Strategic planning and program evaluation Coordinating operations across multiple organizational units. Managing large-scale projects and mission-critical assignments Excellent oral and written communication skills Exercising sound judgment and making consequential decisions Applying racial equity and social justice principles in program design, community engagement, and evaluation Supervising professional, administrative, and field staff

Requirements

Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the management of programs related to stormwater management, environmental engineering, environmental science, or water resources planning.
Supervisory experience is required.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.
Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid Class "C" (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant's state of residence.
Medical History Review–This position requires completion of a pre-employment Medical History Form to assess the candidate’s ability to safely perform the essential duties of the role.
The selected candidate will be required to complete and submit a Financial Disclosure Statement upon hire and annually thereafter.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience and technical knowledge in the inspection, maintenance, and operation of stormwater management facilities and best management practices (BMPs), including environmental site design (ESD), low impact development (LID), green infrastructure, and stream restoration projects.
Proven experience in managing complex technical programs with a focus on optimizing system performance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and improving operational efficiency, including leading multidisciplinary teams and contractors, coordinating preventive and corrective maintenance activities, and implementing data-driven strategies to enhance asset reliability and program outcomes.
Strong background managing a diverse workforce, supervising professional staff, and overseeing key human resources functions, including coordinating work programs, developing performance plans, conducting evaluations, and leading recruitment and hiring processes to build high-performing teams aligned with organizational goals.
Demonstrated experience in administering technical programs, including the development and management of budgets, oversight of procurement processes, and leadership in contract development and administration.
Extensive experience delivering clear and effective oral communications, including presentations and public speaking engagements with diverse audiences such as homeowners' associations, property managers, and organizational leadership, as well as skilled in preparing a wide range of written materials, including technical reports, memos, letters, and proposals to convey complex information in an accessible manner.
Proven experience in designing and implementing environmental programs that integrate principles of racial equity and social justice to promote inclusive and sustainable outcomes.
Proven experience in developing strategic plans and establishing program evaluation criteria to guide and assess the performance of complex technical programs, aligning program goals with organizational priorities, and using data-driven methodologies to measure effectiveness and inform continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Leading the County’s stormwater and ESD maintenance programs.
Guide the maintenance of Montgomery County’s growing stormwater BMP infrastructure. You’ll set priorities based on triennial inspections, manage multiple high-value maintenance contracts, ensure contractors deliver quality work, and drive performance through modern asset-management systems. Your leadership will directly contribute to cleaner waterways and stronger climate resilience across the County.
Driving the triennial inspection program for stormwater BMPs. Oversee one of the County’s largest environmental compliance efforts. You will ensure all BMPs meet inspection requirements, manage complex engineering and technical contracts (including high-hazard dam inspections), maintain rigorous standards for safety, quality, and on-schedule delivery, and ensure accurate reporting for MS4 compliance.
Leading compliance and enforcement for privately owned stormwater BMPs. Protect the integrity of the County’s stormwater BMP network by steering a fair, effective compliance and enforcement program. You’ll oversee notices of violation, citations, and court actions when needed, and refine processes using data to improve efficiency and equity—while supporting responsible property stewardship.
Expanding and managing the single-family residential ESD inspection program. Shape a growing program that engages residents directly in stormwater stewardship. You’ll coordinate inspections with homeowners, lead community outreach and education, — public understanding and participation.
Overseeing the County’s stream restoration inspection and maintenance program. Ensure the long-term performance of the County’s restored streams by directing a rigorous inspection cycle, prioritizing maintenance needs, and ensuring contractors meet all environmental and engineering expectations.
Providing executive-level leadership in budgeting, procurement, and policy. Guide the strategic use of approximately $11 million across three operating budgets. You’ll lead procurement efforts—RFPs, IFBs, engineering task orders, negotiations—while shaping policy, programs, and interagency agreements that advance the County’s environmental goals.
Building and inspiring the SWIM team. Lead a talented group of professional and technical staff. You’ll set clear directions, coach and develop employees, coordinate work programs, recruit new team members, and cultivate a collaborative, supportive, high-impact workplace where people are motivated to excel.