Watershed Restoration Environmental Specialist (Perm/FT/Benefits)

Harford County; Bel Air (MD); On-site; USD 48,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental & Vision insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

State Retirement Plan

Job summary

Harford County is seeking a qualified professional to plan, coordinate, and oversee watershed restoration and stormwater capital improvement projects. The role involves budgeting, technical review, and contractor oversight from planning through completion, with extensive public and inter-department coordination.

A strong GIS background and ability to engage with stakeholders are essential. Requires a bachelor’s degree in civil/environmental disciplines and related experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, environmental science, natural resources, urban planning, or closely related technical discipline.

Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates, and oversees watershed restoration and stormwater capital improvement projects.
• Performs project planning, budgeting, technical review, contract and construction oversight, permitting, and project closeout activities.
• Coordinates with engineers, contractors, property owners, County departments, regulatory agencies, and the public to advance projects from planning through completion.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil/environmental field

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Job Description Summary:

Plans, coordinates, and oversees watershed restoration and stormwater capital improvement projects to support compliance with the County’s MS4 permit and applicable environmental regulations. Performs project planning, budgeting, technical review, contract and construction oversight, permitting, and project closeout activities. Coordinates with engineers, contractors, property owners, County departments, regulatory agencies, and the public to advance projects from planning through completion. Provides technical and GIS support, evaluates project-related issues, develops appropriate solutions, and represents the Department at public meetings and community events.

Job Description:

Salary Range: $47,980.00-$129,813.00

BUDGETED SALARY: $55,000.00-$70,000.00/ANNUALLY

Essential Duties:

(The following examples illustrate the work performed in the positions in the class. Positions may require some or all of these examples depending on the organization of work within the department. The list is not inclusive. A position may require duties not listed, if necessary, to accomplish the work of the department.)

• Participates in the planning and prioritization of capital improvement projects to meet the requirements of the County’s MS4 permit.
• Reviews available technical reports and participates in on-site field evaluations.
• Assists with the development of the five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget. Coordinates with property owners, homeowner associations, commercial property owners, Harford County Public Schools, and other County departments to effectively communicate the benefits and requirements of capital improvement projects and obtain necessary easements.
• Assists with the development of scopes of work for capital improvement projects.
• Reviews and approves technical proposals to ensure all necessary tasks are included for successful project completion.
• Reviews and approves project invoices.
• Tracks project schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
• Assists in reviewing computations, plans, specifications, and plats to ensure conformance with sound engineering practices and applicable codes and regulations.
• Communicates verbally and in writing with design engineers regarding project recommendations, technical comments, and required revisions.
• Negotiates appropriate solutions to project-related problems, as applicable.
• Coordinates with internal and external agencies to ensure compliance with County codes, regulations, and permit requirements, including erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, forest conservation, and wetlands and waterways requirements.Requests funding approval for construction contracts associated with capital improvement projects.
• Manages construction oversight contracts, as necessary.
• Coordinates with County construction inspectors to ensure projects are constructed in accordance with approved plans, specifications, and commitments made to property owners.
• Develops and implements appropriate solutions to project-related problems, as applicable.
• Assists with the review of documents required for the completion and closeout of capital improvement projects, including as-built drawings.
• Coordinates permit closeout and ensures all necessary permit conditions are satisfied, including long-term monitoring requirements, as applicable.
• Leeds community engagement efforts to promote environmental awareness, education, and sustain practices that align with the department’s mission and permit requirements.
• Represents the Department at public hearings, meetings, conferences, and other events, as assigned.
• Responds to public inquiries and addresses citizen complaints, concerns, and suggestions.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, environmental science, natural resources, urban planning, or closely related technical discipline.

Proof of college degree required by selected candidate.

Experience:

Related experience in Environmental Science or Engineering is preferred.

Supervisory Experience:

none

License:

A valid Class "C" non-commercial driver's license with no more than three (3) points. Please be advised that this position requires a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and County environmental laws, regulations, policies, and standards.
• Knowledge of water quality and quantity concepts related to stream health, watershed management, and natural resource processes.
• Knowledge of stormwater hydrology and hydraulics.
• Knowledge of watershed restoration capital improvement projects, including stormwater management retrofits, stream restoration, and tree planting.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including spatial data analysis, transfer, formatting, editing, and management.
• Knowledge of Harford County-specific GIS data layers, including data creation, ownership, metadata, maintenance, and display.
• Knowledge of database query procedures and methods for evaluating the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of query results.
• Skill in administrative, planning, organizational, and project management activities.
• Skill in effective oral and written communication.
• Skill in problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making processes.
• Skill in communicating effectively and professionally with the public, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Skill in utilizing GIS software and related computer applications to analyze, manage, and present spatial data.
• Ability to represent the Department before community groups, committees, public meetings, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to manipulate and analyze spatial data.
• Ability to produce cartographic outputs and designs.
• Ability to utilize GIS software commands and tools.
• Ability to edit, validate, and determine the accuracy of spatial and tabular data.
• Ability to digitize, scan, plot, and acquire geographic and other data.
• Ability to perform database queries and assess the accuracy and reliability of resulting data.
• Ability to perform general computer operations and effectively utilize technology to accomplish assigned duties.

Safety:

Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations, and applicable Harford County safety

Compensation:

Other compensation may include, but is not limited to:

• Overtime
• Compensatory time
• Shift Differentials

Benefits:

Harford County offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental & Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation
• Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• Generous Leave Package & Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Harford County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law.