Compliance Policy Specialist - Metro (Closes 1/28)

Position summary

Are you an innovative relationship builder with expertise in government policy compliance? Join Metro as our Compliance Policy Specialist – Solid Waste and lead the development and implementation of equitable, effective and responsible policies and practices for regulatory compliance and cleanup programs to achieve and maintain the public benefits of the regional solid waste system.

The Solid Waste Compliance Specialist periodically reviews Metro's solid waste code, regional waste plan and administrative rules to recommend updates and new policies and practices to address changes in the solid waste system. Regulatory compliance and cleanup policies and practices must be equitable, resilient and flexible to address complex, highly-technical and emerging solid waste issues. While experience in solid waste programs is preferred, we will consider transferable skills and experience from similar program areas.

At Metro, we hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.

Application requirements
1) Electronic application, 2) answer to supplemental questions, 3) resume and 4) cover letter describing your qualifications as they relate to the duties of this position.

Essential Job Duties

An employee in this position must be able to perform all the essential job duties listed below with or without reasonable accommodation; however, this list is not intended to include all of the specific tasks which an employee in this position may be expected to perform.

  • Researches, analyzes and develops policy recommendations for improvements in solid waste compliance, cleanup and other regulatory programs, including updating and developing new administrative rules for facility standards.

  • Organizes and leads policy and practice review efforts, including developing and coordinating project scope, timelines, stakeholder engagement, etc.

  • Represents the Solid Waste Information, Compliance, and Cleanup (SWICC) workgroup in cross-departmental initiatives such as regional waste plan, food waste planning, etc.

  • Represents Metro with the public, industry and local governments to provide information, obtain input and incorporate feedback in developing policy recommendations, including improvements to Metro Code, regional waste plan and administrative rules.

  • Works with internal technical staff, field personnel, attorneys, communication staff and others as necessary to develop policy recommendations.

  • Presents policy recommendations to Metro's senior leadership and Metro Council.

  • Researches and develops recommendations for internal procedure manuals and guidance documents, including implementing new regulatory requirements for industry segments or solid waste activities.

  • Facilitates implementation of new policies and practices.

  • Acts as a liaison with internal staff to keep them informed of policy changes, including organizing, preparing, and incorporating regulatory changes in field inspections, authorization applications and financial review procedures.

  • Works with the communications team to develop and implement communication strategies for external parties, including the public, industry, local governments and the media.

  • Researches new and emerging solid waste issues involving industry, technology or other waste-related activities.

  • Researches, develops, and prepares solid waste authorizations for existing and new solid waste facilities. Presents issues, findings and recommendations to Metro's senior leadership, Metro Council and external parties, including the public, industry, local government and the media.


In addition to the specific duties for the position, Metro organizes its positions into classifications. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. This position falls under the Senior Solid Waste Planner classification (click to read the full classification).

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree in science, public administration or related field and three years of experience in solid waste, project management, or public policy development; or any combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job. Five years of related solid waste experience is preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to function as a lead over other professional staff.

  • Ability to develop, organize, and coordinate complex solid waste projects and studies.

  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

  • In-depth knowledge of solid waste issues and processes or transferrable experiences from work in other areas.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

  • Ability to perform analysis and make recommendations.

  • Ability to organize and conduct solid waste research studies and projects independently.

  • Ability to represent Metro at meetings with a variety of groups, committees and elected officials.

  • Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with the public, industry and government agencies to foster open communication and trust.

  • Ability to assist management in policy analysis and formulation.

  • Knowledge of public policy development processes and practices.

  • Knowledge of and ability to use a computer.

Additional Information

Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-797-1570.

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): New employees will pay the employee portion of the PERS contribution.

Representation/classification: This position is represented by AFSCME Local 3580 and falls under the Senior Solid Waste Planner classification.

Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Criminal background check: Criminal background checks: In order to protect the well being of its employees, the public and agency assets, Metro may conduct criminal background checks on candidates selected for Metro positions. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be considered on a case by case basis. A background check will only be conducted if you are selected as a finalist for a position. If selected as a finalist, you will be contacted by Human Resources prior to the initiation of a background check.

Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law.  Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer