Senior Policy Coordinator - Solid Waste & Recycling

About the role

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.

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; and planning and coordinating with city partners to ensure compliance with regional and state requirements.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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, and respect for various experiences and perspectives.

Skills

• 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.

Requirements

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.

Pay

$95,221.44 - $115,685.64

Schedule

May be eligible for a hybrid work schedule including remote work. Some