Location: Chesapeake, VA – Hampton Roads (Southeastern Virginia)
Classification: Full-time, 40 hours per week; FLSA Exempt status
Salary: Starting salary range: upper $40s, DOE/DOQ; Full Benefits
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
About the HRPDC
The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC), one of 21 Planning District Commissions in the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a regional organization representing this area's seventeen local governments. The purpose of planning district
commissions, as set out in the Code of Virginia, Section 15.2-4207 is …to encourage and facilitate local government cooperation and state-local cooperation in addressing on a regional basis problems of greater than local significance. The HRPDC serves as a resource of technical expertise to its member local governments. It provides assistance on local and regional issues pertaining to Economics, Emergency Management, Housing, Planning, and Water Resources, and provides a robust education and outreach program through its Communications department. The HRPDC staff also serves as the support staff for the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO), which is responsible for transportation planning and decision-making in the region. The HRPDC is an equal opportunity employer. For more information on the HRPDC, visit www.hrpdcva.gov.
The Position
The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) is seeking a candidate for the position of Coastal Planner. The
successful candidate will have expertise in urban and environmental planning and geographic information systems to support the HRPDC Coastal Resiliency Program. The Coastal Resiliency Program is responsible for identifying and implementing regional priorities for research, analysis and policy development on issues related to coastal resiliency to support local government planning and implementation efforts. Applicant must be able to evaluate state and federal policies related to climate change and resiliency that will create potential regulatory and policy challenges for local governments. Requires regular travel to meetings within the Hampton Roads region and occasional travel to other locations within coastal Virginia. Qualified applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
The Candidate
The ideal candidate will have:
- General knowledge of comprehensive physical and environmental planning issues and best practices.
- Excellent communication skills to present technical reports & complex ideas to various boards and committees.
- Demonstrated proficiency with spreadsheets and presentation software.
- Demonstrated proficiency with GIS software and analysis.
- General knowledge of the operation of local governments and their needs related to planning and resiliency.
- Demonstrated proficiency in drawing and/or illustrating graphics and other visualizations such as diagrams, maps and plans.
- Ability to evaluate state and federal policies related to climate change and resiliency that will create potential regulatory and policy challenges for Hampton Roads’ local governments.
- Ability to develop research approaches and methodologies.
- Ability to collect and analyze complex technical and statistical data.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills to present information, analysis and concepts to HRPDC Board, regional organizations and local governments.
- Ability to work well with stakeholders, planning professionals and agency staff to develop positive, successful working relationships.
Education & Experience
- Master’s degree in Planning, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, Geography or Environmental Policy.
- Bachelor’s degree in an area listed above with 3 years of relevant professional experience will be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.
- Experience in local government, state or federal agencies preferred.
- Professional certification or registration desirable.
To Apply
To be considered, applicants must submit a letter of interest and resume to Kelli Arledge, Human Resources Administrator, at karledge@hrpdcva.gov, or mail documents to:
Kelli E. Arledge
Human Resources Administrator
HRPDC
723 Woodlake Drive,
Chesapeake, VA 23320
About Hampton Roads
The Hampton Roads area is located in southeastern Virginia where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Chesapeake Bay. The region’s land area covers approximately 2,907 square miles and includes an extensive system of waterways including the Intercoastal Waterway and the James, York, Nansemond and Elizabeth Rivers. Hampton Roads is rich in cultural treasures,
reflecting the diversity of its communities and a variety of annual festivals celebrate the heritage of the region. History, music, drama, and art can also be found in a multitude of theaters and museums in the area. Norfolk is recognized as the Arts capital of Virginia, and is the home city for the Virginia Symphony, Virginia Ballet, Virginia Opera and the Commonwealth Theatre Company. The NorVa Theater, a downtown concert venue, offers concerts featuring national touring acts and well-known artists. The City of Virginia Beach is the number one vacation destination in Virginia. The City’s three-mile boardwalk is only part of what makes the City so attractive to locals and visitors alike. From Croatan Beach to the south all the way to the North End beaches of the City, Virginia Beach reveals its vibrancy and laid back beach vibe, all wrapped up in a sprawling, park-like setting. The Mariner's Museum in Newport News is one of the most famous and complete maritime museums in the world. Also located in Newport News is the Virginia War Museum, featuring the largest collection of war relics and historical records in the United States. Nauticus, the National Maritime Center, is located on the downtown Norfolk waterfront and is home to the Battleship Wisconsin. Williamsburg and James City County offer a wide range of activities and historic destinations; whether it is Williamsburg and the Colonial Capital or Busch Gardens Amusement park. Facilities located along the James and York Rivers offer a variety of activities that include boating, fishing, camping, biking, and tennis. Washington, D.C. is 200 miles to the north, and Richmond, the state capital, is located 100 miles to the west.
