Environmental Planner/Engineer/Scientist

The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC), one of 21 Planning District Commissions in the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a regional organization representing this area's sixteen local governments. Planning District Commissions are voluntary associations and were created in 1969 pursuant to the Virginia Area Development Act and a regionally executed Charter Agreement. The HRPDC was formed in 1990 by the merger of the Southeastern Virginia Planning District Commission and the Peninsula Planning District Commission.

Position Overview:

The Environmental Planner/Engineer/Scientist is a professional planning position that performs technical and policy analysis related to stormwater and water quality for the Water Resources department of the HRPDC. This position is funded for two years. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Principal Water Resources Engineer and in coordination with the Deputy Executive Director, HRPDC.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Responsibilities:  

Essential Job Functions 

• Conducts specialized planning, technical and policy analysis related to stormwater and water quality.
• Organizes and manages technical and statistical data collected from the 16 localities in the Hampton Roads Region.
• Conducts benchmarking research to compare environmental programs in Hampton Roads to other regions throughout the nation.
• Evaluates proposed state and federal regulatory programs related to water quality and stormwater and the impact of regulations on local governments.
• Supports revisions to program plans for Phase II MS4s focusing on meeting new education and outreach requirements and developing regional program elements as needed.
• Provides guidance and technical support to localities on development of TMDL Action Plans in MS4 permits.
• Follows technical developments at the Bay Program and summarize workgroup/committee meetings.
• Develops information and materials to educate the public on the Chesapeake Bay TMDL.
• Provides technical and policy assistance on the James/Elizabeth River PCB TMDL and other local TMDLs and Implementation Plans
• Identifies and arranges training for local government staff and contractors to meet MS4 permit requirements. 

Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• Comprehensive knowledge of stormwater and water quality theories, practices and principles, including training and best practices.
• Requires excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with all levels of internal management and staff. Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues and representatives from other agencies. Must possess excellent oral communication skills to present technical reports and complex ideas to various boards and committees. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Requires excellent written communication skills to effectively present complex ideas to a variety of target audiences. Knowledge of research theories, practices and methodologies of technical research data collection, reporting and planning. Must be able to prepare and present technical reports and communicate complex ideas effectively both orally and in writing.
• Requires creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well-defined practical problems. Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind.
• Highly proficient with spreadsheets and PowerPoint software.
• Ability to create GIS layers, link with data tables, and perform simple analysis.
• Ability to handle meeting logistics including drafting agendas and minutes.
• Knowledge of stormwater permits and regulatory policies in Virginia.
• Familiarity with MS4 program requirements in Virginia and other states.
• Knowledge of Chesapeake Bay Program mission, structure, and policies.
• Knowledge of urban stormwater BMPs and other nutrient removal techniques (i.e. streetsweeping).
• Knowledge of water quality regulations and state TMDL process.
• Familiarity with Hampton Roads localities and their environmental policies and issues. General knowledge of the operation of local governments
• Must have excellent computer skills and be familiar with common office practices. Must be able to follow supervisor's instructions and HRPDC rules and regulations and be appropriately respectful of the rights of others in the workplace. 

Education & Experience 

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university supplemented by a Master's Degree, with concentration in environmental science, environmental policy and planning or civil/environmental engineering and some professional experience in the program areas. 

Additional Standards Needed for Essential Job Functions 

• Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines, which include a computer and ability to use industry standard computer hardware and software for the execution of daily tasks. Occasional walking to and from offices, intermittent stooping and bending at files and lifting of items.
• Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize complex mathematical formulas. 

Compensation: Starting Salary: $20 per hour, depending on qualifications. The position is funded for two years.

To Apply:

Please click below: "Apply Now Online! to submit your resume and a writing smaple to:

Kelli Peterson Human Resources Administrator
Hampton Roads Planning District Commission
723 Woodlake Dr
Chesapeake VA 23320-8909

~ EEO/ADA Compliance: The HRPDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the HRPDC to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. It is the policy of the HRPDC to maintain and promote equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, disability or other non-job related factors. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations with management. ~