What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Codes Administrator position at Spotsylvania County, VA?
Spotsylvania County is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace. Employees are prohibited from manufacturing, distributing, possessing or using controlled substances such as marijuana. A positive drug test result, confirmed use or impairment can be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination in accordance with our personnel policies.
A positive pre-employment drug test will also disqualify a candidate for hire.
General Statement of Job
Under limited supervision, oversees professional, executive, and supervisory functions related to the Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Program Management. Responsibilities include directing staff assignments, technical plan reviews, and overall program activities to ensure compliance with County, State, and Federal codes within Community Development’s Environmental Codes.
Serving as the designated Erosion and Stormwater Management Program Administrator, the employee provides oversight of inspections, plan reviews, and other technical staff. Duties include assigning and monitoring inspection workloads, reviewing inspection records and enforcement cases in the absence of an inspection supervisor, and providing legally binding code interpretations. The position also involves reviewing technical plans for compliance with applicable design standards, codes, and regulations.
Additional responsibilities include managing enforcement cases, coordinating compliance efforts, overseeing third-party inspections, and providing expert legal testimony. The employee must demonstrate initiative, independent judgment, and professionalism while interacting with contractors, property owners, and the general public. Reports to the Director of Environmental Codes.
Special Duties & Responsibilities
- Assists the Director of Environmental Codes in managing the day-to-day operations of the Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program through program administration, implementation, and regulation to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.
- Serves as the designated Program Administrator, overseeing inspection, plan review, enforcement and program implementation.
- Performs all components of program implementation, including inspections, plan review, code enforcement, and administration as needed in accordance with the applicable laws, codes, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
- Coordinates technical plan review for compliance with applicable erosion, stormwater management and other local, state, and federal environmental codes, regulations, and ordinances.
- Supervises and directs personnel engaged in inspections and code enforcement activities; assists and reviews difficult or complex engineering data, environmental cases and resolves problems as non-routine unique situations arise; coordinates and manages enforcement and code compliance cases prior to legal action; supervises inspections and oversees the gathering of pertinent data; appears in court and presents testimony, when required.
- Executes site investigations and issuance of violations of erosion and stormwater management laws and other applicable technical codes, design standards, codes, ordinances, and regulations.
- Assists in establishment, execution, and enforcement of long-term maintenance agreements for stormwater management facilities.
- Supervises, directs, and evaluates performance of assigned professional and technical staff and provides training recommendations.
- Communicates with and provides technical assistance to employees, County officials, other departments, inspectors, residents, site designers, contractors, developers, and local/state/federal agencies as needed to coordinate work activities, exchange information, resolve problems, and to provide technical guidance and direction for compliance with local, state, and federal codes.
- Facilitates preparation of professional and technical reports, forms, and correspondence for County Administration, the Board of Supervisors, the County Attorney, and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and other departments and staff, as needed.
- Assists in preparation of financial reports; gathering and analyzing data for overall budget consideration, as needed.
- Offers professional and technical information and recommendations to environmental staff and the Director of Environmental Codes.
- Provides interpretation and makes recommendations for County code or ordinance amendments to ensure compliance with new or updated state and federal environmental mandates.
- Serves as a liaison to local, regional, state, and federal agencies and organizations, such as the George Washington Regional Commission (GWRC) and the DEQ.
- Attends staff meetings, training classes, and seminars; DEQ Certifications and any required professional licenses and certifications, attends seminars and conferences, and maintains professional affiliations.
- Reads technical bulletins, proposed code changes, and other related materials to stay abreast of changes in State law, codes, code enforcement, ordinances, etc.
- Assists in preparing reports, correspondence, and policy recommendations for County Administration and the Board of Supervisors.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Training & Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Engineering or Studies with Professional Engineer licensure or Engineer-in-Training is preferred; with at least five (5) years of experience in environmental code enforcement, erosion and stormwater management, or a related field; and at least two (2) years of supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Certification from Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) as Dual Combined Administrator is preferred or the ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of position start date.
Must possess and maintain a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license.
Special Requirements
- In-depth knowledge of state codes and County ordinances related to erosion, stormwater, and environmental compliance.
- Skilled in interpreting, enforcing, and providing legally binding code interpretations.
- Experienced in managing professional and technical staff, conducting performance evaluations, and overseeing inspections.
- Strong analytical skills to resolve conflicts, analyze engineering data, and ensure compliance with environmental laws.
- Proficient in preparing technical reports, policy recommendations, and legal documentation.
- Effective communicator with the public, regulatory agencies, and County officials.
- Capable of working independently, managing multiple projects, and adapting to changing environmental regulations.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of personnel management.
- Able to resolve conflicts, direct staff, and work tactfully with contractors, property owners, and the public.
- Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
- Ability to assess and compare data, resolve issues, and provide clear instructions.
- Proficient in preparing correspondence and technical documents with attention to punctuation, grammar, and style.
- Strong public speaking and communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and confidently.
- Skilled in applying logical or scientific thinking to define problems, analyze data, and draw valid conclusions.
- Proficient in using mathematical formulas, including basic arithmetic, percentages, and geometry.
- Able to manage stressful situations and perform effectively under pressure.
- Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be physically able to operate a variety of office machinery, tools, and equipment including computers, printers, fax machines, telephone, copiers, two-way radio, scales, tape measurers, drafting equipment, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are for those for Light Work. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape. Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment and hand tools. Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as office equipment and hand tools. Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color. Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving the nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via telephone.
