Director of Environmental Engineering

Water Environment Federation; Chesterfield Court House (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesterfield County is seeking a Director of Environmental Engineering to provide strategic and operational leadership for its Environmental Engineering Department, spanning Development and Watershed management. The role emphasizes regulatory compliance, program governance, and interagency collaboration.

The ideal candidate has a strong financial background to manage budgets across administration, operations, maintenance, stormwater utility, and five-year CIP initiatives, along with OD

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering or related field required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible environmental engineering experience, including five (5) years in senior management with a comparable organization.
• A valid PE license in Virginia preferred; state certifications in Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and operational direction of the department, including Development and Watershed management divisions.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental laws and regulations.
• Oversee budgets for administration, operations, maintenance, stormwater utility and CIP programs.
• Collaborate with county officials, regulatory agencies and stakeholders on environmental issues and compliance.
• Represent the county on boards and committees and advise on environmental legislation.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Regulatory compliance

Budget management

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Professional Engineer (PE) license (preferred)

Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program certifications (preferred)

Job description

Chesterfield County, Virginia (Richmond-Metro Area), a recognized leader and award-winning local government, is seeking a collaborative, detail-oriented leader who will be able to work across a broad spectrum of residents, business, homeowner associations, developers and elected and appointed officials. The ideal candidate will also possess a strong financial background to oversee the department’s budgets for administration, operations, maintenance, stormwater utility, and the five-year CIP for stormwater infrastructure projects and the Chesapeake Bay TMDL initiatives.

The Director of Environmental Engineering provides strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of the department, including two functional divisions: Development and Watershed management.

The director:

• Evaluates and implements environmental strategies and best practices for program operations.
• Ensures county’s compliance with local, state and federal environmental laws, ordinances and regulations.
• Monitors and implements actions relating to environmental trends, issues and legislative changes resulting in changes to county guidelines, policies or procedures.
• Manages environmental assessments and compliance audits to minimize environmental risks and identify areas for improvement in environmental performance.
• Works closely with county officials; local, state and federal agencies; law enforcement, developers; local businesses and citizens on complaints, incidents and violations of environmental ordinances and regulations.
• Works closely with regulatory agencies such as the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Conservation and Recreation on storm water issues and with other local, state or regional regulatory agencies.
• Represents the county on local, state and regional boards and committees and actively serves as a subject matter expert for local and state legislation on environmental issues.
• Establishes strategic initiatives and budget/fiscal management priorities for the department.

Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in civil or environmental engineering, environmental sciences or related field is required. Master’s degree is preferred. A minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in environmental engineering, including five (5) years environmental engineering experience in a senior management capacity with a comparable sized or larger organization, or an equivalent level of training and/or experience. A valid Professional Engineer (PE) license in the Commonwealth of Virginia is preferred. State certifications in the Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program. Extensive knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. Good driving record, pre-employment drug test and extensive background check required.

The application deadline date is November 22, 2026 at 5 p.m.

An Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity