Senior Director of Environment, Sustainability and Engineering

Some of what you'll be doing:

The Port of Seattle is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader for their Sr. Director, Environment, Sustainability & Engineering position.

This critical position will be an integral part of the Port’s executive leadership team. The Sr. Director, Environment, Sustainability & Engineering plays a key role in helping the Port achieve its goal to be the greenest and most energy-efficient port in North America.  Leading a team of professionals and subject matter experts, this position will meet the Port’s goals by meeting all increased energy needs through conservation and renewable sources, meeting or exceeding environmental agency requirements for buildings on, and stormwater leaving, Port owned or operated facilities, reducing air pollutants and carbon emissions, and restoring, creating and enhancing Green/Duwamish/Elliott habitat.  It will also provide strategic oversight to the Engineering and Construction Management staff tasked with managing the Port’s Capital Asset development, providing expansion and upgrades to infrastructure that supports marine and aviation commerce.

The Sr. Director of Environmental Sustainability and Engineering reports directly to the Port’s Chief Operating Officer. They will also partner and collaborate with the Commission, divisions, and departments across the organization to provide leadership, best practices, recommendations on policies and strategies while providing expertise on environmental, sustainability, and engineering issues.  As we strive to become a National Model for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, you will support this effort by ensuring that all Environmental, Sustainability, and Engineering programs, structures, and practices provide equitable opportunities for all.

This position oversees departments and programs within both the Environment and Sustainability and Engineering Departments.  Departments in Environment and Sustainability include: the Maritime and Aviation Environmental Programs, Environmental Planning, Remediation, Stormwater, Habitat, Noise, Carbon, Clean Fuels, and Recycling.  Departments within Engineering include: Engineering Design, Construction Management, Survey and Mapping, Construction Safety, Administrative Services. 

This position is considered essential, critical, and at-will.

You will showcase Port-wide leadership through active participation on the Port’s executive team, and by sponsoring and/or leading efforts to meet Port Century Agenda objectives and regional initiatives to foster a coordinated effort among Puget Sound Ports in support of a healthier Puget Sound Region.  Introducing and leading the implementation of innovative strategies, structures, and processes that engender excellent performance, collaboration, development, and accountability.
You will provide sound strategic direction and overseeing the management of the Port’s Engineering, Environment and Sustainability efforts within the organization including Economic Development, Corporate, Maritime, Aviation, and Commission’s Environment and Sustainability Committee and Commission staff, while tracking progress and working proactively with Commission to identify strategic vision and focus.

• You will lead and inspire your team to reduce the Port’s environmental footprint and go beyond compliance when effective to decrease the impact Port facilities have on near-port communities.
• You will direct and oversee the management of the Port’s vision for environmental efforts and sustainable operations including greenhouse-gas and air pollutant emissions reduction, energy and water conservation, reuse and recycling programs, renewable fuels, sustainable capital project development, and other related initiatives.
• You will oversee the planning function at the Port to include strategic facilities planning as well as day to day planning for the Maritime and Economic Development lines of business.  Maintaining strategic alignment with the Aviation Planning Department in preparation for necessary environmental compliance and National Environmental Policy Act /State Environmental Policy Act reviews.
• You will help establish and monitor a $50 million annual budget in partnership with operating businesses to which this center of expertise provides services.  Directing the development and management of the Environment and Sustainability budget for the center of expertise and recommend budget levels in collaboration with operating divisions.
• You will be foster partnerships and acting as an engineering, environmental, and sustainability lead liaison with other local, state, and federal government environmental agencies and regulators while establishing positive working relationships and strategic alliances with Port tenants, labor groups, Washington Public Ports Association, stakeholders, and the community. 
• You will set direction and implementation of Port policies and procedures related to the environment, planning, and sustainability, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. This work includes the Energy and Sustainability Policy and related Commission committee which includes strategic focus areas like social equity, community engagement, and mitigation of community impact.

Who you are: 

Two years of experience may be substituted for one year of education:

• Experienced – You have at least ten (10) years of experience in environmental compliance, planning, facilities, sustainability operations, or related fields which includes at least seven (7) years in a leadership role managing staff, setting direction, and interacting with permitting agencies, executive-level leadership and/or elected officials. 
• Educated – You possess a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Business Administration, Planning, Public Administration, or a related field that will help you succeed.
• Desired – We hope you have Fifteen (15) years of experience in maritime and aviation environmental compliance, planning, facilities, sustainability operations, or related fields which includes at least seven (7) years in a leadership role managing staff, setting direction, and interacting with permitting agencies, executive-level leadership and/or elected officials, but it’s okay if you’re not.
• Business Acumen – You are skilled in environmental compliance, planning, design, procurement, and construction processes and the related disciplines and how they all participate in major capital developments of aggregate billion-dollar scale, and how they can contribute to environmental improvements by incorporation into development processes. 
• Strategic- You are experienced in successfully developing and implementing environmental and sustainability strategies.
• Interpersonal and Political Savvy – Your ability to engage diverse audiences, listens to different perspectives, build rapport, and defuses high tension situations comfortably. Anticipate obstacles and plan accordingly. Work with composure and deal effectively and diplomatically with internal and external stakeholders. This includes identification and consideration of the political repercussions of Port's actions, which could have considerable impacts if not thoroughly thought through.
• Communication Skills – You will have the opportunity to speak during public events and leadership meetings, showcasing your effective and persuasive written and verbal communications. Provide policy writing, presentation, and individual coaching and counseling skills. Ensure recommendations represent the best interest of the Port while taking stakeholder interests into account.
• Leadership – You’re able to make quick, decisive decisions and provide sound judgment while able to take risks that improve business performance. Create and lead successful solutions, while managing through conflict, change, and a variety of leadership styles and priorities. IND123

What else you need to know: 

• Work Schedule – Your normal work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). You may be required to work any and all assigned shifts, including weekends and holidays. You may be required to work during emergencies.
• Work Environment – You will primarily work in an office environment.
• Security Requirements – As the successful candidate, you may be required to pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Your employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance. 

Why you'll love it here: 

• Healthcare – Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.
• Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.
• Holidays – More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.
• Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.
• Getting to Work – From subsided parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements, giving you an opportunity to work from home. Many roles are given the flexibility with when and where they conduct their work.
• Parental Leave – Six weeks paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.
• Development – From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments, and internal internships, we support a learning culture.
• Diversity – We foster opportunities for employees to contribute to our communities and business success in a way that celebrates a fully inclusive and engaged work environment.
• Work-Life Balance – We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.
• Mission-Driven – We are focused together on promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.

Why the Port of Seattle: 

Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more here.

Remember to say you found this opportunity at EnvironmentalCareer.com