Climate Data Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Description Are you an experienced environmental planner who wants to help shape a more resilient future for Montgomery County. The Montgomery County Planning Department is seeking a dynamic Environmental Planner III to join the Environment and Climate Division. This is an exciting opportunity to help lead master planning work, advance climate resilience strategies, and bring environmental and climate data into planning decisions that will influence communities across the County.

The ideal candidate brings strong master planning experience, a deep understanding of planning for climate resilience, experience working with climate and environmental data, and excellent communication and writing skills. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in collaborative, interdisciplinary work and can engage effectively with county residents, developers, planners, architects, engineers, attorneys, and public officials. Fieldwork and occasional evening meetings are required.

Examples of Important Duties Lead environmental and climate analyses, recommendations, and policy direction for master plans, with a strong emphasis on climate resilience. Use climate, environmental, and natural resource data to inform planning analyses, policy development, and recommendations. Help integrate environmental goals and climate considerations into planning decisions that shape growth, development, and long-term community outcomes.

Communicate complex environmental and climate issues clearly and effectively through strong writing, presentations, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, public officials, and community members. Apply knowledge of Montgomery County's master plans and the policies, procedures, regulations, and standards that guide environmental planning and development review. Conduct field work throughout the year, including identification of trees and other vegetation, streams, and wetlands.

Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies on environmental and climate issues and help facilitate practical, high-quality solutions. Prepare clear, persuasive, and well-organized staff reports, memoranda, recommendations, and other written materials in support of planning and development review work. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field.

Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional level planning experience related to specific area of assignment such as transportation planning, environmental planning or urban planning. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years. Valid driver's license (depending on area of assignment) in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations.

Driver's license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment. Preferred Qualifications The ideal candidate will have knowledge of basic Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and four years of substantial experience with master planning, climate resilience-related work, and development of strong written recommendations or planning documents. Supplemental Information Class Specification: Planner III May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

Applicants called for an interview should be prepared to provide a portfolio or work examples that demonstrate their master planning experience in environmental planning, including work related to climate resilience, use of climate or environmental data, and strong written and verbal communication skills. About Us Montgomery Planning is part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). For nearly 100 years, M-NCPPC has had a national reputation for excellence in planning and today serves a culturally diverse population of over one million people on the border of Washington, D.C

in Montgomery County. We provide countywide planning functions including long-range planning, as well as reviews of development applications in diverse built environments of downtown urban districts, suburban communities, and agricultural areas. We have pioneered nationally modeled programs in agricultural preservation, inclusionary housing, and transit-oriented design.

To learn more about who we are and what we do, we encourage you to watch this brief video here and visit our website at www.montgomeryplanning.org. The M-NCPPC offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, generous leave plans, an employee pension plan, and a deferred compensation plan. Positions may qualify for public service student loan forgiveness

Montgomery Planning is conveniently located minutes from Washington, DC in downtown Wheaton, MD next to the Wheaton Metro Station, several bus lines, and bikeshare. A commuter stipend is available. Telework opportunities (up to two days a week) and tuition assistance are also available.

We work in one of the first LEED Platinum-certified government-owned office buildings in Maryland. The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.

This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus (external candidates only). The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1) M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.