Principal Planner - Strategic Regulation Reform

Introduction

The Division of Water manages and protects Delaware’s water resources. It provides technical assistance, laboratory services, and regulatory guidance and implementation.

The position provides senior‑level oversight across multiple DNREC Division of Water programs, leading permitting reform and process improvement initiatives required under Executive Order 18. It updates environmental regulations, standardizes planning practices, and supervises Division planning staff. The role collaborates with federal and state agencies and the regulated community to support compliance and coordination, while also developing key performance indicators to measure program effectiveness.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Analyze and assess data, problems, and issues and their impact on programs, plans or the current environment.
• Define and evaluate alternative uses of resources, viable options/approaches and anticipated costs and benefits, consequences and outcomes using present and projected information.
• Develop recommended course of action for public and private decisions in formal plans and policies including policy statements, budget allocations, regulations and/or legislation to affect and facilitate change and reach objectives.
• Formulate plans and policies to meet the social, economic, and physical needs of communities.
• Develop, promote and market strategies for the implementation of plans, policies and programs.
• Build consensus with community leaders, customers, advocates, and other affected parties via negotiations, mediation and facilitation.
• Involve and educate special interest groups, customers, and public officials via variety of forums, e.g., seminars, workshops, conferences, newsletters, assessments, and analytical reports.
• Coordinate planning activities and policies across state, regional, county and local levels; integrate with other entities outside the state.
• Provide technical assistance, training and education for understanding and managing change.
• Design and manage the planning process.
• Systematically evaluate the impact of plan implementation and incorporate findings with the ongoing planning process.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Principal Planner
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

• Experience in applying the principles and practices of planning related to Regulatory Development and Permitting Reform.
• Experience in interpreting the laws, rules, regulations and procedures in Environmental Policy & Economics.
• Experience in planning project management which includes planning, developing, implementing, managing and evaluating planning projects to ensure objectives are met.

The State of Delaware recognizes the value of telework and flexible working schedules. This position is eligible for Telework and Alternative Work Schedules according to the State of Delaware’s Alternative Work Arrangement Policy. More information will be shared at the time of interview.

DNREC does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1 B Visas.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more…