Environmental Services Director

Description

The Environmental Services Director is responsible for providing leadership, strategic direction, and overall administration of the Environmental Services Department. This position plans, develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates departmental programs related to land use, planning and zoning, solid waste, water resources, wetlands, environmental health, and other environmental services. The Director oversees departmental operations, develops long‑range strategies, administers budgets and grants, ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, serves as the County Solid Waste Officer, and represents Kandiyohi County on environmental matters with governmental agencies, community organizations, and the public.

• Provides leadership and strategic direction for the Environmental Services Department through long‑range planning, program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Oversees daily departmental operations, staffing, budgeting, and resource management.
• Develops systems and processes that support efficient delivery of environmental services while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and County policies.
• Prepares, administers, and monitors departmental budgets, grants, contracts, and funding opportunities.
• Identifies environmental and environmental health issues and develops policies, programs, and recommendations to address County needs.
• Develops, reviews, updates, and administers County ordinances, policies, and procedures related to land use, planning and zoning, solid waste, wetlands, water resources, environmental health, and related programs.
• Coordinates development and implementation of County and State‑required environmental plans and plan updates.
• Serves as the County Solid Waste Officer.
• Plans, directs, and evaluates the work of boards, committees, commissions, and advisory groups related to environmental services.
• Represents the County before local, regional, state, and federal agencies, community organizations, professional associations, and the public.
• Serves as the primary spokesperson for the County on environmental and environmental health issues.
• Provides leadership, supervision, coaching, mentoring, and performance management for department staff.
• Participates in hiring, employee development, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and succession planning.
• Promotes a collaborative, professional, and respectful work environment while supporting employee growth and development.
• Attends meetings, conferences, public hearings, and training as required, including occasional evening meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree and government or environmental services experience;
• Or a Master’s degree in a related field with experience in government or environmental services;
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job;
• Government or environmental services experience;
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications;
• Valid Minnesota Driver's License.

• Federal, state, and local government organization and operations.
• Environmental laws, regulations, and regulatory processes.
• Planning and zoning principles.
• Wetland Conservation Act requirements.
• Solid waste management principles and regulatory compliance.
• Environmental review processes.
• Budget development and financial management.
• Grant administration and contract management.
• Personnel supervision and performance management.
• Public administration and organizational leadership.
• Policy development and implementation.

• Strategic planning and organizational leadership.
• Budget development and fiscal management.
• Policy analysis and program administration.
• Supervising, coaching, and developing employees.
• Developing collaborative relationships with elected officials, agencies, and community partners.
• Managing multiple priorities and complex projects.
• Exercising sound judgment and independent decision‑making.
• Interpreting and applying laws, regulations, ordinances, and policies.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and recommendations.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing, including…