Manager III, Monitoring and Planning Section Chief (Manager III, Grade M3)
Apply NowCompany: Montgomery County, MD
Location: Silver Spring, MD 20902
Description:
Salary : $95,788.00 - $169,555.00 Annually
Location : 2425 Reedie Dr Wheaton MD 20902 USA
Job Type: Permanent
Job Number: 2025 - 00079
Department: Department of Environmental Protection
Division: DEP 80 Monitoring and Planning
Opening Date: 02/18/2025
Closing Date: 3/11/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt
About the Position
The expected salary range for this role on hire is $95,788 to $165,312
WHO WE ARE
The (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 (). The MAP Section is integral to the county's water quality monitoring, stormwater management, and watershed planning efforts. 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:
The successful candidate will have the skill and ability to:
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:
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.
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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position.
Montgomery County Government(MCG) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should email OHR at OHR@montgomerycountymd.gov. Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws.
MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.
All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant's responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria or interview preference status. Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on the Eligible List as a "Lateral Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview.
This will establish an Eligible List that may be used to fill both current and future vacancies.
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 Ethics Law: Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website.
Leave Benefits
Our generous leave package starts with non-MLS permanent and term employees earning 15 days of sick leave and 15 days of annual leave in their first year, as well as up to three additional personal days each calendar year. Positions in MLS earn 35 days of paid time off each year. In addition, we offer all employees 10 paid holidays. Our leave policies adhere to the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, and we provide six weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.
Retirement Benefits
All permanent and term positions are eligible for robust retirement plans. Public safety positions are eligible for a defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after only five years. Employees in non-public safety positions can participate in retirement plans that contribute up to 12 percent of their annual salary. All employees can also participate in a supplemental retirement plan, the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, to contribute even more to their retirement goals.
Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Forgiveness
Montgomery County employees are eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Participants who meet all requirements may qualify for forgiveness on the remaining balance on their Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time in a qualifying public service position. To learn more about PSLF, please visit the Student Loan Repayment Benefits page. Our tuition assistance program allows you to receive up to $2,130 annually in tuition assistance to help you achieve a degree that supports your career path.
Free Mass Transit Benefit
County employees are entitled to use the RideOn Bus service for free with a valid County-employee ID. This benefit can be used any time of the day or evening, including weekends. We also offer a pre-tax flexible spending account to reduce the cost of other mass-transit options such as MARC trains and Metro.
Reduced Child and Health Care Costs
Working for Montgomery County also entitles permanent and term employees to participate in healthcare and childcare Flexible Spending Accounts. These plans allow eligible employees to save on a pretax basis for healthcare and dependent care costs incurred during the plan year.
Employee Wellbeing
We deeply care about your holistic wellness. Our award-winning wellness program, LiveWell, will support you in improving and maintaining your physical, mental, financial, social, and intellectual well-being.
Learn more about our wonderful benefits available to you once you join our team. Montgomery County Benefits
01
MQ Question MANAGER III (000112)
What is your highest level of completed education?
02
MQ Question MANAGER III (000112)
How many years of progressively professional experience do you have 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?
03
(MQ Question MANAGER III (00112)
Do you possess and currently maintain a VALID driver's license from your state of residence?
04
MQ Question MANAGER III (00112)
Do you have a Degree in environmental planning, landscape architecture, natural resources, environmental science or studies, or a related field from an accredited college or university?
Required Question
Location : 2425 Reedie Dr Wheaton MD 20902 USA
Job Type: Permanent
Job Number: 2025 - 00079
Department: Department of Environmental Protection
Division: DEP 80 Monitoring and Planning
Opening Date: 02/18/2025
Closing Date: 3/11/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt
About the Position
The expected salary range for this role on hire is $95,788 to $165,312
WHO WE ARE
The (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 (). The MAP Section is integral to the county's water quality monitoring, stormwater management, and watershed planning efforts. 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:
- Manage the MAP Section's operating and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budgets.
- Oversee grant management, including applying for, administering, and reporting on state, federal, and non-profit grants.
- Management & Supervision of MAP Section Staff:
- Manage a diverse workforce
- Supervise and provide leadership to MAP Section staff, ensuring effective performance and achievement of goals.
- MS4 Coordination & Watershed Planning:
- 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.
- Oversee MS4-related implementation and coordination activities and reporting
- Manage the development and implementation of watershed planning, watershed assessments, and TMDL implementation efforts.
- Water Supply & Wastewater Policy Management:
- Lead the development of water and sewer category change requests and policy updates for the County's Comprehensive Water Supply and Sewerage Services Plan.
- Oversee DEP's management of well and septic systems, water reuse initiatives, and policies related to underserved communities.
- Stream Monitoring & Special Protection Areas:
- Ensure planning and execution of countywide stream monitoring and Special Protection Area (SPA) program monitoring.
- 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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position.
Montgomery County Government(MCG) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should email OHR at OHR@montgomerycountymd.gov. Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws.
MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.
All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant's responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria or interview preference status. Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on the Eligible List as a "Lateral Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview.
This will establish an Eligible List that may be used to fill both current and future vacancies.
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 Ethics Law: Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website.
Leave Benefits
Our generous leave package starts with non-MLS permanent and term employees earning 15 days of sick leave and 15 days of annual leave in their first year, as well as up to three additional personal days each calendar year. Positions in MLS earn 35 days of paid time off each year. In addition, we offer all employees 10 paid holidays. Our leave policies adhere to the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, and we provide six weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.
Retirement Benefits
All permanent and term positions are eligible for robust retirement plans. Public safety positions are eligible for a defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after only five years. Employees in non-public safety positions can participate in retirement plans that contribute up to 12 percent of their annual salary. All employees can also participate in a supplemental retirement plan, the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, to contribute even more to their retirement goals.
Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Forgiveness
Montgomery County employees are eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Participants who meet all requirements may qualify for forgiveness on the remaining balance on their Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time in a qualifying public service position. To learn more about PSLF, please visit the Student Loan Repayment Benefits page. Our tuition assistance program allows you to receive up to $2,130 annually in tuition assistance to help you achieve a degree that supports your career path.
Free Mass Transit Benefit
County employees are entitled to use the RideOn Bus service for free with a valid County-employee ID. This benefit can be used any time of the day or evening, including weekends. We also offer a pre-tax flexible spending account to reduce the cost of other mass-transit options such as MARC trains and Metro.
Reduced Child and Health Care Costs
Working for Montgomery County also entitles permanent and term employees to participate in healthcare and childcare Flexible Spending Accounts. These plans allow eligible employees to save on a pretax basis for healthcare and dependent care costs incurred during the plan year.
Employee Wellbeing
We deeply care about your holistic wellness. Our award-winning wellness program, LiveWell, will support you in improving and maintaining your physical, mental, financial, social, and intellectual well-being.
Learn more about our wonderful benefits available to you once you join our team. Montgomery County Benefits
01
MQ Question MANAGER III (000112)
What is your highest level of completed education?
- N/A
- High School/GED
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Juris Doctor
- Doctorate
02
MQ Question MANAGER III (000112)
How many years of progressively professional experience do you have 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?
- No Experience
- 1-2 Year's Experience
- 3 Year's Experience
- 4 Year's Experience
- 5 Year's Experience
- 6 Year's Experience
- 7 Year's Experience
- 8 Year's Experience
- 9+ Year's Experience
03
(MQ Question MANAGER III (00112)
Do you possess and currently maintain a VALID driver's license from your state of residence?
- Yes
- No
04
MQ Question MANAGER III (00112)
Do you have a Degree in environmental planning, landscape architecture, natural resources, environmental science or studies, or a related field from an accredited college or university?
- Yes
- No
Required Question