The mission of the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is to protect and restore the environment, conserve natural resources, and improve the quality of life in the District of Columbia. As the nation's capital city, the District will become a model of environmental protection and sustainable environmental practices. In partnership with other District agencies, the federal government, business groups, non-profit organizations, and residents, the department will help instill environmental awareness through innovation and best practices.

This position serves as an Environmental Protection Specialist in the Natural Resources Administration, Watershed Protection Division, Restoration Branch. The mission of the Watershed Protection Division is to conserve the soil and water resources of the District of Columbia and protect its watersheds from nonpoint source pollution. The primary role of this position is executing District of Columbia and federally funded projects—specifically watershed restoration project planning, design, and construction. Project work could include wetland restoration, living shorelines, and green stormwater infrastructure. Managing grants and contracts to execute watershed restoration activities is an important component of this position. Furthermore, the position involves significant project coordination with District, private, and federal landowners, and interacting with the public to explain techniques to control nonpoint source pollution. The incumbent should have a good understanding of the causes of urban nonpoint source pollution, methodologies for stormwater treatment, and the ability to work with a diverse team and group of partners to plan, design, and construct watershed restoration projects. Knowledge of stream restoration, Low Impact Development, ecology, hydrology, wetlands, and project management is important.

Duties and Responsibilities

Interprets District and federal statutes, regulations, and guidelines for a specific environmental discipline. Has professional knowledge of other environmental programs that may be affected and can interact with them to a meaningful degree. Participates in interagency and intergovernmental groups and organizations to provide policy recommendations, technical review, or regulatory oversight; and conducts public participation activities, including participation in restoration advisory boards, public workshops, public meetings, and public hearings.

Assists in developing federal grant applications, project cooperative agreements, and memoranda of understanding, and ensures that the grant or agreement conditions are followed. Prepares annual work plan, and monthly, quarterly, mid-year, annual reports, and maintains grant files. Conducts requests for applications (RFAs), reviews proposals, and administers the solicitation process. Assists in managing sub-grants, writing agreements, preparing correspondences, conducting on-site visits, reviewing, and approving reports, and maintaining grant files. Assists in developing documents required by the Department, including strategic plans, briefings, annual reports, and fact sheets. Develops and reports on performance measures. Meets with local groups composed of private citizens or representatives of public or private associations to acquaint them with departmental policy on environmental matters and provides information regarding proper methods for controlling and abating environmental hazards and for conserving natural resources. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education

Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must be equivalent to the next lower grade in the normal line of progression.

Preferred Experience: The ideal candidate will have an excellent understanding of the causes of urban nonpoint source pollution, methodologies for stormwater treatment, and Low Impact Development, including the planning, design, and construction of stream and wetland restoration projects. Grant and contract management experience, including writing scopes of work, preparing and managing solicitations, reviewing and approving invoices, and reporting on grant and contract deliverables, is preferred. Furthermore, the position involves significant project coordination with District, private, and federal landowners, and interacting with the public to explain techniques to control nonpoint source pollution. Education, experience, and/or training in environmental management, stormwater management, stream restoration, wetland restoration, and/or a closely related field is important.

License and Certification

Valid driver’s license required.

Working Conditions/Environment

The work is performed in an office which is an adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated and in the field.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Varies

Pay Plan, Series, Grade: CS-0028-12

Promotion Potential: None

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under the collective bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 2725 and you may be required to pay an agency service fee (dues) through direct payroll deduction.

Position Designation: This position requires a pre-employment criminal background check.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.