Title: NRO - P4345 - Solid Waste Permit Writer & Groundwater Specialist

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist II

Hiring Range: $65,000 – $84,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept of Environmental Quality

Location: Northern Regional Office

Agency Website: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Northern Regional Office is seeking a qualified candidate to process solid waste permit application and modification requests and to review groundwater documents and provide written comments within established agency timeframes. Technically review and respond to groundwater evaluation and remediation submittals related to solid waste disposal facilities. Reviews groundwater monitoring plans, groundwater annual reports, and closure plans to determine consistency and compliance with the Virginia Solid Waste Management Regulations (VSWMR). Performs site visit for each site that is proposing any groundwater remediation prior to approving the implementation of the proposed remedy. Evaluate and draft permit modifications and variances for solid waste permits in accordance with VSWMR and ensures consistency with existing EPA or DEQ guidance when approving corrective action well networks or monitoring specifics. Provides for adequate public participation as required by the regulations and prepare public response documents as a result of receiving public comments during regulatory public participation within Agency timeframes. Provide coordination, collaboration and customer service to citizens, regulated community, DEQ staff, other state agencies, and federal agencies. Collaborate with DEQ waste permitting staff and other media groups. Represent DEQ solid waste program on technical matters in meetings related to groundwater issues and support other members of DEQ in fulfillment of their missions. Maintains and utilizes Agency environmental databases to support Agency programs. Log and enter permitting information into Agency databases. Research and query agency databases as needed for FOIA and QA/QC purposes. Perform other duties as necessary or assigned, in support of the Agency mission.

Minimum Qualifications

• Combination of education, experience or training with major coursework in environmental science, geology, hydrology, or engineering 
• Thorough knowledge of geology, hydrogeology, mathematics, modeling and statistical applications, water chemistry, groundwater remedial technologies, and federal and Virginia Solid Waste Management Regulations
• Knowledge of Microsoft PC applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Sharepoint
• Experience managing multiple projects concurrently and directly engaging with permit holders and environmental consultants
• Effective verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to independently read and interpret engineering/geologic plans and specifications
• Problem solving and decision-making abilities

Additional Considerations

• Work experience writing, developing and/or reviewing waste permitting documents and related plans such as landfill gas management plans, leachate management plans, and groundwater monitoring plans.
• Work experience in evaluation of groundwater monitoring systems, groundwater investigation and remediation technologies, and various groundwater data (i.e. potentiometric flow maps, contaminant plume maps and trend graphs, and laboratory and field analytical results).
• License as a Professional Geologist desired

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.

Please Read Carefully:

This is a restricted position which is solely funded by federal grants or non-general funds. Employment is contingent on the continued availability of grant or non-general funds.

The Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not provided; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work.

Excluding current DEQ Employees, selected candidates for employment MUST pass a criminal background check. A valid driver’s license is required of all DEQ employees in order to operate a state-owned or leased vehicle.

The Application Process: Individuals desiring to be considered for this position must submit a completed employment application or you may attach a resume before the position’s closing date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. Applications submitted via postal mail, email, or fax will not be considered.

DEQ Values Veterans: DEQ is a proud member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program, authorized under the Code of Virginia (§2.2-2001.2). We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified Veterans and their spouses. Veterans who are hired into state positions may be eligible for additional leave accruals based on their total years of service in the military, National Guard or Reserve. For more information please visit: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits

Our Commitment: DEQ is an equal opportunity employer by both policy and practice. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive work environment with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, or against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. It is DEQ’s intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination. DEQ will provide if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of accommodation in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process. If any assistance is needed, please contact DEQ Human Resources Office at 804-698-4000.

Contact Information

Name: Yolanda Powell

Phone: 804-584-7203

Email: HROCommunications@deq.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.