Director of Environmental Resources

Olmsted County has earned the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work - Southeast Minnesota designation

Under general direction, leads the implementation of Olmsted County’s solid waste management system. Directs the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of programs to meet identified needs. Sets goals, objectives, and policies. Researches, analyzes, and evaluates Olmsted County’s solid waste management system. Directs and leads staff in the implementation of programs and services including the landfill, recycling center, compost site, hazardous waste, and waste-to-energy facility. This position requires considerable independent judgment, with decisions having County-wide and regional fiscal, environmental and public opinion impact.

• Directs the overall management of Environmental Resources programs, services, staff, and environmental resources management facilities.
• Presents Environmental Resources programs and projects to the Physical Development Division Administrator, Deputy County Administrator, County Administrator and Board of Commissioners for review and approval.
• Interprets and explains laws and regulations affecting Environmental Resources projects and programs.
• Develops long-term capital improvement plans and other programs and budgets for Environmental Resources and coordinates with officials from other jurisdictions on joint efforts.
• Directs the development and implementation of the solid waste management plan.
• Recommends and authorizes hiring, transfer, suspension, promotion, discharge, assignments, reward and discipline of employees, direction of the work and adjustment of other employees' grievances on behalf of the employer.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Thorough knowledge of the operations of Olmsted County’s Environmental Resources programs.
• Thorough knowledge of the technical engineering aspects of solid waste disposal, design, and maintenance.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations as well as County policy affecting environmental health and regulated activities.
• Knowledge of organizational management principles, methods, and procedures.
• Knowledge of the operational aspects in a steam generated plant using waste materials as fuel.
• Skill in planning, organizing, supervising, and directing the work of others.
• Skill in written, verbal, and interpersonal communication including speaking, presenting, and interacting with professionalism.
• Skill in the use of computers and technology.
• Skill in working effectively with all levels of government, staff, and the public.
• Ability to plan programs, delegate tasks and responsibility, and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work and effectively multi-task.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to develop and lead the implementation of policy.
• Ability to resolve problems.

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.