Assistant Director

Stanislaus County; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanislaus County’s Department of Environmental Resources seeks an Assistant Director who will provide strategic leadership across Environmental Health, Code Enforcement, Solid Waste, Hazardous Materials, and related programs. The role requires collaboration with staff, elected officials, partner agencies, and the public to advance the department’s mission.

The ideal candidate will balance regulatory compliance with operational excellence, mentor future leaders, and drive innovations that

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Studies, Public or Business Administration, or related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible management experience in Environmental Health, Hazardous Materials, Fiscal Management, or Groundwater Management, including at least two years at a senior level.
• Desirable qualifications include a Master’s degree in a related field or MOLO SWANA certification.

Responsibilities

• Advise and consult with the Board of Supervisors, County leadership, department staff, and stakeholders on environmental resource matters and contracts.
• Enforce applicable environmental, public health, and related laws, regulations, policies, and departmental standards.
• Oversee budgeting, grants, funding applications, and fiscal accountability for department programs.
• Prepare and review reports, data, and performance metrics to evaluate workload and outcomes.
• Coordinate programs with County departments and partner agencies to achieve shared objectives.
• Represent the department before boards, agencies, and community groups through meetings and outreach.

Skills

Leadership

Public health

Regulatory enforcement

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Studies, Public or Business Administration, or related field

Job description

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a proven, forward-thinking leader with extensive experience in environmental resources, public health, regulatory enforcement, and organizational leadership. They are a strategic and collaborative professional who inspires high-performing teams, builds strong partnerships, and drives innovative solutions to complex environmental and community challenges.

About The Opportunity

The ideal candidate is a proven, forward-thinking leader with extensive experience in environmental resources, public health, regulatory enforcement, and organizational leadership. They are a strategic and collaborative professional who inspires high-performing teams, builds strong partnerships, and drives innovative solutions to complex environmental and community challenges.

This individual possesses exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to effectively engage staff, elected officials, partner agencies, industry representatives, and the public. The successful candidate leads with integrity, accountability, and professionalism while fostering a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and continuous improvement.

The candidate demonstrates sound decision-making, operational excellence, and a proactive leadership style. They are equally comfortable in the field, the board room, and the community, balancing regulatory compliance with practical, solution-oriented approaches that strengthen public trust and organizational performance.

Most importantly, this leader is committed to developing people, advancing the department’s mission, and delivering measurable results that protect and enhance the quality of life throughout the County.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: August 14, 2026

Oral Examination: Week of August 24, 2026

To learn more about the Department of Environmental Resources, https://www.stancounty.com/er/

THE POSITION

Under the direction of the Department Head and Board of Supervisors, the Assistant Director helps lead one of California’s most diverse and innovative environmental resource agencies. This position provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for programs including Environmental Health, Code Enforcement, Solid Waste, Hazardous Materials, Landfill Operations, Groundwater Management, and Milk & Dairy.

The Assistant Director serves as a key member of the Department’s executive leadership team, helping guide complex environmental and public health initiatives while building strong partnerships with staff, community stakeholders, elected officials, and partner agencies. This role requires a collaborative, solution-oriented leader capable of balancing regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and customer service while advancing the Department’s mission and long-term strategic vision.

The successful candidate will help drive organizational performance, mentor future leaders, support innovation and cross-functional collaboration, and assist in delivering responsive, high-quality public service to the residents of Stanislaus County.

Questions? We’re Here to Help!

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, the recruitment process, or need assistance with your application, please contact DER-HR at [phone] or [e-mail].

Typical Tasks

• Advise and consult with the Board of Supervisors, County leadership, department staff, and other stakeholders on environmental resource matters; negotiate contracts, agreements, and fees for services provided;


• Enforce applicable environmental, public health, and related laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and departmental standards;


• Administer fee‑for‑service programs and oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of associated funding mechanisms;


• Prepare and submit grant and funding applications; ensure accurate fiscal tracking, reporting, and accountability for awarded funds and expenditures;


• Conduct audits, operational reviews, and efficiency studies to evaluate program performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure compliance with departmental goals and objectives;


• Plan, direct, and oversee departmental operations, including capital improvement projects, functional assignments, implementation of ordinances and statutes, and continuous improvement of policies, procedures, and business practices;


• Develop, administer, and monitor departmental budgets; maintain fiscal accountability through effective expenditure control and resource management;


• Prepare, review, and analyze reports, statistical data, and performance metrics to evaluate departmental workload, accomplishments, operational effectiveness, and emerging issues;


• Collaborate with executive and supervisory staff to resolve complex operational, regulatory, and administrative issues and implement effective solutions;


• Coordinate programs and initiatives with County departments, regulatory agencies, partner organizations, and other governmental entities to achieve shared objectives;


• Represent the department before the Board of Supervisors, public agencies, professional organizations, community groups, and other stakeholders through presentations, meetings, and public outreach;


• Conduct research and prepare correspondence, policy documents, technical reports, recommendations, and other written materials supporting departmental operations and strategic initiatives; and


• Uphold and actively promote the vision, mission, and values of the department and the County; perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

KNOWLEDGE

• State and Federal Solid Waste, Milk and Dairy, Hazardous Materials, Groundwater Management, Code Enforcement and Environmental Health and Sanitation Law;


• Principles and practices of public health, particularly environmental health, sanitation inspection and investigation;


• Administrative principles and techniques including organization, budgeting, personnel, and supervision;


• Principles of accounting as related to billing and collection systems;


• Grant procedures and requirements;


• Objectives and organization of the Environmental Resources Department;


• Regulations, practices and trends in environmental resources;


• Practices and procedures related to the management and administration of local government;


• Budget development, justification, presentation, and administration of local government funds and grants;


• Federal, State, and local rules, regulations, and guidelines related to occupational and regulatory requirements, reporting, and practices; and


• Current legislation affecting environmental resources.

Skills/Abilities

• Effective leadership;


• Work collaboratively with County departments, Federal, State, and local agency staff;


• Implement business improvement processes;


• Plan and project review, approval process abilities for environmental resources and capital improvement projects;


• Formulate and interpret policy and procedures;


• Understand statutes and regulations and explain their application to others;


• Prepare and administer a budget;


• Work effectively under stressful and/or sensitive situations; and


• Speak and write effectively, as well as propose clear and concise records and reports.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Studies, Public or Business Administration, Public Health, Health Science or related field; AND


• Five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience in Environmental Health, Hazardous Materials, Fiscal Management, or Groundwater Management including at least two (2) years of experience comparable to the Manager IV level at Stanislaus County.

Proof of education and certification may be required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call [phone] to make other arrangements. Failure to submit proof will result in disqualification.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening will focus on the following desirable qualifications. Please list any of these qualifications you may have within the "Duties" section of the online application.

• Master’s degree in environmental engineering, Public or Business Administration, Public Health, Health Science or related field; OR


• Five (5) years' experience as a manager supervising Environmental Resource Programs; OR


• Registered Environmental Health Specialist or equivalent; OR


• Proof of a current eligibility letter from the California Department of Health Services; OR


• Possession of a Manager of Landfill Operations (MOLO) Certification from the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA).

GENERAL INFORMATION

CLASSIFICATION INFORMATION

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Unclassified Service of the County and considered “at will” for labor relations purposes. The individual selected will participate in the Stanislaus County Pay-for-Performance program, as well as receive additional benefits.

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab.

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County.

Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

RECRUITMENT ACCOMMODATIONS

Arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities and religious convictions. Applicants requiring testing accommodations are required to complete and submit the Testing Accommodations Request Form prior to the test administration date. Special arrangements for religious convictions should be included in the "Additional Information" section of the application form.

General Qualifications

• Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.


• Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.


• Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.


• Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements.

APPLICATION AND/OR EXAMINATION APPEAL RIGHTS

Application and/or examination results may be appealed by applicants presenting facts alleging irregularity, fraud and/or error in application screening or in exam scoring. Appeals must be in writing and submitted to the Chief Executive Officer within seven (7) days after the examination results are emailed.

DISCLAIMER

Stanislaus County reserves the right to revise the examination plan described in this flyer to better meet the needs of County service. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The information contained in the bulletin is information which sets forth a general summary of benefits for this respective position. This information is not legally binding. The benefits and other information regarding this position may be found in the Stanislaus County Code, the Stanislaus County Personnel Policies manual, or in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s), and such information prevails over information contained in this flyer. Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office/Human Relations.

Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary.