Permitting Assistance Program Manager

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is seeking a seasoned manager to lead the Permitting Assistance Program in Virginia. This role focuses on efficient permitting processes, regulatory support, staff development, and agency collaboration, with a hybrid work schedule of in-office and telework.

Responsibilities include guiding staff, ensuring compliance with environmental laws, coordinating with internal programs and external partners, and representing DEQ in public interactions while

Qualifications

• Understanding of environmental regulations and permitting requirements.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws related to programs.
• Strong leadership and management competencies.
• Excellent communication with internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Permitting Assistance Program to ensure consistent, accurate implementation of permitting requirements and support for regional and central office staff.
• Provide guidance on federal and state environmental regulations applicable to permitting activities and ensure compliance with agency policies, procedures, and guidance.
• Collaborate with internal programs and external stakeholders to improve processes, share information, and resolve complex permitting issues.
• Apply critical thinking, organizational skills, and leadership competencies to support DEQ’s mission, values, and program goals.
• Represent DEQ professionally in interactions with customers, the public, and partner agencies while maintaining confidentiality and fostering positive relationships.
• Support staff development through training, knowledge sharing, problem‑solving, and promoting effective teamwork across divisions and regions.
• Contribute to the agency’s leadership initiatives by assessing program needs, anticipating challenges, and participating in process improvement efforts

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership competencies

Program planning

Decision making

Communication skills

Training leadership

Collaboration

Education

Environmental management education

Job description

Job Description

This position is responsible for managing the Permitting Assistance Program and supporting DEQ’s mission through efficient permitting processes, regulatory support, staff development, and agency collaboration. The role requires knowledge of environmental regulations, leadership competencies, and coordination with internal and external partners to ensure consistent, high‑quality service delivery. Please note this position follows a hybrid work schedule to include both in-office and telework. Candidates must be able to work from the assigned work location in Virginia. This recruitment is an agency-only posting and is open exclusively to current Department of Environmental Quality employees.

Hiring Range

$80,000 - $110,000

Full Time or Part Time

FULL TIME

Additional Detail

Job Description

This position is responsible for managing the Permitting Assistance Program and supporting DEQ’s mission through efficient permitting processes, regulatory support, staff development, and agency collaboration. The role requires knowledge of environmental regulations, leadership competencies, and coordination with internal and external partners to ensure consistent, high‑quality service delivery. Please note this position follows a hybrid work schedule to include both in-office and telework. Candidates must be able to work from the assigned work location in Virginia. This recruitment is an agency-only posting and is open exclusively to current Department of Environmental Quality employees.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Permitting Assistance Program to ensure consistent, accurate implementation of permitting requirements and support for regional and central office staff.
• Provide guidance on federal and state environmental regulations applicable to permitting activities and ensure compliance with agency policies, procedures, and guidance.
• Collaborate with internal programs and external stakeholders to improve processes, share information, and resolve complex permitting issues.
• Apply critical thinking, organizational skills, and leadership competencies to support DEQ’s mission, values, and program goals.
• Represent DEQ professionally in interactions with customers, the public, and partner agencies while maintaining confidentiality and fostering positive relationships.
• Support staff development through training, knowledge sharing, problem‑solving, and promoting effective teamwork across divisions and regions.
• Contribute to the agency’s leadership initiatives by assessing program needs, anticipating challenges, and participating in process improvement efforts

Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of environmental regulations, permitting requirements, and program-specific federal and state laws.
• Proficiency in DEQ Leadership and Management Competencies, including job knowledge, results orientation, critical thinking, public/customer interaction, leadership, teamwork, and relationship building.
• Experience in Program Planning and Evaluation
• Ability to develop practical solutions, make informed decisions, manage time effectively, and support DEQ’s mission and values.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact effectively with internal and external partners.
• Experience supporting or leading training, operational initiatives, and process improvement activities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams, demonstrate professionalism, and maintain confidentiality.
• A combination of education, training, or experience in environmental management or related fields is a plus

About Us

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the primary environmental permitting agency in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is responsible for administering laws and regulations related to air quality, water quality, water supply, renewable energy, and land protection. Through the dedication and work of over 800 employees across six regional offices and the Central Office in Richmond, DEQ issues permits, conducts monitoring and inspections, and enforces the law.