Senior Program Manager – Solid Waste

Job Description

The salary range for this position is $7,537.00 – $10,050.00 monthly.

Thurston County Public Works is recruiting for a Senior Program Manager in our Solid Waste Division to join our dynamic, energetic, and innovative team. The successful candidate will develop, manage, and coordinate all activities associated with the Solid Waste regional program and Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Incumbents are fully responsible and have considerable latitude for the management and administration of this countywide specialized program and will work closely with local and regional officials and stakeholders.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform highly responsible, complex, professional, administrative, and technical work associated with solid waste management. Serve as subject matter expert and administrator of assigned program(s), including but not limited to writing and managing grants, analyzing funding sources, and monitoring program budgets.
• Represent the county on regional boards, committees, and associations in matters related to assigned program area(s). Work with regional elected officials, county departments, offices, and stakeholders to coordinate program, project, and/or grant activities. Staff and coordinate regional and local committee meetings.
• Supervise and evaluate any assigned staff through establishment of work rules, performance standards, and expectations.
• Analyze and interpret technical information and develop and enhance programs to effectively reach specific audiences. Design and develop program short-range and long-range goals, work plans, objectives with measurable performance standards and financial impacts, and track program effectiveness.

 

To view the full job classification, click here: Senior Program Manager 

Essential Personnel: This position is considered to be an essential worker and may be required to work during non-business hours or closures in order to meet operational requirements and needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment – Quiet office setting located in Olympia, Washington. Work is primarily performed at a desk or workstation using a computer and standard office equipment.
• Hybrid and remote work options are available based on business needs and performance.
• Schedule – Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., though there is some flexibility in the hours. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours.
• Travel Requirements – Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings, trainings, and community events, as well as visiting off-site work locations.
• Customer Interactions – Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with Thurston County staff and the public.

 

WHO WE ARE: 

The Thurston County Public Works Department, located in Olympia, Washington, is a national award-winning agency in delivering quality projects to our community.  Our mission is to provide excellent public services in all areas of our business.  We actively help our staff develop and grow professionally, we bring together resources across divisions to achieve organizational goals, we are always ready to respond to community needs, and we are an American Public Works Association-accredited agency, consistently meeting industry best practices benchmarks.

Our Core Values:

• Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and the resulting outcomes.
• Customer Service – We provide our customers with the highest level of service and quality.
• Innovation – We strive to continuously improve processes, performance, and results.
• Safety – We demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to safety.
• Teamwork – We work together toward achieving a common recognized end.

 

Mission – To provide excellent public services in all areas of our business.

Vision – The premier public works organization, accountable and transparent in all services we provide to our community.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage.

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family.  Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County-paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program that allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

 

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities, including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capital city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmers’ markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that it may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a field closely related to the specific position. Additional experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience related to public program and policy development at a regional level, including experience working with elected officials.
• Demonstrated competence in the principles and practices of public policy development and administration.  Must be able to demonstrate competency in supervising personnel involved in program implementation and in establishing and controlling budgets.
• Current Washington State Driver’s License or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.
• Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.
• Depending upon the area of assignment, a specialized certification or accreditation may be required of the position.

 

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Extensive knowledge of current principles and practices relating to planning, public policy development and implementation of programs related to solid waste management.
• Ability to create innovative programs and projects in response to community needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial public policy issues or service.
• Strong business leadership and management skills.
• Strong project management, organizational, and prioritization skills.

 

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact Jeff Bickford, Solid Waste Manager, 360-867-2902 or jeff.bickford@co.thurston.wa.us

This position is:

• Not represented by a Union
• Not eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Eligible for benefits

 

Items required for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest

 

Learn more about Thurston County at: Thurston County 

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498.  Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.