Watershed Planner (Planning Specialist III, Grade 23)

Montgomery County•2424 Reedie Dr Wheaton MD 20902 USA, MD

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Planning Specialist III for the Watershed Restoration Division, Monitoring and Planning Section. This role involves performing watershed assessment and planning for watershed restoration and water quality improvement. It also includes coordination, implementation, and reporting of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit, as well as the development and update of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) implementation plans. The ideal candidate will have considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, and agency policy and procedures governing water quality, including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) watershed management planning. The candidate will have a strong background in watershed restoration planning, stormwater management, and environmental policy. They should be able to work independently while coordinating with multiple stakeholders across government agencies and the public, and possess excellent communication, data analysis, and contract management skills. Comfort conducting fieldwork and engaging with the community on environmental issues is also desired. The successful candidate will have experience in planning, coordinating, and managing watershed planning and MS4 permit-related projects, including analyzing environmental data, managing geodatabases, preparing comprehensive reports, effectively communicating with various stakeholders, and using GIS, databases, spreadsheets, and statistical software for environmental planning and reporting.

Requirements

Three (3) years of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation or other work directly related to some municipalities planning and development work such as developing watershed studies, TMDL implementation plans, and watershed restoration/conservation planning.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or related field such as biology, civil engineering, environmental engineering, environmental science, hydrology and water resources, landscape architecture, natural resources, planning, policy analysis, and sustainability.
Possession and maintenance of a valid Class "C" (or equivalent) driver's license from the applicant's state of residence.
Medical History Review – This position requires completion of a pre-employment Medical History Form to assess the candidate’s ability to safely perform the essential duties of the role.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations, and agency policy and procedures governing water quality, including NPDES MS4 Permitting and stormwater management.
Experience planning and managing the development of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plans and other watershed planning activities.
Experience analyzing environmental policy and conducting environmental review of sector plans and master plans.
Experience with effective communication and ability to handle communications and negotiations with tact, resourcefulness, and good judgment, even in confrontational situations.
Experience working with a diverse, multi-ethnic community.
Experience analyzing and interpreting data and writing comprehensive reports.

Responsibilities

Developing and managing Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plans and other watershed planning initiatives.
Organizing and analyzing data to develop watershed restoration plans and the prioritization of potential restoration projects.
Representing the County in interagency watershed planning, climate resiliency planning, and implementation efforts to restore stream habitat and water quality conditions in county and inter-jurisdictional watersheds.
Providing GIS mapping, technical data, and graphics support for watershed restoration and planning activities.
Coordinating and tracking compliance with the County’s MS4 permit using GIS and geodatabase tools.
Reviewing and commenting on draft permit, Maryland Department of the Environment guidance, Chesapeake Bay restoration protocols, and expert panel recommendations.
Supporting the County’s annual MS4 reporting by gathering and reviewing data from internal and external stakeholders.
Conducting field assessments for watershed planning and responding to erosion/flooding complaints.
Reviewing environmental components of master and sector plans developed by Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC).
Managing contracts and task orders related to watershed restoration and MS4 compliance.
Serving as the liaison to the Water Quality Advisory Group (WQAG), which provides recommendations to the County Executive and the County Council on water quality management goals and policies, as well as coordinating public engagement efforts.