Environmental Plan Reviewer

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on October 01, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on October 01, 2026.

Job Title:

Environmental Plan Reviewer Department:
Planning External Hiring Range: $62,541.91 - $79,334.30 Compensation Grade: 3005 Posted Internally and Externally

This position will join the Engineering and Environmental Services (EES) Division of the Buncombe County Planning Department. Initial responsibilities will focus on post-construction stormwater permitting, but may also cross over into erosion control permitting and water supply watershed permitting. This position reports to the EES Division Manager/Stormwater Administrator.

The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. This is primarily an in-office position at 35 Woodfin Street, however, once initial training has occurred, a hybrid work schedule with up to two days working from home may be available.

Buncombe County Government offers a comprehensive benefits package.

• NC Local Government Retirement System
• Employee Assistance Program
• Two days of PTO
• Sick and annual leave
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Supplemental life insurance
• Short-term disability
• 401(k) enrollment

Full benefit details are provided during New Employee Orientation.

Purpose of the position:
The purpose of this position is to work within one or more planning specialties (housing, economic development, land use, transportation, environmental and legal aspects) and to perform duties and responsibilities for specific programs related to planning and development within the County’s Planning Department, with a primary focus on environmental permitting programs administered by Engineering and Environmental Services Division.

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field and two (2) years of experience in environmental permitting, stormwater/hydraulic design, or a related field; or an Associate's degree in engineering or a related field and four (4) years of experience, including at least two (2) years of direct hydrologic and hydraulic design work or plan/calculation review, may be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree;

or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge of North Carolina stormwater, erosion control, water supply watershed, and floodplain development permitting regulations and environmental permitting enabling legislation preferred. Engineer Intern (EI/EIT) certification preferred.

The work is primarily medium work requiring exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, grasping, lifting, mental acuity, repetitive motion, speaking, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

• Complete technical review of stormwater, erosion control, water supply watershed, and floodplain development permits for residential and commercial developments; maintain data to track permits and cases.
• Complete plat reviews and approvals inclusive of applicable requirements.
• Assist in the administration of ordinances enforced by the Engineering and Environmental Services Division, including the Stormwater Management, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control, Flood Damage Prevention, and Water Supply Watershed Ordinances.
• Inspect construction and development projects to ensure adherence to permitted plans and design specifications pertaining to County ordinances enforced by the Engineering and Environmental Services Division.
• Support insurance and banking professionals regarding required performance sureties and assist legal professionals in the creation of operation and maintenance agreements under the guidance of the Stormwater Administrator.
• Provide assistance to the general public by communicating information relative to the ordinances implemented by the Engineering and Environmental Services Division and addressing inquiries and complaints, which may involve visiting and evaluating sites, contacting and assisting property owners in gaining compliance, and enforcing legal requirements of non-compliant locations.
• Assist with updating County ordinances and environmental permitting programs to advance County strategic and long-range goals and comply with legislative…