Job Title: Director
Department/Agency: American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA)
Closing Date: December 13, 2024
Type of Position: Political Appointee
Posting Type: Employment Opportunity/Open to the Public
Pay Grade and Salary Range: GS-18/$65,000 - $85,000 p.a.
Email Your Resume, Cover Letter and References to: OfficeGovElectASG@gmail.com
Your Resume - Attach your updated resume in either a txt, Word document, or PDF format. Confirm the subject line includes the position you are applying for: American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA)
Submit a Cover Letter and Headshot - Include a personalized cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications for the role. Be sure to include a recent headshot photo.
Provide Professional References - Send a list of at least three professional references. Include their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. You are welcome to include letters of reference if available.
General Description
The Director of the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) is responsible for leading the agency in its mission to protect, preserve, and improve the environment of American Samoa through effective regulation, enforcement, and community engagement. The Director is the senior executive responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental laws and standards, promoting sustainable practices, and overseeing the agency's programs in air and water quality, waste management, land use, and disaster response. The Director will report directly to the Governor and is tasked with implementing policies that protect public health and the environment while fostering economic development and sustainability.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Agency Management:
Lead, manage, and supervise ASEPA staff, ensuring efficient and effective implementation of agency programs.
Develop and implement agency goals, objectives, and priorities, aligning with national and local environmental policies.
Provide leadership on environmental issues by setting the strategic vision for the agency and managing day-to-day operations, including overseeing divisions focused on air, water, hazardous materials, and waste management.
Ensure staff training, development, and performance evaluations are conducted regularly.
Policy and Program Development:
Lead the development, review, and enforcement of environmental policies, regulations, and standards covering areas such as air quality, waste management, water quality, hazardous materials, and sustainability.
Oversee the implementation of new environmental programs aimed at improving the health and safety of residents and natural resources.
Direct the agency's role in environmental assessments, planning, and permitting processes.
Compliance and Enforcement:
Ensure that ASEPA enforces environmental laws, regulations, and standards, including monitoring air, water, and soil quality, and responding to environmental violations.
Lead the agency in regulatory compliance inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions related to environmental issues.
Work closely with other governmental agencies (local, federal, and regional) to promote environmental compliance and policy enforcement.
Community Engagement and Education:
Serve as the chief spokesperson for environmental protection issues, advocating for public and governmental support of ASEPA’s programs.
Promote public participation and environmental education, collaborating with schools, businesses, and community organizations to raise awareness of environmental challenges and solutions.
Direct public relations campaigns and media outreach to inform and educate the public on key environmental issues, including the promotion of sustainability and waste reduction initiatives.
Collaboration with Stakeholders:
Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international entities engaged in environmental protection and sustainability.
Represent ASEPA in regional and international forums on environmental issues, policy development, and best practices.
Participate in the development of national and regional environmental strategies and policies in collaboration with key stakeholders.
Disaster and Emergency Management:
Oversee the agency’s role in environmental disaster response, including the management of hazardous materials, waste, and recovery efforts.
Ensure ASEPA’s preparedness for natural disasters, including hurricanes, flooding, and other environmental hazards that may impact public health and safety.
Work with other government agencies and emergency responders to manage and mitigate environmental impacts following disasters.
Financial Management and Resource Development:
Manage the agency's budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to achieve environmental goals.
Seek and secure funding through grants, partnerships, and other financial mechanisms to support environmental programs and initiatives.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of programs, adjusting resource allocation to meet emerging environmental priorities.
Environmental Research and Reporting:
Oversee environmental research efforts to support the development of policies, programs, and best practices.
Ensure regular reporting to the Governor and legislative bodies on the agency’s progress in environmental protection and the status of local environmental conditions.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Expertise in Environmental Science and Policy:Â In-depth knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, and issues at both the local and federal levels, including air and water quality, waste management, and hazardous materials.
Leadership and Management Skills:Â Proven ability to lead a diverse team, manage multiple programs, and drive organizational change while fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
Regulatory and Legal Knowledge:Â Strong understanding of environmental law enforcement and compliance, including the ability to interpret and enforce environmental regulations and policies.
Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving:Â Ability to develop and implement long-term environmental strategies that address key challenges and promote sustainability.
Public Communication and Advocacy:Â Excellent oral and written communication skills for public speaking, report writing, and interacting with government officials, community groups, and the media.
Financial Acumen:Â Experience in budget development, financial management, and securing external funding for environmental initiatives.
Disaster Management Expertise:Â Knowledge of environmental disaster response protocols, including hazardous material management and remediation efforts following natural or man-made disasters.
Academic and Experience Requirements
Education: A Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Public Administration, or a closely related field. Professional certifications or advanced studies in environmental law, public health, or sustainability are a plus.
Experience:Â A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in environmental management or policy, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Experience in regulatory enforcement, public sector leadership, and disaster management is highly preferred.
Additional Qualifications:Â Experience working in a government setting, particularly within the Pacific Island region, is highly desirable. Familiarity with local environmental challenges and understanding of indigenous practices and land management are advantageous.
Salary
The salary is competitive and based on experience and qualifications. Specific compensation details will be provided upon request.
Additional Information
For questions regarding the position or application process, please contact the Office of the Governor-Elect directly via email at officegovelectASG@gmail.com
*The American Samoa Government is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will be considered for political appointments without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal and territorial laws. Appointments will be made based on qualifications, experience, and the ability to serve effectively in alignment with the policies and goals of the administration.
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