Environmental Planner

Town of Vinton; Vinton (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Vinton is seeking a qualified professional to serve as MS4 Program Administrator and Planning/Environmental Compliance lead. You will ensure MS4 regulatory compliance, coordinate with regional agencies, and guide long-range planning initiatives.

Responsibilities include budget development for MS4 activities, grant pursuit, and overseeing GIS-based analyses. Requires collaboration with departments, consultants, and the public, with evening meetings as needed.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of urban and regional planning principles.
• Knowledge of Virginia MS4 regulations and environmental compliance.
• Experience with GIS, permitting databases, and planning software.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Administer the MS4 program and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with Roanoke County, DEQ, EPA and other agencies.
• Prepare MS4/TMDL annual reports and action plans.
• Develop and manage budgets for MS4 compliance.
• Represent the Town at meetings and regional committees.
• Review development plans for regulatory compliance.
• Prepare planning studies, maps, and reports.

Skills

Urban planning

Regulatory compliance

GIS

Project management

Public engagement

Data analysis

Report writing

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related

Tools

ArcGIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Town of Vinton, Virginia, chartered in 1884, offers a welcoming small-town environment within the Roanoke Valley. Community members benefit from nearby urban services and amenities while enjoying a low crime rate and a strong base of locally and regionally owned businesses. Housing is moderately priced, and residents have ready access to scenic mountain views and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Vinton is known for its sense of belonging and community pride, while remaining progressive in providing facilities, services, and conveniences that make it a comfortable and attractive place to live and work. This is a full-time position. Salary range is $65,000 - $75,000 DOE, DOQ. First review of applications is August 10, 2026

JOB SUMMARY/GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs responsible professional planning and environmental compliance work involving land use planning, development review, GIS analysis, and administration of the Town's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program. Serves as the Town's MS4 Program Administrator, ensuring compliance with federal and state stormwater regulations, coordinating interdepartmental and regional MS4 activities, managing permit reporting requirements, and supporting long-range planning initiatives. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general supervision of the Planning and Zoning Director.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS

MS4 Program Administration

• Serve as the Town's MS4 Program Administrator.
• Serve as liaison with Roanoke County, DEQ, EPA, and other agencies.
• Ensure compliance with the Virginia MS4 General Permit.
• Prepare and maintain the MS4 and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Annual Report.
• Update and implement TMDL Action Plans.
• Develop and maintain the Stormwater Management Program (SWMP).
• Coordinate implementation of the Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) and the associated Best Management Practices (BMPs).
• Keeping track of Roanoke County’s stormwater and erosion and sediment control ordinance and its MS4 permit.
• Assist with stormwater quality-related enforcement per Town’s and Roanoke County’s ordinances.
• Tracks permit deadlines, compliance activities, inspections, and corrective actions.
• Maintain records and documentation required for regulatory audits and inspections.
• Coordinate illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE) investigations.
• Conduct source tracking to locate illicit discharges into the MS4s.
• Conduct dry weather outfall screenings.
• Coordinate and manage public education and public involvement programs related to stormwater quality with applicable organizations such as Roanoke County, Clean Valley Council (CVC), Western Virginia Water Authority (WVWA), etc.
• Coordinate with Human Resources/Risk Management Director to develop, schedule, document, and maintain municipal employee training programs required for compliance with the MS4 permit and related stormwater management regulations.
• Write, submit, and administer environmental/water quality grants.

Planning and Zoning Responsibilities

• Conduct research and prepare planning studies, maps, reports, and presentations.
• Advise the Planning and Zoning Director on MS4-related matters.
• Maintain census data and other relevant statistical information related to demographic, development trends, and MS4 needs.
• Provide professional recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Director regarding planning, environmental compliance, and MS4-related matters.
• Assist citizens in completing applications for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, sign, and zoning permits.
• Attend evening and weekend meetings as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

GIS and Infrastructure Analysis/Needs

• Design, create, and maintain custom and standardized maps, geographic databases, data files, statistics, reports, and analyses for dissemination to Town staff members, public, and the business community; develop and maintain automated cartographic elements and products.
• Conduct miscellaneous zoning research/studies (lot coverage, canopy coverage, etc.) to aid the Department in completing special projects and zoning/subdivision ordinance updates.
• Responds to Town departments and public requests for standard or custom maps, charts, graphs, GIS analysis, GIS projects, and related information.
• Produces maps and other visual aids for special projects, community meetings & public.
• Coordinates with other localities to ensure uniform data exchange formats.
• Manage special projects and day-to-day production schedules.
• Converts land and infrastructure (water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, sidewalks, etc.) information from maps, aerial photographs, surveys, and field inspections to digital GIS; makes updates to existing information in the GIS; compares data in GIS databases with other systems and resolves conflicts.
• Performs field work as necessary, including operating a GPS device and related surveying equipment in locating, collecting, and processing field data.

Program Management and Coordination

• Develop and manage budgets related to MS4 compliance activities.
• Coordinate consultant contracts and professional service agreements.
• Monitor consultant performance and project deliverables.
• Pursue grant funding opportunities related to stormwater and environmental initiatives.
• Assist in the development of ordinances, policies, and procedures related to environmental compliance and planning.
• Represent the Town at public meetings, stakeholder meetings, and regional committees.

Development Review

• Review development plans for compliance with stormwater, erosion and sediment control, zoning, subdivision, and environmental regulations.
• Coordinate technical review with Roanoke County and other reviewing agencies.
• Provide comments on development applications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of urban and regional planning.
• Thorough knowledge of Virginia MS4 regulations, stormwater management requirements, erosion and sediment control regulations, and environmental compliance programs.
• Knowledge of local government administration and land development processes.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and present complex information clearly to elected officials and the public.
• Proficiency with GIS, permitting databases, and planning software.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Two years of progressively responsible planning or environmental compliance experience.
• Experience administering or supporting an MS4 permit program is preferred.
• Excellent public relations and communication skills are required.
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal ordinances and regulations relating to land use, planning, and zoning.
• Skills in conducting research and analyzing data pertaining to environmental and planning issues.
• Ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in writing; ability to prepare clear and concise reports and make oral presentations on technical information.
• Ability to work with citizen committees, property owners, developers, business owners, and the public.
• Knowledge of public participation processes.
• Ability to establish excellent working relationships with co-workers, Roanoke County and state officials, regional planning staff, and grant agencies.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment;
• Ability to manage comprehensive planning projects.
• Skill in the use of standard computer hardware and software including Microsoft Office and ArcGIS.

Certifications

• Valid Virginia driver's license with good driving record.
• Virginia Stormwater and Erosion and Sediment Control Certification, or ability to obtain within twenty-four months.