Environmental Planner

Overview

This position involves professional planning and environmental compliance tasks such as land use planning, development evaluation, GIS mapping, and managing the Town's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program. As the designated MS4 Program Administrator, the role requires ensuring adherence to federal and state stormwater laws, coordinating both internal and regional MS4 efforts, managing permit reporting, and contributing to long-range planning under the guidance of the Planning and Zoning Director.

Core Responsibilities

• Administer the Town's MS4 Program, acting as the primary liaison with agencies including Roanoke County, DEQ, and EPA.
• Ensure compliance with Virginia MS4 General Permit and maintain annual MS4 and TMDL reports.
• Update and execute TMDL Action Plans and oversee the Stormwater Management Program (SWMP).
• Coordinate activities related to Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) and Best Management Practices (BMPs).
• Monitor Roanoke County’s stormwater and erosion control regulations alongside MS4 permit obligations.
• Support enforcement actions for stormwater quality in accordance with the Town and County ordinances.
• Track permit deadlines, inspections, compliance measures, and corrective responses.
• Maintain detailed records required for regulatory inspections and audits.
• Investigate and respond to illicit discharge complaints, coordinating detection and elimination efforts.
• Conduct source tracking for illicit discharges and perform dry weather outfall screenings.
• Manage public education and involvement initiatives on stormwater quality in collaboration with local organizations such as Roanoke County, Clean Valley Council, and Western Virginia Water Authority.
• Assist Human Resources to implement required employee training on MS4 permit compliance and stormwater regulations.
• Write, submit, and oversee environmental and water quality grants.
• Prepare planning studies, maps, reports, and presentations; provide professional advice to the Planning and Zoning Director on MS4 and environmental planning matters.
• Assist citizens with permits related to building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, signage, and zoning.
• Attend meetings outside typical hours as necessary and undertake other assigned duties.
• Develop and maintain GIS applications and geographic data systems using tools such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and other mapping technologies.
• Create custom and standardized GIS maps, databases, and reports for internal staff, the public, and business users.
• Conduct various zoning-related analyses and research to support departmental projects and regulatory updates.
• Respond to requests for maps, GIS projects, and analyses, ensuring uniform data exchange with neighboring localities.
• Manage GIS data updates from multiple sources and conduct field data collection using GPS and surveying tools.
• Oversee budget management for MS4 compliance, coordinate consultant contracts, monitor consultant outputs, and pursue grant funding opportunities.
• Assist in developing ordinances, policies, and procedures for environmental compliance and planning.
• Represent the Town in public, stakeholder, and regional committee meetings.
• Review development plans for adherence to stormwater, erosion and sediment control, zoning, subdivision, and environmental regulations; coordinate reviews with other agencies.

Knowledge and Skills

• Expert understanding of urban and regional planning principles.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Virginia's MS4 rules, stormwater management, erosion control, and environmental compliance programs.
• Familiarity with local government land use administration and development processes.
• Ability to interpret regulations at federal, state, and local levels and prepare detailed technical reports.
• Strong proficiency in GIS software, permitting databases, and planning tools.
• Effective project management and organizational abilities.

Educational and Professional Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or related fields.
• At least two years of relevant experience in planning or environmental compliance.
• Preferred experience in MS4 permit program management or support.
• Excellent communication and public relations skills.
• Working knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal land use and environmental regulations.
• Proficient in research and data analysis related to environmental and planning contexts.
• Ability to prepare clear reports and deliver oral presentations, engaging effectively with committees and the public.
• Capable of fostering positive working relationships with officials, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office and ArcGIS software platforms.

Certifications and Other Requirements

• Possession of a valid Virginia driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Virginia certification in Stormwater and Erosion and Sediment Control is required or must be obtained within 24 months.

Additional Information

Salary range is $65,000 to $70,000, dependent on experience and qualifications. Applications will be reviewed starting August 10, 2026, with a closing date of August 14, 2026. Evening and weekend meeting attendance may be necessary.