Project Coordinator​/Designer, National Security Data & Policy Institute - Environmental Securit

The National Security Data & Policy Institute (NSDPI) at the University of Virginia seeks candidates for multiple project coordinator positions for a multi-year project with the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), USACE Engineering With Nature scientists and engineers, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Viginia Security Corridor Sentinel Landscape team (regulatory and research) to develop adaptive infrastructure for natural hazards and threats that impact the training and readiness of Department of Defense in the Mid-Atlantic region.

This is anticipated to be a 5-year research and development effort working toward implementation of significant keystone infrastructure projects that can mitigate natural hazard impacts to the operations and readiness of DoD installations in the mid-Atlantic region. The initial phase (20-months) will focus on design research for hazard adaptation technologies in support of military installations impacted by erosion, storms, and flooding.

Upon successful completion of the first phase, two additional stages will refine the concepts and work with private sector partners identified in stage one to prepare for implementation, including permitting, refined costing, and analysis of implications at scale.

The Project Coordinator will design and conduct labs experiments to develop a coastal testbed for natural infrastructure to address natural hazards to the training and readiness of Department of Defense facilities in the Mid-Atlantic region.

This is a full-time in-person position requiring on-site work in Charlottesville, VA and site visits within the Commonwealth of VA. The role reports to the Project Manager.

• Perform design studies, as guided by project leadership
• Implement lab experiments
• Collect and analyze existing datasets
• Identify, develop and test concepts at the "bench scale" and represent them for discussion with stakeholders
• Document the concepts for additional analysis and development
• Explore and examine data from multiple disparate sources to identify, provide reporting on, and analyze trends in the data
• Collaborate with internal researchers (UVA) and external stakeholders
• Engage with subcontractors, industry experts, and Subject Matter Experts
• Assist in the support of student researchers
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

• Education:
  
  Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
• Experience:
  
  2+ years relevant professional experience

• Demonstrated strong skills in drafting, graphic production, and mapping and analysis
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to collaboratively work with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs.

The anticipated hiring range is $70,000-$90,000, commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .

This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability. The initial period of performance on the anchor research project is through January 2028, with options for renewals

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site. This position also requires site visits within the Commonwealth of VA.

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .

Application review will begin after

May 26, 2026.

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .