Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer

Virginia Energy is seeking a Chief Engineer for its Mined Land Repurposing (MLR) program. This leadership role is critical to ensuring the technical integrity and regulatory compliance of the agency's Coal Program operations. The Chief Engineer will:

• Ensure that Title V permitting aligns with all applicable laws, regulations, and approved standards
• Provide technical assistance and services to agency staff and stakeholders
• Deliver high-quality engineering services to support program goals and customer needs
• Represent the agency in technical areas to other agencies, industry, and the public
• Serve as the Professional Engineer in responsible charge for permit reviews, technical investigations, issue resolution, and expert testimony

This position plays a key role in maintaining the credibility, safety, and effectiveness of Virginia Energy's coal-related initiatives. Virginia Energy's mission is to lead the Commonwealth to a safe, reliable and responsible energy future with greater emphasis on renewable energy programs and economic development, as well as implement the Virginia's Energy Plan to ensure the Commonwealth has abundant, reliable, affordable and clean energy. Come be a part of an agency that makes a difference. We have offices in Big Stone Gap, Charlottesville, and Richmond, Virginia.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a valid Professional Engineer (PE) license is required
• Extensive experience in natural resource conservation, land reclamation, and project construction
• In-depth understanding of hydrology, drainage control, blasting, subsidence, mining methods, and reclamation practices specific to both surface and underground coal mine operations
• Proficient in the design and functionality of sediment control structures, excess spoil fills, slurry impoundments, and related structures
• Demonstrated experience in managing and fostering collaboration among diverse staff
• Solid working knowledge of scientific, regulatory, and engineering principles is essential to advancing coal mine reclamation practices that mitigate public health, safety, and environmental risks
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong commitment to customer service
• Familiarity with budgeting practices and financial oversight
• Understanding of strategic planning methodologies and experience in executing long-term initiatives
• Advanced knowledge of SMCRA and Virginia permitting requirements, as well as federal environmental regulations related to USFWS, USACE, EPA, and DEQ standards related to mining activities and consultation procedures
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet competing deadlines, and effectively organize and prioritize tasks

This position has been designated as required to file a Statement of Economic Interest in accordance with Section 2.2-3114 of the Code of Virginia. In addition, individuals accepted for employment will have to successfully pass a drug test, reference, driving and criminal background check as part of the Virginia Energy pre-employment process.

Applications and résumés for this position are accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Electronic Recruitment System only. Interview decisions will be based solely on the information provided in your electronic application and/or résumé. Please ensure you detail all relevant work experience clearly and specifically; we will not make assumptions about your qualifications. To check the status of your application, refer to "Your Application" in your account. All applicants for employment must consent to a comprehensive background check. Selected candidates must successfully pass a drug test, reference, driving, and criminal background check. Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. Virginia Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer by both policy and practice, therefore prohibits discrimination on basis of sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation or disability in the recruitment, selection and hiring of our workforce. As a certified V3 organization, Virginia Energy honors the Commonwealth's veterans hiring preference. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other National Service Alumni are also encouraged to apply. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or any part of the remaining hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Contact Information

Name: Pamela Koger McElwain

Phone: 804-910-1525

Email: Pamela.KogerMcElwain@energy.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.