Senior Planning Specialist (Zero Waste Programs), Grade 25

Montgomery County (MD); Wheaton, Rockville (MD, MD); On-site; USD 86,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in Montgomery County seeks a Senior Planning Specialist to advance zero waste programs. You will collect and analyze data, design new policies, and reduce waste and increase recycling countywide.

The role requires five years of experience in waste reduction, a bachelor’s degree in a planning-related field, and strong communication and project-management skills. Occasional field work and driving a County vehicle are involved.

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in planning, developing, and/or implementing waste reduction and recycling programs.
• Bachelor's degree in planning or related environmental field.
• Valid driver’s license when required for duties.
• Equivalency allowed.
• Preference for candidates with government waste policies experience.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze policy proposals for cost, stakeholders, and diversion.
• Identify gaps in waste management and coordinate program implementations.
• Review data on waste generation and recycling to guide future efforts.
• Develop new or enhanced waste reduction programs and policies.
• Prepare policy proposals and guidance documents.
• Collaborate with DEP and County staff to align programs.
• Deliver field work and occasional site visits.

Skills

Zero Waste knowledge

Research and analysis

Communication skills

Stakeholder relations

Project management

Waste policy experience

Program development

Public speaking

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning

Job description

PLEASE NOTE:

The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be

$85,937 to $134,915,

based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience

WHO WE ARE

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.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Planning Specialist to join the Zero Waste Programs Division (ZWPD).

The successful candidate will have the ability to collect and analyze complex information to recommend innovative, effective ways to reduce waste disposal in the County and design new programs and policies to move the County closer to zero waste.

Specifically, the ideal candidate will have:

• Thorough knowledge of the strategies for and approaches to Zero Waste.
• Excellent research and analysis skills, including the ability to analyze and interpret numerical research data and evaluate the impacts of current or proposed programs and initiatives to reduce waste and increase recycling.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to persuade and to present complex information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private sector representatives.
• Skill in project management and supervision of technical studies
• Experience in Zero Waste programming, including development of plans, procedures, laws, regulations and programs.
• Experience in developing new and improving existing programs to reduce waste, reuse and recycle more.
• Experience presenting, explaining, justifying and defending complex solid waste related mandates, policies and issues to various audiences and segments of the community.
• Experience managing projects and technical studies pertaining to waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, including multiple deliverables, milestones and deadlines.

This position will be responsible for identifying and planning strategies to reduce waste, increase recycling, and help drive the County closer to zero waste.

Key duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Researching and analyzing information, evaluating impacts of policy and program proposals in terms of cost effectiveness, stakeholder impact, and likely diversion.
• Identifying gaps and areas for improvement in the County's waste management and recycling programs; and recommending, planning, and coordinating the implementation of new and enhanced waste reduction and recycling programs, policies, and technologies
• Compiling information and research on policies, programs, and technologies in use in other jurisdictions to determine their feasibility in Montgomery County.
• Reviewing and analyzing data on waste generation and recycling to identify gaps in programs and policies to target future efforts.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of current recycling and waste reduction programs to identify areas for additional focus.
• Comprehensively plan new and enhanced programs, including identifying relevant steps, timelines, resource needs, and communication plans.
• Writing policy proposals, including new or amended regulations, bills, and/or guidance documents.
• Creating and communicating compelling and data-supported justifications for the adoption of new programs and policies, including for internal and external audiences.
• Developing programs to address near‑tto​-prevent??*??*
• Working closely with other DEP and County representatives to incorporate feedback and ensure that new programs are designed to be feasible and coordinated with existing programs.
• Identifying and planning near‑tto​-priority Actions that can be taken to make meaningful program quickly on priority Issues.
• Working with other planning staff in the ZWPD to develop short-, medium-, and long-range plans and projections layout out the County's path toward zero waste.

This position involves occasional field work which includes site visits to solid waste, recycling, and other facilities.

This position requires the ability to attend meetings or perform work at locations outside the office.

This position requires possession of a valid driver's license and the ability to drive a County vehicle to attend site visits, stakeholder meetings, and other events outside the office.

This position requires completion of a pre-employment Medical History Form to assess your ability to safely perform the essential duties of the role.

This position is designated as one that requires filing a Financial Disclosure Statement and you will be required to disclose information about your financial affairs.

Occasional evening or weekend work outside of normal business hours may be required.

To ensure a positive workplace and to comply with federal, state and County laws, the incumbent is responsible for completing mandatory trainings within the first three to six months or within the specified timeframe.

Experience

Five (5) years of experience in planning, developing, and/or implementing waste reduction and recycling programs, policies, or initiatives.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in an appropriate planning specialization or related field such as environmental studies, environmental science, environmental policy, planning, engineering, public administration, public policy, economics, political science, or related field.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of education or experience may be substituted.

License

Possession of a valid Class "C" (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant's state of residence when required for job-related duties.

Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following.

• Experience developing a new or improved program that had a quantifiable impact on reducing waste or recycling more.
• Background in federal, state, or local government waste and recycling policies, programs, and initiatives.
• Experience presenting, explaining, justifying and defending complex solid waste related mandates, policies and issues to various audiences and segments of the community.
• Experience managing projects and technical studies pertaining to waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, including multiple deliverables, milestones and deadlines.
• Experience developing metrics and other methods of evaluating the impact of recycling outreach or other behavior change strategies.