Principal Planner - Climate Policy & Programs Manager

The DNREC Climate and Sustainability Section is charged with reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and improving Delaware's resiliency to impacts of climate change. We accomplish this through technical assistance, financial incentives, policy development, pilot projects and education initiatives in a team-based and flexible setting.  

Click here for more information about the Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy.

This position leads statewide climate change programs and policy development initiatives for both climate adaptation and greenhouse gas mitigation. The position is supervisory, overseeing a small team of climate planning professionals. The Principal Planner is responsible for developing programs and partnerships to implement the Delaware Climate Action Plan and will be responsible for updating the plan periodically.  This position will serve as a subject matter expert for various aspects of climate change and serve on statewide, regional, and national committees and workgroups. The position will oversee staff efforts to collect data, conduct policy research, develop decision support tools, provide policy recommendations, and provide training and education on climate issues. The position will also manage a base budget of approximately $1.5M/year and apply for and manage relevant federal grants for priority activities.

Applicants who do not possess the preferred qualification will still be eligible to compete for this position if job requirements are met.

1. Possession of a Bachelors Degree in Planning, Engineering, Life Science, Physical Science, Social Science, or related field.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Analyze and assess data, problems, and issues and their impact on programs, plans or the current environment.
   
• Define and evaluate alternative uses of resources, viable options/approaches and anticipated costs and benefits, consequences and outcomes using present and projected information.
   
• Develop recommended course of action for public and private decisions in formal plans and policies including policy statements, budget allocations, regulations and/or legislation to affect and facilitate change and reach objectives.
   
• Formulate plans and policies to meet the social, economic, and physical needs of communities.
   
• Develop, promote and market strategies for the implementation of plans, policies and programs.
   
• Build consensus with community leaders, customers, advocates, and other affected parties via negotiations, mediation and facilitation.
   
• Involve and educate special interest groups, customers, and public officials via variety of forums, e.g., seminars, workshops, conferences, newsletters, assessments, and analytical reports. 
   
• Coordinate planning activities and policies across state, regional, county and local levels; integrate with other entities outside the state.
   
• Provide technical assistance, training and education for understanding and managing change.
   
• Design and manage the planning process.
   
• Systematically evaluate the impact of plan implementation and incorporate findings with the ongoing planning process.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Principal Planner
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Experience in applying the principles and practices of planning related to climate change.
2. Experience in interpreting the laws, rules, regulations and procedures in climate change. 
3. Experience in planning project management which includes planning, developing, implementing, managing and evaluating planning projects to ensure objectives are met.

This posting may be closed on or before (2/24/2022) upon filling the vacant position(s).

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  DNREC does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1 B Visas.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at Delaware State Jobs.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.