Description
Responsible for managing the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability, overseeing the department’s employees and budget. Supervises personnel across six divisions including regulatory, sustainability, and administrative divisions. Coordinates with local governments, U.S. and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials to coordinate information and enforce environmental protection laws. Spearheads the County’s efforts to foster sustainable communities and achieve environmental justice. Collaborates with other Cook County bureaus, departments, government agencies at all levels, community organizations, private, nonprofit, and philanthropic partners to advance the department’s work. Apprises the Chief Administrative Officer and Cook County President and Board of Commissioners of environment and sustainability activities and initiatives. Provides expertise on the County’s regulations, policies, personnel and budget. Recommends policy, programs and ordinances. Approves work projects and staff assignments in accordance with priorities established in conjunction with the Chief Administrative Officer and President’s Office.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Responsible for the development and implementation of policies, programs and other executive functions to ensure ordinances related to environmental control are enforced.
Creates and implements new policies, programs and rules for environmental control for purposes of reduction of pollution.
Oversees all environmental permitting, inspection and enforcement operations and directs staff in coordinating with the Cook County Department of Administrative Hearings.
Identifies gaps in service for residents, businesses and municipalities and recommends programs and investments to support sustainability and environmental justice within Cook County.
Collaborates with internal and external partners to guide sustainability initiatives and investments, effectively tracks performance and progress, and report findings to stakeholders.
Advises on sustainability practices within Cook County operations and collaborates closely with other Bureaus and Departments to implement these practices. Recommends sustainability initiatives and assists in their implementation across County government.
Defines and communicates sustainability messaging to Cook County leadership, sets strategic sustainability goals, and works to embed sustainability in decision-making across County government.
Directs the overall business and program operations of the Department ensuring compliance with all government environmental regulations and overseeing all sustainability and other program responsibilities.
Responsible for preparing the Department’s budget, including Corporate, Special and Revolving Funds and Grants. Approves expenditures pertinent to appropriated funds.
Coordinates intergovernmental affairs pertaining to environmental matters including execution of all Delegation Agreements with federal and state agencies; maintains liaison activities with Illinois and U.S. EPA officials and other relevant agencies.
Acts as a media spokesperson for the Department, overseeing dissemination of public information related to environmental matters.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Understanding of County, State, and Federal environmental protection laws, including regulations and policies related to air quality monitoring, pollution inspections of industrial/commercial facilities, and solid waste facilities.
Knowledge of sustainability goals and practices in areas such as waste reduction/diversion, clean water, land and air pollution, green stormwater infrastructure, renewable energy, decarbonization, circular economy, and sustainable development.
Knowledge of personnel, financial, and program management policies and procedures, including performance measurement and management.
Understanding of local political units, government organizational and jurisdictional structures, and the organizational structure of Cook County Government with respect to administration and function.
Verbal and written communication skills, capable of engaging with the public, media, local officials, and community-based organizations.
Skilled in personnel management and the application of principles and practices to achieve departmental short- and long-term strategic goals and objectives.
Skilled in preparing detailed administrative reports relevant to departmental activities.
Ability to communicate strategic vision, foster team commitment and establish buy-in to enhance the department.
Ability to apply for and manage large grants to support environmental and sustainability initiatives.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree PLUS a minimum of three (3) years of professional work experience OR, an equivalent combination of professional work experience, training and education.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree
Five (5) years professional work experience in an environmental control supervisory capacity.
Experience in government or policy-development role(s).
Experience in collaborating with partners across various disciplines and industries to effectively advance sustainability initiatives.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Sedentary Work
Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s normal line of work.
EMPLOYMENT TERMS
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Pursuant to the Shakman Consent Decree, Supplemental Relief Order, and the Cook County Personnel this position is exempt from the County’s career service rules, is at-will and political reasons or factors may be considered when taking any employment action. As an employee in a Shakman Exempt position, if you do not currently live in Cook County, you will have six (6) months from date of hire to establish actual residency within Cook County.
