King County

Circular Economy Program Manager


Pay$100568.00 - $127462.40 / year
LocationSeattle/Washington
Employment typeFull-Time

This job is now closed

  • Job Description

      Req#: 4398840
      The Solid Waste Division (SWD), Recycling and Environmental Services Section (RES) is looking for a motivated individual for the planning, development, and execution of a SWD circular economy program. This position will be a Project/Program Manager III classification.

      This is your opportunity to make a difference in your community and to create lasting impacts that benefit the citizens of King County and our precious environment. This position will contribute to implementing innovative and strategic efforts that will advance safety, human and environmental health, inclusive and equitable practices and zero waste of resources in King County. You will be part of a group that works to make positive institutional changes to better serve the public and provide greater benefits to our community.

      In addition to filling the current vacancy, we may use this recruitment to create a list of candidates for any potential vacancies in similar positions within the next 12 months.

      About this Role:
      The role requires strong innovation skills and coordinates with multiple stakeholders, analysis, research, planning and policy development and contract management, all aimed at strengthening markets for recycled materials and diverting material from disposal, in line with SWD’s strategic goals. Work is performed independently and in close coordination with other program managers and the RES Supervisor/Manager. The position plays an important role in shaping and delivering SWD plans and programs that will move the region to a more circular, low-carbon and equitable future for all. This position performs work remotely and onsite.

      About the Team:
      The King County Solid Waste Division (KCSWD) is responsible for the public solid waste system that serves the people and communities of unincorporated King County and most cities within King County. KCSWD is the lead King County Agency for delivering Zero Waste of Resources (ZWoR) goal for the region, which will reduce valuable materials sent to the landfill by up to 70%. KCSWD operates the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, ten transfer facilities, nine closed landfills, and many programs to design out waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use and regenerate natural systems.

      The Recycling and Environmental Services (RES) Section leads the Division’s efforts on prevention, reuse, recycling, product stewardship/EPR, policy, market development, environmental stewardship, the circular economy, Re+, green building, household hazardous waste collection, school education, grant program management, and resource recovery, waste stream integrity, and several compliance programs including on waste stream compliance & enforcement.

      Opportunity to Learn More: We invite you to join an MS Teams Meeting Open House to learn more about this position. A current supervisor from the RES section will be available to describe the work culture and job duties and there will be an opportunity for participants to ask questions. We will hold this event on Wednesday, February 21st from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. To participate in the meeting, Click here to join the meeting. To join audio-only, please dial 425-653-6586 and use the Meeting ID: 494 511 107#

      If you are unable to join the Open House at the above time, we will have a second session on Thursday, February 29th, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. To participate in the meeting, Click here to join the meeting. To join audio-only, please dial 425-653-6586 and use the Meeting ID: 295 627 639#

      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. As a Circular Economy Program Manager, 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.
      • Implement the RE+ plan, fast-start initiatives and other programs that support SWD plans and goals.
      • Coordinate RES Re+ project implementation and planning.
      • Coordinate RES King County Strategic Climate Action Planning and program development.
      • Coordinate RES King County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management planning.
      • Manage the Circular Economy Contract procurement, negotiation, and ongoing administration.
      • Provide in-depth program management to sustain current markets and develop new markets for recycled products with a focus on compost, other organics, paper, plastic, and other materials as appropriate.
      • Manage the NextCycle Renew Seed Grant process and awards.
      Qualifications You Bring:
      • Demonstrated experience with environmental program management, planning, technical assistance and/or education including garbage and recycling, climate, circular economy, market development, or product stewardship.
      • Expertise in/willingness to learn state and county solid waste and recycling regulations and garbage, recycling and organics collection systems.
      • Experience in developing public policies to support the advancement of environmental goals.
      • Ability to represent SWD on recycling subject matter in meetings with advisory groups and other public forums.
      • Ability to apply equity and social justice practices to work items, in particular familiarity with the King County Equity Impact Review process.
      • Demonstrated knowledge and experience of financial systems relevant to public agencies.
      • Demonstrated skills in managing projects involving multi-agency teams and developing effective networks to accomplish program goals.
      • Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships and partnerships with a variety of partners, stakeholders, and interest groups, including, but not limited to various county and/or state agencies, organizations, and associations.
      • Demonstrated ability to work with various project teams to achieve results within specified deadlines.
      • Ability to successfully work with multidisciplinary teams, matrix-based organizational structures, and coalitions.

      Competencies You Bring:
      • Racially Just - Ability to apply anti-racist and Equity, Social and Racial Justice principles at work
      • Decision Quality - Skilled in making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
      • Drives Engagement - Able to create a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.
      • Effective Communication - Able to adapt approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
      • Collaborates - Skilled in building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
      • Business Insight - Applies knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization’s goals.
      • Global Perspective - Table to take a broad view when approaching issues, using a global lens.
      • Strategic Mindset - Able to envision future possibilities and translate them into breakthrough strategies.

      It Would be Great if You Also Bring:
      • Demonstrated experience developing and managing environmental programs related to circular economy in a solid waste and recycling industry or other regulated public service.
      • Experience engaging and working with external partners on policy areas.
      • Strong ability to collaborate with other project managers.
      Working Conditions:
      • Remote and Onsite Work Details: Employees in this role work remotely from a home location, with onsite reporting requirements typically monthly. The frequency of onsite work is determined by business needs and may be adjusted accordingly. Onsite reporting locations may be at various King County worksites including the collaboration space at King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104). This work arrangement promotes work-life balance and reduces carbon footprint under the department’s vision of Green Where We Work.
      • Remote Work Location Requirement: Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance of King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements.
      • Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible.
      • Union Representation: This position is represented by Teamsters 117.
      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 one or more panel interviews.

      A complete application is required. To apply, submit a Complete Application and cover letter. A Resume is highly recommended but is optional. Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

      Please click here for related opportunities in our team: Project/Program Manager III (Flow Control and Budget Analyst), Low-Income Discount Program Manager.

      For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Prakash Meloottu at prakash.meloot@kingcounty.gov

      Discover More About the Solid Waste Division: Visit our website at 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 Americans 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.
  • About the company

      King County is located in the US state of Washington.

Notice

Talentify is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Talentify provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities, including disabled veterans. Request assistance at accessibility@talentify.io or 407-000-0000.

Federal law requires every new hire to complete Form I-9 and present proof of identity and U.S. work eligibility.

An Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) will score your job-related skills and responses. Bias-audit & data-use details: www.talentify.io/bias-audit-report. NYC applicants may request an alternative process or accommodation at aedt@talentify.io or 407-000-0000.