Environment Science & Compliance Section Manager

About this Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Environmental Science and Compliance Section Manager to lead and oversee environmental compliance operations within a complex and highly regulated solid waste system. This leadership position is responsible for advancing scientific understanding and operational excellence related to storm water, wastewater, leachate, air quality and environmental management while ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations governing active and closed landfill operations.

This is a newly created leadership role designed to build and shape the future of environmental science and compliance within the Solid Waste Division. This is an opportunity to build meaningful environmental initiatives that directly impact sustainability, regulatory excellence, operational performance, and community stewardship. This role is ideal for a forward-thinking leader who is passionate about environmental science, compliance leadership, and building high-performing teams.

Within the first year, you will have the opportunity to build a modern, innovative Environmental Science and Compliance Section recognized for scientific excellence, regulatory credibility, operational partnership, and strategic influence across the organization. Success will include establishing a strong team culture, strengthening compliance performance, improving environmental reporting and data analytics, advancing operational understanding of stormwater, wastewater, and leachate systems, and developing long term environmental strategies that position the Division as an industry leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The Solid Waste Division is tasked with ensuring safe, environmentally protective management of waste and recycling for King County, serving 1.3 million residents. We operate 8 transfer stations, 2 rural drop boxes, and the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill – the only operational landfill in the county. We also maintain custodial responsibility for 9 closed landfills. Our system ensures that unincorporated King County and 37 cities have access to safe, efficient garbage transfer and disposal, and recycling services.

We serve all cities in the county except for Seattle and Milton, which are part of separate solid waste systems.

SWD is committed to the principles of equity and social justice. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences in our workforce and are committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. SWD strives to provide equitable services to residents and businesses across King County.

• Provide executive leadership and strategic oversight for all environmental stewardship, compliance, permitting, and regulatory programs associated with active and closed landfill operations, transfer stations, and maintenance facility.
• Lead the development and advancement of scientific and compliance programs related to storm water, wastewater, leachate, groundwater, air quality, and environmental monitory systems while driving continuous improvement and sustainable operational practices.
• Build, lead, and develop a high performing Environmental Science and Compliance Section within SWD by establishing organizational structure, operational priorities, team culture, accountability standards, and leadership development.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations through oversight of permitting, inspections, audits, compliance reporting, corrective action plans, and regulatory agency coordination.
• Serve as a strategic advisor and cross functional partner by analyzing environmental risks and operational data, influencing organizational strategies, and strengthening relationships with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, consultants, and operational leadership.

• Bachelor’sdegree orhigher, orequivalentexperience in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry,Biology, Geology, or a related scientific field.
• Extensive experience in environmental compliance, landfill operations, solid waste management, or related regulated…