Senior Land Use Field Representative - Loudoun & Clarke Counties, Virginia

Position Description

Title:                           Senior Land Use Field Representative – Loudoun & Clarke

Location:                    Warrenton PEC Office / Remote

Job Classification:    Full Time - Exempt

Geographic Focus:   Loudoun & Clarke Counties

Supervisor:                Director of Land Use

About PEC:  

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 region since 1972. PEC works with area 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.

Your Role:

PEC is seeking an enthusiastic and passionate smart growth and land conservation advocate to represent PEC on land use issues in Loudoun and Clarke Counties.

Field representatives are responsible for gathering, analyzing, and distributing information on local development projects, advocating for sensible solutions and working with residents and local government in all activities associated with a community’s land use policies and regulations. Successful field representatives will take initiative and possess the ability to inspire and work well with the community at-large. Specific knowledge areas include familiarity with land use planning, rural area protection, urban are development, and engaging the public in local government planning processes. Field representatives are encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities related to these knowledge areas.

Examples of activities include:

• Staying apprised of and advocating for better land use decision making. This includes weighing in on comprehensive plans, zoning and ordinances, development proposals, transportation planning and specific infrastructure projects, local policies and regulations related to rural land preservation and conservation, economic development, and natural and historic resource protection, and others as needed.                 
• Attending local government meetings and writing and speaking on behalf of PEC positions on local government actions and policy proposals           
• Serving as a technical resource on land use issues, for both local government officials and the broader community, which includes participating on local advisory boards and committees.
• Working directly with the public and allied organizations to organize grassroots efforts  around campaigns, policies and outcomes supportive of the PEC mission.      
• Regularly updating PEC board members and staff on land use, conservation, and transportation issues affecting the communities served by the field r
• Collaborating with PEC communications and development staff to secure appropriate funding, highlight the benefits of PEC’s work in the region, and mobilize supporters and the public at large.
• Track and log interactions with supporters in our Customer/Constituent Relationship Management (CRM)

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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, landscape architecture, public policy, sustainable development, conservation or a related field and a minimum of 5 years work experience is required. Graduate degree preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of local land use planning and zoning. Virginia-specific knowledge  is preferred.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, both written and oral, including ability to write, edit, and proofread written materials for PEC staff, board of directors, PEC supporters, and the public at large.
• Ability to organize, coordinate and manage diverse activities and deadlines with minimal supervision
• Effective interpersonal skills, including ability and desire to build relationships with a diverse constituency including local political officials, non-profit representatives, neighborhood associations, businesses 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 at the grassroots level.
• Ability to work in and create an effective and positive team environment, fostering mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among staff and volunteers.
• Familiarity with computers and the use of online tools, such as the Google Suite Microsoft Office productivity software, Salesforce and GIS.
• Willing and able to work some weekends and evenings as organizational events and county/locality meetings dictate.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Commitment to service and community and a willingness to participate in practices of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI).
• Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Compensation

Salary range is $60,000-$75,000 and negotiable within the posted range, depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits
PEC offers an outstanding and robust benefits package including:

• Two health plan options (PEC pays 83% of the premium for employee only coverage and 73% of the premium for added dependents based on our HSA plan rates)
• Dental and Vision insurance plans
• Short- and Long-Term Disability, Group Term Life, Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity insurances – all premiums 100% paid by PEC
• Health Savings Account (with employer match up to $750 per year) or Flexible Spending Accounts (for health & dependent care)
• 403(b) pension plan with up to 6% employer contribution (3% automatic and 3% match) after 1 year of service with 100% vesting from day one
• 12 paid holidays
• Longevity-based paid time off of 15-24 days per year, accrued by pay period
• 1 day per year of paid leave to volunteer
• Longevity-based Salary Continuation Leave for employee or family illness - from 2 to 8 weeks every 24 months
• Paid Bereavement, Jury Duty and Military Service Training leave
• Cell Phone Reimbursement up to $75 per month
• Travel Expense Reimbursement
• Hybrid work environment and flexible work schedules
• Professional Development training and/or education support
• Payment for relevant licenses & professional membership fees.

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resumé to apply@pecva.org. Resumé 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 and qualifications 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.

Read more about our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) commitments .

https://www.pecva.org/about/jobs-internships/senior-land-use-field-representative-loudoun-clarke/