Title: Policy and Program Assistant

State Role Title: Policy Planning Spec II

Hiring Range: $57,733 - $75,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: MAIN STREET CENTRE

Agency Website: dcr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Policy and Program Assistant will perform key legislative, regulatory, and policy functions for the Division of Soil and Water Conservation. This position will support the legislative responsibilities of the Division by developing legislative proposals, monitoring introduced legislation, and drafting legislative reports. The position will participate in Division regulatory actions through the development of proposed regulatory language, completion of required documentation, and attendance at regulatory advisory panel meetings. Collaborating on the development of materials for presentation to the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board; participating with various stakeholder groups, subcommittees, and technical advisory committees; and supporting implementation of the Virginia Agricultural Cost-Share (VACS) Program will also be responsibilities of this position. The position will promote efficient and effective financial and administrative interactions between the Department and Virginia’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts by reviewing financial disbursements and offering operational guidance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of the laws, policies, and procedures related to state legislative and regulatory processes.
• Experience with reviewing laws, regulations, and technical criteria to develop understandable policies, procedures, and guidance.
• Experience with the development and interpretation of program guidance.
• Knowledge of nonpoint source pollution and related control programs.
• Effective written and oral communication skills and experience both preparing and giving public presentations.
• Competency in Microsoft Office software.
• Experience with organizing and prioritizing multiple tasks.
• Ability to work with all levels of an organization, and to maintain positive and productive relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to plan effectively and perform duties with minimum daily supervision.

Additional Considerations

• Familiarity with agricultural operations and experience with natural resource issues.
• Familiarity with Virginia water quality laws and related programs.
• Working understanding of conservation partner agencies and organizations.

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.

This position will remain open for a minimum of five business days, beginning on 09/03/2025. The position may be closed at any time after the five-day posting period once a suitable pool of applicants has been identified. 

Submission of an online application is required for this position. DCR does not accept applications, resumes, cover letters, etc. for this vacancy in any other format. When applying for jobs, please ensure your online application and/or resume is complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience.

A valid Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.

Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.

Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National/Federal Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT

Must possess a valid State Driver's License.

DCR employees are encouraged to visit Virginia State Parks! Check out our employee discounts.

• Free parking or admission to all Virginia State Parks.
• DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service) are entitled to overnight facility discounts such as:
  • Free camping outside of the Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day period in sites designed for up to six people.
  • Free camping Sunday night through Thursday night (excluding the night prior to a holiday) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
  • Fifty percent discount on cabins (up to 3 bedrooms) outside of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, for a maximum of 14 nights. All reservations require a two-night minimum. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one night yurt stays only receive a 25% discount.

Contact Information

Name: N/A

Phone: N/A

Email: hr@dcr.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.