Watershed Planner; Planning Specialist III, Grade 23

Please note: The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $76,742 - $112,259 based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is a nationally recognized and award-winning agency with the mission to enhance the quality of life in our community by protecting and improving Montgomery County's air, water, and land in a sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and industry-leading way while fostering smart growth, a thriving more sustainable economy and healthy communities. DEP is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and values diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures.

DEP encourages BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), immigrants, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.

The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking a dynamic and experienced Planning Specialist III for the Watershed Restoration Division, Monitoring and Planning Section to perform watershed assessment and planning for watershed restoration and water quality improvement and for the coordination, implementation, and reporting of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit as well as the development and update of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) implementation plans.

The ideal candidate will have considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations and agency policy and procedures governing water quality, including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) planning. The candidate will have a strong background in watershed restoration planning, stormwater management, and environmental policy;

can work independently while coordinating with multiple stakeholders across government agencies and the public; and have excellent communication, data analysis, and contract management skills. They should be comfortable conducting field work and engaging with the community on environmental issues. The successful candidate will have the following experience, knowledge, and skills to plan, coordinate, and manage watershed planning and MS4 permit‑related projects: analyze environmental data, manage geodatabases, and prepare comprehensive reports;

effectively communicate with internal departments, external agencies, contractors, and the public; and use GIS, databases, spreadsheets, and statistical software for environmental planning and reporting.

• Developing and managing Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plans and other watershed planning initiatives.
• Organizing and analyzing data to develop watershed restoration plans and the prioritization of potential restoration projects.
• Representing the County in interagency watershed planning, climate resiliency planning, and implementation efforts to restore stream habitat and water quality conditions in county and inter-jurisdictional watersheds.
• Providing GIS mapping, technical data, and graphics support for watershed restoration and planning activities.
• Coordinating and tracking compliance with the County’s MS4 permit using GIS and geodatabase tools.
• Reviewing and commenting on draft permit, Maryland Department of the Environment guidance, Chesapeake Bay restoration protocols, and expert panel recommendations.
• Supporting the County’s annual MS4 reporting by gathering and reviewing data from internal and external stakeholders.
• Conducting field assessments for watershed planning and responding to erosion/flooding complaints.
• Reviewing environmental components of master and sector plans developed by the Maryland‑National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M‑NCPPC).
• Managing contracts and task orders related to watershed restoration and MS4 compliance.
• Serving as the liaison to the Water Quality Advisory Group (WQAG), which provides recommendations to the County Executive and the County Council on water quality management goals and policies, as well as coordinating public engagement efforts.