Environment Science & Compliance Section Manager

Summary

Shape the future! Deliver what matters! Lead with impact!

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Environmental Science and Compliance Section Manager to lead and oversee environmental compliance operations within a complex and highly regulated solid waste system. This leadership position is responsible for advancing scientific understanding and operational excellence related to storm water, wastewater, leachate, air quality and environmental management while ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations governing active and closed landfill operations.

This is a newly created leadership role designed to build and shape the future of environmental science and compliance within the Solid Waste Division. This is an opportunity to build meaningful environmental initiatives that directly impact sustainability, regulatory excellence, operational performance, and community stewardship. This role is ideal for a forward-thinking leader who is passionate about environmental science, compliance leadership, and building high-performing teams.

Within the first year, you will have the opportunity to build a modern, innovative Environmental Science and Compliance Section recognized for scientific excellence, regulatory credibility, operational partnership, and strategic influence across the organization. Success will include establishing a strong team culture, strengthening compliance performance, improving environmental reporting and data analytics, advancing operational understanding of stormwater, wastewater, and leachate systems, and developing long term environmental strategies that position the Division as an industry leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

About this Role:

The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise, strong regulatory knowledge, and proven executive leadership capabilities with the ability to lead large multidisciplinary teams, influence organizational strategy, and establish a high performing program from the ground up.

You will shape a team that can operate with clarity, fostering a culture grounded in ownership, critical thinking, and continuous improvement. This is a unique opportunity to create lasting organizational impact by designing systems, developing talent, shaping environmental strategy, and building a team known for collaboration, accountability, innovation, and operational excellence.

About the Team:

The Solid Waste Division is tasked with ensuring safe, environmentally protective management of waste and recycling for King County, serving 1.3 million residents. We operate 8 transfer stations, 2 rural drop boxes, and the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill - the only operational landfill in the county. We also maintain custodial responsibility for 9 closed landfills. Our solid waste system ensures that unincorporated King County and 37 cities have access to safe, efficient garbage transfer and disposal, and recycling services. We serve all cities in the county except for Seattle and Milton, which are part of separate solid waste systems.

SWD is committed to the principles of equity and social justice. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences in our workforce and are committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. SWD strives to provide equitable services to residents and businesses across King County.

This position reports directly to the Solid Waste Division Director. The work environment is fast paced with high demands and fun at the same time.

Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:

King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. In this position, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity .
Apply now for a rewarding career at the Solid Waste Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks. Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits , and growth opportunities.

Job Duties

What You Will Be Doing:

• Provide executive leadership and strategic oversight for all environmental stewardship, compliance, permitting, and regulatory programs associated with active and closed landfill operations, transfer stations, and maintenance facility.
• Lead the development and advancement of scientific and compliance programs related to storm water, wastewater, leachate, groundwater, air quality, and environmental monitory systems while driving continuous improvement and sustainable operational practices.
• Build, lead, and develop a high performing Environmental Science and Compliance Section within SWD by establishing organizational structure, operational priorities, team culture, accountability standards, and leadership development.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations through oversight of permitting, inspections, audits, compliance reporting, corrective action plans, and regulatory agency coordination.
• Serve as a strategic advisor and cross functional partner by analyzing environmental risks and operational data, influencing organizational strategies, and strengthening relationships with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, consultants, and operational leadership.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Qualifications You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher, or equivalent experience in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, or a related scientific field.
• Extensive experience in environmental compliance, landfill operations, solid waste management, or related regulated industry.
• Strong knowledge and demonstrated understanding of federal and state environmental regulations related to active and closed landfills, storm water, wastewater, leachate, groundwater, and air quality compliance.
• Comprehensive understanding of environmental permits, compliance obligations, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated success leading large teams and managing complex environmental programs at an executive or senior leadership level.
• Ability to analyze complex scientific and operational data and translate findings into strategic operational decisions.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive accountability in a large operational environment.

Competencies You Bring:

• Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Decision Quality: Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Develops Talent: Developing people to meet both their career goals and the organization’s goals.
• Drives Vision and Purpose: Painting a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action.
• Racially Just: Identify and replace racists systems and structures with anti-racists and pro-equity approaches.

It Would be Great if You Also Bring:

• Master’s Degree in an Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, or a related scientific field.
• Experience working with or in a utility similar to Solid Waste.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:

• Work Location: The Director’s Office works in a hybrid model with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The location includes the collaboration space at King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104), Cedar Hills Landfill (16645 228th Ave SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038) and other SWD facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance from their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

• Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. After probation has been satisfactorily completed, alternative work schedules may be considered. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is not overtime-eligible.
• Union Representation: This position is non-represented.

Application and Selection Process: We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives, and life experience, and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness, and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in approximately four (4) interviews. These may be scheduled between August and September; With two (2) in-person, the first on September 1 and another on September 2. Dates may be subject to change.

A complete application, resume, and cover letter is required. Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact jemima.mcmahon@kingcounty.gov after July 26 or lisa.aweeka@kingcounty.gov after July 12 or prakash.meloot@kingcounty.gov after July 15.

Discover More About the Solid Waste Division: Visit our website at Solid Waste Division and check us out at Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website , explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments, and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , LinkedIn , TikTok , Instagram , YouTube , and Keeping King County Green News .

Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12paid holidays each year plus twopersonal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental,family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page .

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

Closing Date/Time: 7/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

King County Water and Land Resources Division

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