CO - P4249 - Mitigation Specialist

Hiring Range: $57,733 - $82,042

Full Time or Part Time: FULL TIME

JOB DESCRIPTION

This position primarily conducts regulatory review and compliance for stream and wetland mitigation projects under the compensatory mitigation program on the Mitigation and Nutrient Banking Team. Responsible for developing and implementing guidance, manuals, and technical procedures, in accordance with federal and state law and regulation. Works with federal and state representatives of the US Army Corps of Engineers Interagency Review Team to review proposed prospectuses, mitigation banking instruments, plans, reports, credit releases, financial assurances and site protection documents. Reviews wetland and stream restoration site design and as-built plans for completeness and technical sufficiency within law, regulation, banking instrument, and general restoration principles. Conducts compliance site visits. Conducts State Surface Water Determinations, as needed for mitigation and ILF sites. Collaborates with sponsors and consultants resolve non-compliance. Provides timely and accurate information on compensatory mitigation to Federal and state agencies, consultants, and the public according to program policies. Assists regional and central offices VWP Permit Program staff with application of program guidance and procedures. 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is primarily responsible for: 

• Provides leadership, direction, and guidance to program staff, and ensures compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures.  
• Serves as the senior technical staff in the review of mitigation projects.  Coordinates the workflow for Central Office mitigation projects to insure timely review of applications, technically accurate approvals/certification, and the resolution of compliance and enforcement actions fairly and consistently.
•   Identifies procedural, policy, guidance, and consistency issues and recommends implementation strategies to enhance program consistency in Central Office and throughout the regional offices, communications, product quality and delivery, and program feedback.  Ensures that the commitments in the program and the timeframes in procedures and regulations are met.  
• Coordinates staff review of correspondence, reports, plans, and permits to ensure conformance to and consistent application of procedures, regulations, sound engineering and ecological practices, and pollution prevention approaches. 
• Responds to requests for technical and regulatory assistance from staff, regulated community, consultants, and the public.  
• Communicates procedural, policy, guidance, or problems to management in a timely manner.  
• Monitors current and emerging Agency guidance and regulations to determine their potential effect on the program.  
• Evaluates programs for effectiveness, efficiency, and conformance to state/federal laws/regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Combination of education or training with major coursework in environmental science or engineering, biological or ecological sciences, hydrology, soil science, natural resource management or related fields or a combination of education and experience demonstrating an equivalent technical background.  
• Demonstrated experience in the technical and legal requirements of Section 404 and 401 of the Clean Water Act and the Virginia Water Protection Permit permitting process. 
• Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT), Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), or Professional Wetland Delineator (PWD) certifications desired but not mandatory.  
• Educational background and experience in Wetland ecology, Botany, Soil Science, Aquatic Ecology, Restoration ecology, Natural Resources Management/Administration, Environmental Engineering Principles, Environmental Science, and Agricultural and Urban NMPs.
• Demonstrated experience with water permit programs. Knowledge of state and federal water and wetlands laws and regulations, public participation processes, and demonstrated ability to develop, evaluate, and apply complex policies, guidelines, and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use computer systems and software to include Microsoft Office products.  
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in project management and work flow/business process management. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. 
• Demonstrated ability to respond to problems by identifying issues and proposing alternative solutions; seeking to correct the underlying causes of problems rather than the symptoms. 
• Must be able to work with multiple stakeholders as necessary to resolve issues while being efficient, transparent, fair and consistent.
• This position may require you to operate a state owned or leased vehicle. Therefore, a valid driver's license is required. 

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.