Are you seeking a career where you can make a direct impact in the local community's environmental initiatives through a variety of technical functions? If so, consider applying to the City of Harrisonburg Public Works Department's Environmental Specialist (Stormwater) role!

The Environmental Specialist (Stormwater) is a full-time position with benefits and a preferred hiring range of $28.28 - $31.11 per hour (equivalent to $58,822 - $64,708 annually); however, an exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications/experience and in compliance with City policy.

As the Environmental Specialist (Stormwater), your essential functions will include performing hands-on maintenance, inspections, and beautification of Blacks Run, removing detriments (including trash, debris, overgrowth, and invasive species), and assessing ecological health by implementing water quality testing programs. Additionally, you'll make improvements (including planning and implementing the trash clean-up programs and the stabilization and restoration of eroded banks), recruit and supervise volunteers and associated employees, and develop partnerships with City departments, other agencies, and schools to take part in various programs. This position provides support to ensure compliance with MS4 permit compliance. In this role, you'll exercise independent judgment and initiative while planning and implementing projects in a team environment to further the department's mission: "...to enhance the quality of life of our citizens by providing efficient public services, protecting the public interest with good environmental policies, enforcing codes, and constructing, operating, and maintaining the City's infrastructure."A detailed list of the ideal candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is available in the class specification.

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to:
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental studies or science, horticulture, forestry, or closely related field.
• Valid driver's license.
• Current possession of or the ability to obtain the following within the time frames specified:
  • State of Virginia Certified Pesticide Applicator’s License within 6 months of hire date;
  • Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Stormwater Management Inspector Certification within 18 months of hire date or as class scheduling permits.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including some work hours outside of the standard 7am - 3:30pm schedule, flexibility in shift begin/end times, and occasional overnight travel.
• Click here to view the physical requirements of this position.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications (Not Required for Consideration):

• Experience in horticulture, forestry, botany, plant biology, or related field and moderate (1-3 years) experience in stream restoration work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Some experience with GIS.
• ISA Certified Arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.
• Possession of Commercial Nuisance Animal Permit.

The selected candidate for this position will be subject to the following screenings and must receive satisfactory results:

• DMV record review; and
• Criminal background check.

To Apply: In order to be considered, all candidates must submit a complete City of Harrisonburg online employment application, including previous work experience and education history. This position may close at any time after 10 calendar days. (posted 06/21/2024)