Manager III (Monitoring and Planning Section Chief), Grade M3
Montgomery County Government
Department of Environmental Protection
2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, Maryland 20902

Salary Range: $95,788 to $169,555

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.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Section Chief for the Monitoring and Planning (MAP) Section (Manager III). The Section Chief will be responsible for managing the operations of the MAP Section, overseeing staff, and coordinating, planning and reporting on progress towards fulfillment of MS4 permit requirements, ensuring effective implementation of stormwater management projects and programs, monitoring activities, water supply and wastewater policies, and federal, state and non-profit grant management.

The successful candidate will have considerable knowledge of:

Principles and practices of environmental policy and planning
Clean Water Act, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Discharge Permit (MS-4) requirements and process
Environmental programs designed to improve water quality
Local, state and federal water quality laws and regulation
Water supply and wastewater policies
Watershed planning, MS-4 coordination and reporting, water quality monitoring, and water supply/wastewater policy management
Principles of supervision and leadership
Principles and practices of contract management, procurement, budget development and financial management, and human resources management.

The successful candidate will have the skill and ability to:

Lead or participate in consensus building forums among governmental and private sector organizations.
Negotiate agreements with governmental and private sector organizations.
Communicate effectively through both oral and written communications to defenses of and justifications for recommended courses of action.
Deal tactfully, effectively and equitability with people.
Effectively supervise and lead diverse teams in achieving programmatic goals of planned objectives.
Analyze, interpret, and apply the laws, regulations, policies and procedures pertinent to the management of the MAP Section
Strategically plan, organize, coordinate, and administer the operations of multiple organizational units
Control large scale critical assignments through program/project planning techniques.
Attend meetings or perform work assignments at locations outside of the office and at the office.

The successful candidate will preferably have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, studies, planning, conservation, ecology, biology, sustainability, engineering, or similar environmental degree.

Why Join Us? Montgomery County is committed to sustainability, innovation, and improving the quality of life for its residents. As a Section Chief in the Watershed Restoration Division, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on water quality and environmental protection efforts at a local, regional, and even state level. The position offers a dynamic work environment, a supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
The Watershed Restoration Division (WRD) is dedicated to protecting water resources through science-based planning, monitoring, and policy development. We work closely with local and regional partners to improve stormwater management, water quality, and plan and implement watershed restoration efforts across the county.

As the Section Chief for Monitoring and Planning within WRD, you will lead a team of professionals in three key areas: watershed planning, including MS4 coordination and reporting, water quality monitoring, and water supply/wastewater policy management. The position involves significant coordination with other county departments, state agencies, and regional partners to meet regulatory compliance requirements and to ensure the successful implementation of water quality monitoring, watershed planning and restoration projects.

Key duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
• Financial Administration & Grants Management:
o Manage the MAP Section’s operating and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budgets.
o Oversee grant management, including applying for, administering, and reporting on state, federal, and non-profit grants.

• Management & Supervision of MAP Section Staff:
o Manage a diverse workforce
o Supervise and provide leadership to MAP Section staff, ensuring effective performance and achievement of goals.

• MS4 Coordination & Watershed Planning:
o Serve as the County’s liaison for the MS4 permit, ensuring coordination between DEP, County departments, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), and other agencies.
o Oversee MS4-related implementation and coordination activities and reporting
o Manage the development and implementation of watershed planning, watershed assessments, and TMDL implementation efforts.

• Water Supply & Wastewater Policy Management:
o Lead the development of water and sewer category change requests and policy updates for the County’s Comprehensive Water Supply and Sewerage Services Plan.
o Oversee DEP’s management of well and septic systems, water reuse initiatives, and policies related to underserved communities.

• Stream Monitoring & Special Protection Areas:
o Ensure planning and execution of countywide stream monitoring and Special Protection Area (SPA) program monitoring.
o Manage monitoring activities for MS4 permit requirements, including biological, chloride, bacteria, and other parameters.

This position requires possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a County vehicle to attend meetings, visit sites for field investigations, meet with residents, attend meetings with state officials, and perform other work at locations throughout Montgomery County that may not be accessible via public transportation.

Occasional evening or weekend work outside of normal business hours may be required.

As a manager/supervisor of unionized employees, this position has a responsibility for fostering a positive labor relations environment based on mutual trust, respect, and cooperation.

To ensure a positive workplace and to comply with federal, state and County laws, the incumbent is responsible for completing mandatory trainings within the first three to six months or within the specified timeframe.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the management of programs related to stormwater management and water quality monitoring, planning or policy along with experience in water supply or wastewater/sewerage systems policies.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
License: Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid Class “C” (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant’s state of residence

PREFERRED CRITERIA, INTERVIEW PREFERENCES
All Applicants will be reviewed by the Office of Human Resources (OHR) for minimum qualifications. Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be rated “Qualified,” placed on the Eligible List, and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade or higher will be placed on the Eligible List as a “Transfer” candidate and may be considered for an interview.

Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following. Please address this information in a separate section of the resume.

Extensive experience with the management of a permitted regulatory compliance program such as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Discharge Permit (MS-4), including experience with water quality monitoring and planning.
Extensive experience in developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with local, state and federal government agencies, non-profits, community organizations and the public
Knowledge of water supply and wastewater policies.
Experience with administration of technical programs including developing and managing budgets; experience with the procurement process; and oversight of contract development and administration.
Experience providing oral communication (such as giving presentations and/or speaking to the public, addressing County Council, senior management), and written communications (such as reports, decision memos, letters, proposals, presentations, policy and budget recommendations, etc.) to convey information.
Experience in managing a diverse work force, supervising professional staff and managing human resources functions, including coordinating work programs, developing performance plans, conducting performance evaluations, recruiting and hiring employees.
Experience developing strategic plans and program evaluation criteria for complex technical programs.

If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.

Montgomery County Government offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

To view the complete job announcement, review our comprehensive benefits and to apply,
please visit Manager III, Monitoring and Planning Section Chief (Manager III, Grade M3).
The Job Number for the Manager III recruitment is 2025-00079.
Interested candidates must create an online account in order to apply.

This Recruitment Closes March 11, 2025.

If interested in other DEP job opportunities,
please filter by “Department” and click on Department of Environmental Protection.

All resume submissions must address the preferred criteria for the position,
preferably in a separate section of the resume.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Resume Preparation Tips
listed under the “Career Resources” tab at https://www.Work4MCG.com

EOE. M/F/H.

Montgomery County, MD Government

New Jobs

Manager III (Monitoring and Planning Section Chief)