Landscape Restoration Specialist (Ecologist III)

Fairfax County seeks a Landscape Restoration Specialist (Ecologist III) to lead stormwater improvement projects that integrate environmental and aesthetic elements. Responsibilities include supervising teams, ensuring design adherence, preparing reports, and overseeing vegetative components. Candidates should have a relevant degree and five years of experience in environmental science, including water quality monitoring and ecosystem management. A valid driver's license and specific certification are required.
About the position

The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) seeks a Landscape Restoration Specialist to support the planning, development and implementation of new and retro-fitted stormwater improvement projects that incorporate environmental, ecological and aesthetic elements. DPWES is a diverse, nationally-accredited and award-winning public works agency with approximately 1,000 employees providing solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land acquisition management services for the most populous county in Virginia. Join our team to help us protect the environment and serve the people of Fairfax County by creating and preserving a sustainable community that is an ideal place to live, work, and play for everyone.

Responsibilities
• Leads/supervises a team in the development and revision of details, specifications and of project plans for vegetative components of stormwater and partnership projects.
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• Supervises a team that works in coordination with other agency and consultant staff and stakeholders to ensure adherence to design requirements, quality of workmanship and general conditions related to vegetative components which affect all projects funded and built for the County.
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• Supervises the preparation of special reports and feasibility studies as needed by the Board members, agency, Director or Assistant Director.
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• Works with project teams to ensure that all comments received from other County agencies related to vegetative and related components are incorporated into contract documents prior to advertising for bid.
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• Supervises a team in the review of all work submitted by architectural, landscape architectural and engineering consultants as well as construction contractors.
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• Supervises a team that oversees the installation, monitoring and adaptive management of all vegetative components to ensure performance and adherence to national standards and applicable federal, state and local requirements.
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• Develops budgets, protocols and other documents to support the vegetative program.
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• Meets with citizens, civic associations, County staff, etc. to discuss master plans, detail plans, survey questionnaires, property surveys, individual problems or complaints.

Requirements
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in aquatic ecology, ecology, biology, botany, zoology, geography, environmental science, limnology, natural resource management, or a related field.
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• Five years of experience in the environmental science field at, or equivalent to, the Ecologist II level, to include experience in water quality monitoring, terrestrial ecosystem assessment and management, data analysis and reporting, bioassessments (fish, macroinvertebrates, vegetative communities, wildlife) using standard protocols, and assessments of associated habitat conditions.
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• Valid motor vehicle driver's license.
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• DEQ Stormwater Management Plan Reviewer certification - completion of first required training class within 12 months of hire and certification required within 12 months of date of completion of first required class.

Nice-to-haves
• Knowledge and experience designing and implementing landscape features associated with green stormwater infrastructure, stream corridor restoration and related ecological restoration projects.
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• Experience with plant materials specification, design, inspection, installation and monitoring, with a focus on locally native species.
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• Knowledge of and experience with landscape architectural and engineering drawing and illustration practices including visualization software.
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• Experience managing engineering or architectural design and construction contracts.
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• Experience managing and working collaboratively in a team environment.
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• Demonstrated communication skills and ability to partner with stakeholders.

Benefits
• Defined-benefit retirement plan
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• Medical, life and disability insurance
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• Paid leave
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• Tuition reimbursement
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• Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities