Environmental Programs Specialist

Overview

Are you looking to grow your environmental career while leading programs and activities that make our city cleaner, healthier, and future‑ready? If so, apply today to the Public Works Department’s Environmental Programs Specialist opportunity!

The Environmental Programs Specialist is a full‑time position with benefits and a preferred hiring range of $26.15 - $28.76 per hour (equivalent to $54,392.00 - $59,820.80 annually).

As the Environmental Programs Specialist, you’ll administer the Harrisonburg Conservation Assistance Program (HCAP), ensuring program compliance and preparing budgetary, financial, and statistical reports. The role oversees stormwater education and outreach along with curriculum development and coordinates stormwater, sustainability, and green space events while cultivating partnerships with schools, community groups, and businesses to support environmental education. You’ll support the implementation of the City’s Environmental Action Plan (EAP), assist with the City’s Phase II MS4 permit and the Drainage Improvement Program implementation, and help conduct periodic inspections of stormwater utility fee‑related Best Management Practices and water quality monitoring.

Responsibilities also include researching, reviewing, and preparing grant funding opportunities, applications, and reports. You will prepare periodic financial and non‑financial materials such as reports and memoranda, respond to resident and intergovernmental inquiries on environmental programs, and deliver presentations and reports to City teams, committees, and community audiences.

A detailed list of the ideal candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities, along with the physical requirements, for this position is available in the class specification.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental studies or science, urban planning, education, engineering, or closely related field, and moderate (1‑3 years) experience creating or leading educational events, grant writing, program administration, or similar work. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be used to meet this requirement.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Current possession or the ability to obtain the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Stormwater Management Inspector certification within 18 months of hire or as class scheduling permits.
• Experience in environmental science and stormwater/water resource management for a municipal government MS4 program preferred but not required for consideration.

• DMV Driving Record Review;
• Criminal Background Investigation.

All candidates must submit a complete City of Harrisonburg online employment application, including previous work experience and education history. This position may close at any time after 10 calendar days. (posted 01/16/2026)

The City provides an excellent benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance, retirement (VRS and Mission Square), life insurance, paid leave (including upfront sick leave), and 15.5 holidays.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status. The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.