Manager III (Stewardship Programs)
Montgomery County Government
Department of Environmental Protection
2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, Maryland 20902

Salary Range: $86,401 to $152,940

The mission of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is 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.

DEP is seeking an experienced Manager III to lead the new Stewardship Programs (SP) Section within the Watershed Restoration Division.  As the Section Chief, the individual will be responsible for coordinating the delivery of property owner programs designed to reduce stormwater runoff, increase the number of organic lawns, reduce the amount of pesticide usage, increase the number of tree plantings and tree canopy, increase the amount of pet waste disposed of properly from private and public properties, reduce litter, administer community outreach and restoration grants, and associated outreach and education efforts.  The Section is comprised of the Tree Montgomery Program, RainScapes Program, Pet Waste Program, Organic Lawns Program, Litter Program, Watershed Outreach and Education Program, and the Watershed Implementation and Outreach Grants.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Managing professional staff engaged in stewardship programs, including providing a long-term plan and vision of the section, integrating and coordinating work programs, developing performance plans, conducting performance evaluations, recruiting and hiring employees, and creating a collaborative and rewarding workplace environment.
  • Ensuring that the stewardship programs are collectively implemented as a package to public and private property owners and that all programs address racial equity and social justice issues.
  • Developing and managing an operating budget, funded by the Water Quality Protection Charge, in cooperation with other Division Sections and programs including requests for new positions, budget enhancements, contract administration and applying for and securing grants.
  • Developing, implementing, and coordinating all Watershed Restoration Division outreach programs with a specific focus on marginal/frontline communities. This includes developing social media and blog posts, oversight of website improvements and coordination of division outreach events, and all marketing and promotion of division programs.
  • Ensuring that customer satisfaction data including demographic data is collected and utilized to improve program performance and to ensure that the needs of underserved communities are being addressed.
  • Ensuring that all data and reporting requirements are met including individual program metrics and the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit reporting requirements.

The ideal candidate will have considerable knowledge of:

  • Environmental programs designed to improve water quality and wildlife habitat on private and public properties.
  • Principles and practices of environmental policy and planning.
  • Outreach and education principles/practices including social media platforms.
  • Principles of supervision and leadership.
  • Principles and practices of contract management, budget and financial management and human resources management.
  • Clean Water Act, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Discharge Permit (MS-4) requirements and process.
  • Federal, state, and local water quality laws and regulations.

The successful candidate will have the ability to:

  • Deal tactfully, effectively and equitability with all people.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, managers, employees, and the public.
  • Strategically plan, organize, coordinate and administer complex programs.
  • Solve complex administrative and operational problems.
  • Effectively supervise a staff of professional personnel in accomplishment of planned objectives including specific performance plan objectives, and workload allocations.
  • Lead, facilitate and participate in consensus building forums among section staff, other sections, divisions and DEP staff, and other governmental and private sector organizations.
  • Communicate effectively through both oral and written communications to develop justifications and marketing for recommended courses of action.
  • Negotiate agreements with governmental and private sector organizations.
  • Attend meetings or perform work assignments at locations outside of the office and at the office.

This position requires possession and maintenance of a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a County vehicle to attend meetings, visit sites for field investigations, meet with residents, attend meetings with state officials, and perform other work at locations throughout Montgomery County where public transit may not be available.

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

As a manager/supervisor of both unrepresented and unionized employees, this position has a responsibility for fostering a positive working environment based on mutual trust, respect, and cooperation.

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.

For information about Montgomery County Government’s comprehensive benefits package, please visit the MCG Total Rewards webpage and check out our competitive benefits!

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  

Experience:  Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the development and management of environmental restoration, conservation and/or stewardship programs in areas of stormwater/water resources management, habitat restoration, and outreach and education.

Education:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.

Equivalency:  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted. Note: Based upon legislative requirements, some positions may be subject to different minimum qualifications.

License: Possession and maintenance of a valid Class “C” (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant’s state of residence

PREFERRED CRITERIA

There are NO Preferred Criteria Assessments. All Applicants will be reviewed by the Office of Human Resources (OHR) for minimum qualifications.  Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be rated “Qualified”, placed on the eligible list, and may be considered for an interview.  Employees meeting minimum qualifications of the same grade or higher will be placed on the Eligible List as a “Transfer” candidate and may be considered for an interview.

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

  • Bachelor’s Degree in degree in environmental science, studies, planning; conservation; ecology; sustainability; or similar environmental degree.
  • Experience in environmental programs designed to improve water quality and wildlife habitat on private and public properties.
  • Experience in environmental outreach, education, and engagement including social media platforms.
  • Experience in the design and/or implementation of environmental programs that address racial equity and social justice issues.
  • Experience in supervising professional staff and managing human resources functions, including coordinating work programs, developing performance plans, conducting performance evaluations, recruiting and hiring employees.
  • Experience developing and managing budgets, contracts, and engaging in procurement activities.
  • Experience providing oral communication (such as giving presentations and/or speaking to the public, at homeowners’ associations, property managers, and management), and written communications (such as reports, memos/letters, proposals, site plans, etc.) to convey technical information.

If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.

Montgomery County Government offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

To view the complete job announcement and to apply, please visit our website at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HR/Recruitment/MCGCareers.html  
and click on the “Job Openings” tab. Read the full job description under the “Managerial Executive” Job Category. Interested candidates must create an online account in order to apply.

The requisition number is IRC60044.

This Recruitment Closes October 20, 2023.

All resume submissions must address the preferred criteria for the position, which are listed in the full advertisement, preferably in a separate section of the resume.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Resume Preparation Tips listed under the “Career Resources” tab on the Office of Human Resource’s WORK4MCG webpage.

EOE. M/F/H.