Natural Resources Planner

Natural Resources Planner – Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC)

Location: Rutland, Vermont 

Position Type: Full-time

The Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC) is seeking a Natural Resources Planner to support water quality, flood resilience, and environmental protection efforts across the Rutland Region. This position focuses on water quality planning, natural resource management, flood hazard and river corridor regulations, and the assessment and cleanup of contaminated properties, working with municipalities, landowners, state agencies, and regional partners. This is a project-focused position that blends technical work, grants, and community coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate water quality planning and implementation through the South Lake Champlain Clean Water Service Provider (CWSP) program.
• Support environmental assessment, protection, and cleanup through the RRPC’s EPA Brownfields Program, including site assessments, cleanup planning, and coordination with state and federal agencies.
• Manage and advance project lists related to water quality, stormwater, erosion control, floodplain, river corridor, wetland restoration, and contaminated site cleanup.
• Track grant compliance, reporting, budgets, and deliverables for state and federal clean water and Brownfields funding.
• Support FEMA flood mapping, floodplain management, and hazard mitigation planning.
• Provide technical assistance to municipalities on flood hazard regulations, river corridor bylaws, and flood resilience strategies.
• Assist with grant writing, grant administration, and reporting for water quality, flood resilience, and environmental programs.
• Plan and facilitate public outreach and engagement, including meetings, workshops, and landowner coordination.
• Collaborate with RRPC staff across transportation, land use, emergency management, and economic development programs to integrate natural resource and water quality goals into regional planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science, natural resources, geography, planning, or a related field.
• Familiarity with or interest in Vermont’s Clean Water Act, Vermont Flood Safety Act, FEMA floodplain standards, and environmental cleanup programs such as Brownfields.
• Understanding of watershed science, water quality, floodplain management, or river and wetland systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Adobe Creative Suite, online mapping, and digital engagement platforms is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, work independently and collaboratively, and meet deadlines.
• Experience in project management, budgeting, grant writing, and public engagement. 

Preferred Skills

• Experience with water quality projects, stormwater, river corridor planning, floodplain management, or environmental restoration.
• Experience working with municipalities, landowners, or community organizations.
• GIS, data visualization, and graphic design experience.
• Background in public engagement, facilitation, or community outreach.

Why Join RRPC?

• Opportunity to work on high-impact water quality, flood resilience, and environmental cleanup projects that directly improve Vermont’s lakes, rivers, and communities.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Strong emphasis on professional development and training.
• Competitive salary range of $50,000–$80,000 with a comprehensive benefits package:
  • Employer-paid health, dental, and life insurance
  • Vermont Municipal Employees Retirement System (VMERS)
  • Generous paid time off and 13 paid holidays
  • Paid parental leave
  • Professional development support
  • Flexible/hybrid work schedule

Application Process

For consideration, applicants should submit a cover letter and resume (PDF) to:
Devon Neary, Executive Director, devon@rutlandrpc.org

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The Rutland Regional Planning Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer.