Environmental Justice Coordinator

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Mission is to protect and enhance Virginia’s environment, and promote the health and well-being of all citizens in the Commonwealth.

DEQ’s Vision is that all Virginians enjoy cleaner water, better air quality, and the productive reuse of land that was once contaminated.

DEQ employs a wide range of professionals in varying fields – from engineers and scientists to information technology and communications specialists. All positions work collectively toward one goal: safeguarding Virginia’s diverse and abundant natural resources, which benefit agriculture, industry, and commerce, and provide a rich environment for people, plants, and wildlife. If you seek to be a part of this Mission, Vision, and culture, while also enjoying a wide range of state benefits, we encourage you to join today!

The Environmental Justice Act of 2020 calls for “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of every person, regardless of race, color, national origin, income, faith, or disability, regarding the development, implementation, or enforcement of any environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” In support of the DEQ’s Office of Environmental Justice, the agency is seeking qualified applicants for the Environmental Justice Coordinator position, which will provide active outreach and community engagement in environmental justice and fence-line communities.

The Environmental Justice Coordinator will be responsible for creating meaningful community involvement and engagement in the assigned service areas. The position will collaborate with stakeholders to address environmental health challenges, provide public outreach and community engagement, and serve as a liaison between communities and the Department of Environmental Quality. This position will promote agency messaging through various communications channels including social media networks. The position will also partner with DEQ’s Communications Division and Program Managers to produce targeted outreach materials. The person selected for this role will be instrumental in assisting the DEQ Environmental Justice staff in the research of policies and procedures to recommend how to incorporate environmental justice principles into the DEQ decision-making process.

DEQ is made up of knowledgeable and dedicated professionals who represent the agency’s Central Office and six regional offices. This job posting will serve to fill four (4) positions throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. The areas include Northern Region (Woodbridge), Piedmont Region (Glen Allen), Tidewater Region (Virginia Beach), and one position that will cover the Southwest (Abingdon), Blue Ridge (Lynchburg and Roanoke), and Valley (Harrisonburg) Regions.