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 newly created role is designed to build and shape the future of environmental science and compliance within the Solid Waste Division. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise, strong regulatory knowledge, and proven executive leadership capabilities. You will 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.

King County is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This position requires the application of these principles in all aspects of the work. Employees are expected to support a welcoming community where everyone can thrive.

• 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 monitoring 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’s degree or higher (or equivalent experience) in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, or a related scientific field.
• Extensive experience in environmental compliance, landfill operations, solid waste management, or a related regulated industry.
• Strong knowledge and demonstrated understanding of federal and state environmental regulations related to active and closed landfills, storm water, wastewater, leachate, groundwater, and air quality compliance.
• Comprehensive understanding of environmental permits, compliance obligations, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated success leading large teams and managing complex environmental programs at an executive or senior leadership level.
• Ability to analyze complex scientific and operational data and translate findings into strategic operational decisions.
• Proven ability to influence cross‑functional teams and drive accountability in a large operational environment.

• Manages Complexity – Making sense of complex, high‑quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Decision Quality – Making good and timely decisions that keep the…