Introduction
The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that has proudly promoted and protected the natural resources, rural economy, history and beauty of the Virginia Piedmont since 1972. PEC works with residents to weigh in on important land use and policy decisions, conserve land, protect air and water quality, celebrate historic resources, build smart transportation networks, promote sustainable energy choices, restore wildlife habitat and improve people’s access to nature.
Description
PEC is seeking to hire a field representative to work on land use issues in the Central portion of our region, specifically Culpeper County. Land use issues include the locality's comprehensive plan and ordinances, development proposals, transportation planning and specific projects, local policies and regulations related to rural land preservation and conservation, economic development, natural and historic resource protection, and others as needed.
Field representatives are responsible for gathering, analyzing, and distributing information on local development projects, and work with local residents and local government in all activities associated with a community’s land use policies and regulations. Field representative qualifications include energy, dedication, and the ability to inspire and work well with the community at-large. Familiarity with land use planning, rural area protection, watershed management, and historic resource protection is desired. Candidates should have some experience conducting outreach in the community or advocating for a cause. Examples of work activities include:
- Monitoring and reviewing current and pending land use planning, transportation, and development activities and generating PEC response, when appropriate.
- Attending local government meetings and participating in relevant committees and technical workgroups.
- Serving as a technical resource on land use issues, for both local government officials and the broader community.
- Establishing and stewarding a grassroots network that supports PEC’s mission.
- Working directly with citizens and allied organizations to organize the public around campaigns, policies and outcomes supportive of the PEC mission, including adoption of language in the counties’ comprehensive plans and support or opposition to specific land use threats and opportunities.
- Regularly updating PEC Board members, other PEC staff, and members of local advisory committees on land use, conservation, and transportation issues affecting the communities served by the Field Representative.
- Collaborating with PEC communications and development staff to secure appropriate funding and highlight the benefits of PEC’s work in the region.
The field representative reports to PEC’s director of land use, but will also work closely with other field representatives, departments within PEC, and members of the PEC Board of Directors. This position will be based at PEC’s headquarters in Warrenton, Virginia.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required. 2-4 years work experience or Graduate degree preferably in planning, law, landscape architecture or a related field preferred.
- Knowledge of local land use planning and zoning in Virginia is preferred.
- Demonstrated strong communication skills, both written and oral, including ability to write, edit, and proofread written materials for use in communicating with the PEC Board of Directors, PEC staff, PEC members, and the public at large.
- Ability to organize, coordinate and manage diverse activities and deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with a diverse constituency including elected officials, non-profit representatives, neighborhood associations, and individual citizens with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
- Experience working with local residents and/or community organizations, particularly in leading public outreach and/or education campaigns.
- Knowledge and experience with Google Suite and Microsoft Office productivity software.
- Requires minimal supervision.
- Willing to work some weekends and evenings.
- Valid driver’s and reliable transportation required.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Application
Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to apply@pecva.org. Resume reviews begin immediately.
The Piedmont Environmental Council is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job, therefore our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, helps build the competencies and knowledge of our organization. Diversity of experience and skills, combined with passion, is key to our organizational identity.
If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted upon your acceptance.
Email: apply@pecva.org
Website:
https://www.pecva.org