What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Planner (Ecological Assessment and Evaluation) position at Anne Arundel County?
This posting will be used to fill a full-time position in the Bureau of Watershed Protection and Restoration (BWPR) in the Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works (DPW). This position administers the County’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, supports Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) implementation efforts, and ensures the Ecological Assessment and Evaluation unit’s goals and actions align with the goals and requirements of Federal and State environmental programs.
This is advanced professional and technical work in the field of urban planning, program management and/or development coordination, review and management.
NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK
This position involves advanced level professional and technical work in water resources. An employee in this class provides technical leadership for compliance with the County’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit requirements. Work includes coordinating compliance activities within DPW and with other County land use agencies; serving as the lead staff responsible for preparation of the MS4 annual report and associated supporting documents; overseeing consultant work in support of the MS4 permit program; participating in special investigative studies; representing BWPR and the MS4 permit program to federal and state environmental agency programs, non-profit organizations, and the public. Work is performed with considerable independence within established policies, procedures, and technical guidelines and is evaluated through satisfactory compliance with the County’s MS4 permit, scientific documentation and publications, development of innovative water quality improvement programs, and advancement of MS4 program goals.
This position will work closely with the BWPR Ecological Assessment and Evaluation unit Planning Administrator to establish and implement program goals.
(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.)
Administer the County’s NPDES MS4 permit program to ensure compliance with requirements; leads development of the MS4 annual report and supporting documentation; supports development of “good housekeeping” plans for County properties; reviews upcoming MS4 permit drafts and leads development of comments on behalf of the County.
Support watershed assessment and ecosystem research related to the NPDES MS4 permit program and TMDL watershed implementation plans to ensure that BWPR environmental reporting, policy, position statements, and management actions are predicated on scientifically derived information.
Provides technical and administrative support to administration of the County’s TMDL Implementation Program to ensure accurate and complete project execution and tracking; support annual updates to TMDL watershed implementation plans, as required by the MS4 permit; when possible, coordinates multi-jurisdictional efforts to achieve TMDL and clean water goals.
Coordinate work efforts with, and provide program and project support for the County’s BWPR,other County agencies, and State and Federal environmental agencies; maintain working relationships with community and watershed associations, local citizens, and nonprofit organizations to assist in addressing identified environmental issues and provide support in developing appropriate solution; assists with development of resilience and climate adaptation programs and reports.
Oversees contracts and consultant services associated with MS4 permit implementation; develop scopes of work, solicit and review proposals, manage contracts.
Stays current on stormwater management and ecological monitoring science; actively considers and proposes innovative science-based methodologies that best meet BWPR’s priorities.
Analyzes data to evaluate research results for use in policy and management decision-making; develops and submits oral and written reports.
Participates in environmental outreach activities including but not limited to public meetings, conference and in-house presentations, and publications of collected data; investigates and develops alternative methods to promote the County’s work associated with MS4 permit compliance.Performs related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of Maryland’s NPDES MS4 Phase I Permit compliance requirements.
Thorough knowledge of Federal, State, and local permit requirements and regulations related to ecological restoration and assessment of non-tidal aquatic environments.
Knowledge of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay TMDL Watershed Implementation Plan Phase I and Phase II requirements as well as individual TMDL requirements.
Ability to work collaboratively across interdisciplinary groups to collect, and subsequently report on, County environmental, inspection and enforcement, and operational information and data.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, officials of applicable Federal and State agencies, and the public; and to deal tactfully, effectively, and equitably with all.
Ability to conduct, evaluate, and translate water quality and ecological restoration monitoring results for use in policy, management, and education.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to develop and present requested information in a timely manner.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or universitiy with course work in planning or a closely related field; six (6) or more years of experience in major professional planning and zoning projects; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.
2. Knowledge and experience with MDE MS4 permit compliance and reporting requirements.
3. Strong written and oral communication skills.
4. Demonstrated ability to collaboratively lead projects with interdisciplinary teams.
Salary : $77,836 - $146,919
