The mission of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is to enhance the quality of life in our community by protecting and improving Montgomery County's air, water, and land in a sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and industry-leading way while fostering smart growth, a thriving more sustainable economy and healthy communities. DEP is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and values diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures. DEP encourages BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), immigrants, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.
DEP is seeking an experienced Planning Specialist III to provide planning and coordination of activities related to the implementation of landscape practices for watershed restoration projects; assisting engineering staff with natural resource evaluations, landscape designs and contractor installation of landscape practices for stormwater management and stream restoration projects; and performing outreach for related Capital Improvement Projects and department functions.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Planning and managing the development of watershed management planning studies covering County watersheds and prioritizing potential restoration projects.
- Providing GIS mapping and graphics support for watershed restoration and planning activities, as well as, preparing information on watershed restoration activities and projects for watershed newsletters, reports and website applications.
- Coordinating with contractual consultant engineers and construction contractors to address project issues through outreach and educational engagement with public and private stakeholders.
- Reviewing landscape and reforestation plans for the proper use of native plantings on Environmental Site Design (ESD), Low Impact Development (LID), stormwater management ponds and stream restoration projects.
- Coordinating, inspecting and monitoring reforestation and landscaping of restoration projects by contractors, and providing guidance to contractors to ensure landscaping materials are in compliance with contract requirements.
- Planning presentations, conducting public meetings, and performing site walks with the public to inform them about proposed watershed conservation plans and capital improvement projects.
- Representing the County in interagency watershed planning and implementation efforts to restore stream habitat and water quality conditions in County and inter-jurisdictional watersheds.
- Reviewing technical studies for watershed conservation plans, and stormwater management and stream restoration projects using knowledge of stormwater management and natural resources conservation to ensure technical studies are based on sound scientific principles and that the proposed conservation plans or capital projects are compatible with the goals for watershed conservation and restoration.
- Serving as a Dam Observer for a high or significant hazard dam as part of the Dam Emergency Response during major storm events.
The ideal candidate will have considerable knowledge in the identification, proper care, design, installation and maintenance of native plants in the Mid-Atlantic Piedmont region and their uses in stormwater management practices, as well as knowledge of stormwater management and pollution control techniques including ESD and LID principles. In addition, the candidate should have experience in data management, analysis, and reporting skills including knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, ArcMap GIS applications, and website project information.
The successful candidate must have the ability to work independently as well as work in a collaborative environment within a large organization with multiple priorities, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and be highly organized and detail oriented. These skills include using specified software and other tools to create materials for reporting purposes and outreach.
This position involves field work which requires the ability to perform work outdoors, may involve frequent walking over difficult terrain, occasional stooping, bending, and reaching, lifting and carrying moderate weight (25 lbs.), and exposure to adverse weather conditions.
This position requires possession of a valid driver's license and the ability to drive a County assigned vehicle to attend meetings, visit sites for existing conditions review, field investigations and conduct surveys, and/or observe or inspect construction sites, as well as attend meetings with homeowners and communities and perform other work at locations throughout Montgomery County not readily accessible by public transit. This position also will serve as an Emergency Action Plan participant which will require the ability to drive to high or significant hazard dams in the county.
Occasional evening or weekend work outside of normal business hours may be required.
To ensure a positive workplace and to comply with federal, state and County laws, the incumbent is responsible for completing mandatory trainings within the first three to six months or within the specified timeframe.
For information about Montgomery County Government’s comprehensive benefits package, please visit the MCG Total Rewards webpage and check out our competitive benefits!