Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs

Environmental Program Planner

Hiring Range: $74,000 - $86,000

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: Main Street Center

Agency Website: www.dcr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Division of Planning and Recreational Resources (PRR) manages a broad range of recreational programs throughout Virginia. The programs that the division manages include: master planning for state parks, Virginia scenic rivers program, statewide trails program, design and construction of recreational facilities for state parks and natural area preserves, development of the Virginia Outdoors Plan, DCR’s internal review process and administration of grants including the federal Land and Water and Recreational Trails Programs, as well as the American Battlefield Protection Grants. The majority of these programs are directed and enforced by the Code of Virginia. PRR also provides guidance and oversight of resource management planning, design and construction for Virginia State Parks including scenic and cultural resources, physical resources (infrastructure and the built environment) as well as coordination of local planning efforts. The PRR, Planning Section where this position will be housed, is directly responsible for several of these programs including master planning for over 40 State Parks.

The Planning and Recreation Resources (PRR) Environmental Program Planner serves under the direct supervision of the Chief Planner for the PRR Planning Section. The primary programmatic area this position has responsibilities is state park master planning. The Planner works in collaboration with other divisions, and the public, to understand local planning efforts, and efforts related to scenic, natural and cultural resources and the built environment to develop and update state park master plans in a manner that ensures the sustainability and long term viability of the Commonwealth’s resources while providing and/or enhancing appropriate public utilization. At the discretion of the Chief Planner, this position may help develop and implement other Planning Section and PRR Division program area products.

• Develop and update State Park Master Plans in accordance with §10.1-200 of the Code of Virginia and according to established schedule and agency format.
• Complete 10-year reviews, out-of-turn revisions/amendments, and develop new plans for assigned state parks master plans.
• Coordinate with State Park, Natural Heritage, and Real Property staff, and the public to identify needs for new parks and determine where changes to existing master plans are required.
• Conduct and act as facilitator for advisory committee and public meetings.
• Provide support to fellow planners in the completion of their master planning duties, as needed.
• Present plans to PRR Chief Planner and PRR and State Park directors/staff for their review.
• Ensure timely/accurate completion of plans for distribution/review and posting.
• Analyze map information for park projects and prepare maps for reports and presentations.
• Provide technical assistance to local planning districts and local governments, as needed.
• Help develop and implement other Planning Section and PRR Division program area products, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in planning (community, urban/regional, outdoor recreation, natural resources, or similar), landscape architecture, project management, or a closely related field with significant emphasis on planning.
• Demonstrated experience in current and/or long-range planning in a local, state, or federal government setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of scenic, natural, cultural, and/or physical resources.
• Knowledge of planning, project management, and/or landscape architecture.
• Knowledge of the use and application of Geographic Information Systems.
• Skill in technical writing, review, and editing and ability to produce technical reports and papers.
• Ability to develop and update master plans.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team, and across divisions and specialty areas.
• Ability to research/understand current and predictive trends for park and recreation planning.
• Ability to think critically and incorporate information from various disciplines in decision making.
• Ability to make technical decisions independently and provide guidance and recommendations to resolve technical problems, within scope authority and under limited supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with federal, state, and local government officials/agencies, businesses, professional associations, public interest groups and the public.
• Certified planner (AICP or equivalent), certified project management professional (PMP or equivalent), Professional Landscape Architect (PLA).

Special Instructions:

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 pm on the closing date through the PageUp recruitment system. State applications submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person will not be considered. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted successfully. DCR is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the highest ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that our greatest strength lies in the individual differences, experiences, and skillsets that our employees bring to the table. Because of this, we strongly encourage applications from all walks of life and we welcome all contributions in terms of age, beliefs, color, culture, disability, education, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, language, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran’s status.

Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.

Contact Information:

Name: Laura Nelson

Phone: 804-786-5657

Email: hr@dcr.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. 

Equal Opportunity Employer