Field Representative, Central Region

~ The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that has proudly promoted and protected the natural resources, rural economy, history and beauty of the Virginia Piedmont since 1972. ~

PEC empowers residents to protect what makes the Piedmont a wonderful place, and works with citizens to conserve land, protect air and water quality, celebrate historic resources, build smart transportation networks, promote sustainable energy choices, restore wildlife habitat and improve people’s access to nature.

Position Overview

PEC is seeking to hire a field representative to work on land use issues in the central portion of our region, specifically the counties of Orange and Culpeper. Land use issues include the locality's comprehensive plan and ordinances, development proposals, transportation planning and specific projects, local policies and regulations related to rural land preservation and conservation, economic development, natural and historic resource protection, and others as needed.

Responsibilities

Field representatives are responsible for gathering, analyzing, and distributing information on local development projects, and work with local residents and local government in all activities associated with a community’s land use policies and regulations. Field representative qualifications include energy, dedication, and the ability to inspire and work well with the community at-large.

Specific skills include familiarity with land use planning, rural area protection, urban area development and facilitation of public input into the local governmental planning process at both town and county levels.

Examples of activities include:

• Monitoring and reviewing current and pending land use planning, transportation, and development activities and generate PEC response, when appropriate.
• Attending local government meetings (as needed) and participating in relevant committees and technical workgroups.
• Serving as a technical resource on land use issues, for both local government officials and the broader community.
• Establishing and stewarding a grassroots network that supports PEC’s mission.
• Working directly with citizens and allied organizations to organize the public around campaigns, policies and outcomes supportive of the PEC mission, including adoption of language in the counties’ comprehensive plans and support or opposition to specific land use threats and opportunities.
• Regularly updating PEC Board members, other PEC staff, and members of local advisory committees on land use, conservation, and transportation issues affecting the communities served by the Field Representative.
• Collaborating with PEC communications and development staff to secure appropriate funding and highlight the benefits of PEC’s work in the region.
• The field representative reports to PEC’s director of state policy, but will also work closely with other field representatives, departments within PEC, and members of the PEC Board of Directors.
• This position will be based at PEC’s Orange County office at the Esso building on the grounds of Montpelier. The employee will be expected to work 2 days a week at our Warrenton headquarters office located at 45 Horner Street for the first first 6 months of employment in order to facilitate training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. 2-4 years work experience or Graduate degree preferably in planning, law, landscape architecture or a related field preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of local land use planning and zoning in Virginia is preferred.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, both written and oral, including ability to write, edit, and proofread written materials for use in communicating with the PEC Board of Directors, PEC staff, PEC members, and the public at large.
• Ability to organize, coordinate and manage diverse activities and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with a diverse constituency including elected officials, non-profit representatives, neighborhood associations, and individual citizens with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
• Experience working with local residents and/or community organizations, particularly in leading public outreach and/or education campaigns.
• Knowledge and experience with Google Suite and Microsoft Office productivity software.
• Requires minimal supervision.
• Willing to work some weekends and evenings.
• Willingness to live in the region you will work is highly desirable.
• Valid driver’s and reliable transportation required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Compensation

Salary:

• Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• In addition to a salary, the field representative will be eligible to participate in health, disability, term life insurance benefits and a 403 (b) employee pension plan.
• Upon employment, the field representative will be entitled to paid holidays and will begin accruing personal leave as designated in the PEC Employee Handbook.