Senior Planning Specialist; Zero Waste Programs), Grade 25

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

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.

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.

• 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…