Environmental Planner

Stafford County, VA is seeking an Environmental Planner to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and the County’s Comprehensive Plan. The role involves conducting environmental studies, collaborating with stakeholders, and providing technical expertise. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 3 years of experience. The position offers a salary range of $76,044.80 to $133,078.40 and is set to open on July 1, 2025.
Job Description

Performs intermediate to advanced professional work, focusing on ensuring compliance with state, local, and federal environmental regulations, as well as the County’s Comprehensive Plan. The Environmental Planner collaborates with various stakeholders, provides technical expertise, and may occasionally lead or mentor junior staff members. Work is conducted with a degree of independence and requires specialized knowledge of environmental and planning regulations.

This is an upcoming opportunity opening July 1, 2025

The hiring range for this position is $76,044.80 to $104,561.60 based on experience.

The full salary range for this position is from $76,044.80 to $133,078.40 to provide opportunity for growth and development.

Examples of Duties

Environmental Planning and Studies: Conduct short- and long-term environmental planning studies, focusing on sustainable development, water quality, and land use.
• Performs short- and long-range environmental planning studies; serves as staff support to various committees; prepares and maintains studies, graphics, records, and files;
• Performs or assists in the development of studies, analyses, and recommendations in connection with the current and long-range physical, social, and economic development of the County;
• Gathers, selects, complies, and analyzes data pertaining to environmental characteristics of the area;
• Performs field reviews, which may involve walking in fairly rugged terrain;
• Analyzes and summarizes existing conditions, derives conclusions, and develops projections;
• Reviews subdivision and site plans;
• Prepares reports and supports graphic display materials descriptive of research and recommendations;
• Serves as staff assistant to various boards and commissions;
• Acts as a technical advisor, within field of specialization, to other staff members;
• Provides direction to planning technicians;
• Reviews subdivision and site plans;
• Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• General knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental and urban planning;
• General knowledge of economics, federal, state and local laws pertaining to environmental and water resource quality issues;
• General knowledge of grant opportunities and writing;
• Some knowledge of recent developments in the field of environmental and water resource management;
• Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information and to prepare technical reports;
• Ability to prepare and present technical information clearly and in an interesting manner to lay groups and the public;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues, employees and representatives of other public agencies; ability to plan and supervise the work of technical subordinates.

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or planning, water resource management, civil engineering, hydrology or a related field, and 3 years of experience in a professional environmental planning and water quality management.

Possession of the following certifications preferred:
• State of Virginia Professional Wetland Delineator Certification;
• International Society of Arboriculture Arborist Certification;
• Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Certification;
• Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Erosion and Sediment Control Combined Administrator Certification;
• Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Stormwater Management Combined Administrator Certification;
• American Society of Floodplain Managers Floodplain Manager Certification (CFM).