Title: Water Quality Specialist
State Role Title: Minerals Specialist I
Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience up to $74,500
Pay Band: 5
Agency: Department of Energy
Location: Mines/Mine Land Repurpose/Adm
Agency Website: www.energy.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
Virginia Energy is hiring a Water Quality Specialist to support its Mined Land Repurposing (MLR) Program. This critical role ensures that mineral resource extraction across the Commonwealth is conducted responsibly, with full adherence to Virginia’s environmental and reclamation regulations.
Responsibilities include:
• Review and evaluate surface coal mine permit applications
• Prepare and manage National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits
• Ensure compliance with Virginia water control laws and regulations
• Administer permits within Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) watersheds
• Monitor and track compliance schedules
• Oversee chemical and biological water quality assessments
• Lead technical investigations into environmental impacts, identifying causes and recommending solutions
This restricted position is contingent upon continued receipt of federal funds. Federal funds make up 50% of the funding for this position. Virginia Energy has received these funds every year for over 40 years.
Virginia Energy’s mission is to lead the Commonwealth toward a safe, reliable, and responsible energy future with a greater emphasis on renewable energy programs and economic development. The agency also implements Virginia’s Energy Plan to ensure the Commonwealth has abundant, reliable, affordable, and clean energy.
Come be a part of an agency that makes a difference. We have offices in Big Stone Gap, Charlottesville, and Richmond, Virginia.
Minimum Qualifications
• Extensive knowledge of hydrologic principles and practices
• Proficiency in computer operations and computer mapping
• Working knowledge of mineral resource extraction practices
• Demonstrated ability to apply hydrologic principles, conduct technical investigations, and determine if environmental or hydrologic problems are mineral extraction related
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to clearly convey technical findings to diverse audiences
Additional Considerations
N/A
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Applications and résumés for this position are accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System only. Interview decisions will be based solely on the information provided in your electronic application and/or résumé. Please ensure you detail all relevant work experience clearly and specifically; we will not make assumptions about your qualifications. You will receive confirmation of receipt once your application and/or résumé has been successfully submitted. To check the status of your application, refer to “Your Application” in your account.
All applicants for employment must consent to a comprehensive background check. Selected candidates must successfully pass a drug test, reference, driving, and criminal background check.
Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form.
Virginia Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer by both policy and practice, therefore prohibits discrimination on basis of sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation or disability in the recruitment, selection and hiring of our workforce.
As a certified V3 organization, Virginia Energy honors the Commonwealth’s veterans hiring preference. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other National Service Alumni are also encouraged to apply.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or any part of the remaining hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Contact Information
Name: Pamela Koger McElwain
Phone: 804-910-1525
Email: Pamela.KogerMcElwain@energy.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.