Senior Policy Coordinator - Solid Waste & Recycling

Note: This job will be posted through 11:59 PM of the day prior to the end date listed.

Current Washington County Employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

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About the Opportunity:

Washington County’s Solid Waste & Recycling (SW&R) Division within Health & Human Services (HHS) is seeking a detail-oriented, collaborative, policy-focused professional to serve as our next Senior Policy Coordinator. This position strengthens the County’s regulatory framework, supports complex code and rule updates, manages advisory bodies, and ensures alignment with evolving state and regional environmental policies.

This role is ideal for someone who excels at interpreting policy, coordinating regulatory processes, managing stakeholder engagement, and supporting program implementation in a dynamic environment.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Regulatory & Code Management Oversee the updating and administration of County Codes and Administrative Rules for solid waste collection, disposal, nuisance, and noise. Ensure alignment with state and regional requirements; recommend clarity focused updates; and manage full amendment processes, including interested party engagement and presentations to the advisory committees and the Board of Commissioners. Serve as the division’s primary resource on rule interpretation, supporting enforcement cases, community inquiries, and official communications, while conducting compliance monitoring and maintaining required records.

• Periodic Certificate Reviews (Sanitary Service Certificates) Lead the four-year review cycle for all certificated haulers, develop review tools, assess compliance, prepare formal summaries, and present findings to advisory committee. Identify and communicate required corrective actions and support ongoing compliance with County Code 8.04.214.

• Garbage & Recycling Advisory Committee (GRAC) Management Manage GRAC operations including monthly meetings, special events, member recruitment, onboarding, and tracking. Prepare agendas, staff reports, training materials, and follow up documentation to ensure the committee can effectively advise on solid waste system decisions.

• Regional & State Policy Engagement Participate in regional and state policy related meetings, work sessions and regional forums. Support County participation in statewide and regional policy development, represent local positions, and prepare materials.

• Franchise Agreement Management Manage renewal and compliance oversight for Solid Waste Disposal Site Franchise Agreements under County Code Chapter 8.08. Coordinate negotiations, prepare supporting documents, oversee the renewal process, and ensure franchise operations meet regulatory expectations.

• Division Leadership & Internal Support Contribute to division leadership discussions, represent SW&R in departmental and Board settings, and provide policy insight that supports program development and staff learning. Apply community responsive and inclusive decision-making practices that advance division goals. Supervise staff and provide leadership grounded in:
  • emotional intelligence, self-awareness and humility
  • active listening and collaborative problem-solving and change management
  • a steady presence, follow-through and reliability
  • transparency and clear communication
  • the ability to make people feel valued and supported
  • respect for various experiences and perspectives

Work Schedule:

May be eligible for a hybrid work schedule including remote work. Some evening or weekend work may be needed depending on the business needs.

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

If you are motivated by public service and community impact this role offers an exciting opportunity. Our work supports fair access to services for all communities and honors the diverse experiences of the people we serve. We strive to build an environment where staff feel respected, heard, and able to contribute fully and we are looking for a leader who shares that commitment.

The ideal candidate brings strong analytical, communication, and policy-development skills through a community-centered and inclusive approach.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Skilled in interpreting, applying, and revising regulatory frameworks.
• Confident presenting complex policy issues to advisory committees, elected officials, and partner agencies.
• Adept at managing long-term projects with attention to detail and consistency.
• Comfortable working in a politically visible environment and navigating diverse viewpoints.
• Effective at building collaborative relationships across internal teams, external agencies, regulated entities, and the community.
• Motivated by public service, accountable follow-through, and clear communication.

Senior Policy Coordinator is a working title. To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link: Senior Program Coordinator-Solid Waste & Recycling Classification Specification

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in environmental management, public policy, or a related field; AND three (3) years of work experience in the environmental field. OR
• Bachelor's degree in environmental management, public policy, or a related field; AND five (5) years of work experience in the environmental field. OR
• Associate Degree in environmental management, public policy, or related fields; AND seven (7) years of work experience in the environmental field. OR
• Nine (9) years of work experience in the environmental field.

About the Division:

The Solid Waste & Recycling division is responsible for:

• Regulating and enforcing private-sector service providers that collect, store, transfer, and dispose of solid waste in a franchised/certificated system.
• Enforcing County code related to solid waste, noise and nuisance.
• Developing and implementing services, waste reduction programs, public education and compliance frameworks to serve County-developed initiatives or to comply with regional or state government requirements.
• Planning and coordinating with city partners to ensure compliance with regional and state requirements.

Selection Process:

You can review our standard selection process here.

Our commitment to you:

Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community.

Veterans' Preference:

If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act:

Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or email: [email protected] at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Status of Your Application:

You will be advised by email of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email.

Notice: Washington County is currently undergoing a comprehensive classification and compensation study. The purpose of this project is to create new job descriptions and create new classification and compensation systems. Outcomes of the project will include changes to classification titles, which could impact compensation structures. No one will have their pay rate lowered because of this project. For represented positions, appropriate bargaining processes will be utilized prior to implementation.

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