Watershed Planner (Planning Specialist III, Grade 23)

WHO WE ARE

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is a nationally recognized and award-winning agency with the mission 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.  

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking a dynamic and experienced Planning Specialist III for the Watershed Restoration Division, Monitoring and Planning Section to perform watershed assessment and planning for watershed restoration and water quality improvement and for the 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 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; can work independently while coordinating with multiple stakeholders across government agencies and the public; and have excellent communication, data analysis, and contract management skills. They should be comfortable conducting fieldwork and engaging with the community on environmental issues.

The successful candidate will have the following experience, knowledge, and skills to plan, coordinate, and manage watershed planning and MS4 permit-related projects: analyze environmental data, manage geodatabases, and prepare comprehensive reports; effectively communicate with internal departments, external agencies, contractors, and the public; and use GIS, databases, spreadsheets, and statistical software for environmental planning and reporting.

The position is responsible for improving water quality and meeting regulatory requirements under the MS4 permit by leading watershed-level planning and restoration initiatives. The position also ensures the County remains compliant with environmental mandates while advancing sustainable stormwater management and community engagement.

Key duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• 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.

Additional Information

The work is mainly done indoors in an office environment and sometimes outdoors, which involves normal, everyday discomforts. Tasks may involve frequent walking over difficult terrain, 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 vehicle to visit sites for erosion complaint investigations, which may require meetings with constituents at locations where public transportation may not be accessible, as well as, conducting fieldwork to support watershed assessments, restoration project scoping, and performing other work at locations throughout Montgomery 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. 

Experience: 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. 

Education: 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. 

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education or experience may be substituted.

License: Possession and maintenance of a valid Class "C" (or equivalent) driver's license from the applicant's state of residence.

Medical Exam: 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.

All Applicants will be reviewed by the Office of Human Resources (OHR) for minimum qualifications. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be rated “Qualified,” placed on the Referred List, and may be considered for an interview.   

Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following areas:  

• 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. 

If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.