JOB TITLE: CHIEF OF STAFF, DEP

JOB CODE: 08825

DEFINITION: This is responsible advisory and consultative work as the Chief of Staff for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

The employee in this job manages the operations of the Secretary’s office and provides guidance to staff on the coordination and integration of all DEP programs. Work includes assisting the Secretary and executive staff with establishing and implementing department policies, goals, and objectives; and providing analysis, consultation, and direction to the executive team and program offices regarding the interpretation, implementation, and evaluation of programs and special initiatives. An important aspect of this work is interacting with a broad network of legislative and administrative officials and external stakeholders on behalf of the Secretary. Work is performed independently and is subject to general review for overall effectiveness by the Secretary.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Provides policy, program, and planning recommendations to the Secretary and executive staff.

• Develops and oversees the implementation of department policies on behalf of the Secretary.

• Manages and monitors the status of special and major projects for the Secretary.

• Provides advice to the Secretary on a wide variety of highly complex and sensitive programmatic and administrative matters.

• Identifies and researches problems and provides recommendations to the Secretary for resolution.

• Prepares the Secretary for high level meetings by anticipating and researching potential concerns and consulting with executive staff.

• Serves as the Secretary’s representative with federal and state agencies, members of the legislature, and public and private organizations.

• Serves as the primary contact person for the Secretary’s office and advises the Secretary on sensitive matters.

• Manages the Secretary’s external relations including selection and arrangement of speaking engagements, and meetings with members of the legislature and public and private agencies.

• Maintains effective relationships on behalf of the Secretary with legislators, government officials, industry representatives, and public interest groups.

• Travels to regional and district offices and field sites.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles, dynamics, and structures of environmental programs.

• Knowledge of environmental law and policy.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of program development, planning, implementation, and administration.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to analyze and interpret laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to plan and oversee complex environmental protection programs.

• Ability to organize, prepare, and present clear and concise findings and recommendations.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Eight years of professional experience in environmental policy analysis and planning that includes or is supplemented by three years of professional administrative or consultative experience, and a bachelor’s degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.