Job Title: Watershed Planner (Planning Specialist III, Grade 23)
Organization: Montgomery County Government – Department of Environmental Protection
Location: 2425 Reedie Drive, 4th Floor, Wheaton, Maryland 20902
Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent | Local Government
Salary Range: $78,929 to $126,097
About the Position
The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking a dynamic and experienced Planning Specialist III for the Watershed Restoration Division, Monitoring and Planning Section to perform watershed assessment and planning for watershed restoration and water quality improvement and for the coordination, implementation, and reporting of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit as well as the development and update of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) implementation plans.
The position is responsible for improving water quality and meeting regulatory requirements under the MS4 permit by leading watershed-level planning and restoration initiatives. The position also ensures the County remains compliant with environmental mandates while advancing sustainable stormwater management and community engagement.
The ideal candidate will have considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations and agency policy and procedures governing water quality, including National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) watershed management planning. The candidate will have a strong background in watershed restoration planning, stormwater management, and environmental policy; can work independently while coordinating with multiple stakeholders across government agencies and the public; and have excellent communication, data analysis, and contract management skills. They should be comfortable conducting fieldwork and engaging with the community on environmental issues.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience: Three (3) years of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation or other work directly related to some municipalities planning and development work such as developing watershed studies, TMDL implementation plans, and watershed restoration/conservation planning.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or related field such as biology, civil engineering, environmental engineering, environmental science, hydrology and water resources, landscape architecture, natural resources, planning, policy analysis, and sustainability.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education or experience may be substituted.
License: Possession and maintenance of a valid Class “C” (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant’s state of residence.
Medical Exam: Medical History Review – This position requires completion of a pre-employment Medical History Form to assess the candidate’s ability to safely perform the essential duties of the role.
How to Apply: To view the full job announcement and submit your application, please click on the following direct link: Watershed Planner (Planning Specialist III, Grade 23).
Job Number: 2026-00569.
Application Deadline: This recruitment closes on October 21, 2026.
Resources: Please visit the Montgomery County Office of Human Resources’ WORK4MCG website, which offers a wealth of useful information. There, you can explore job openings, learn how to search and apply for positions, get tips on resume preparation, and find details about our competitive salaries and excellent benefits.
