Stormwater Program Manager Job Description: Responsibilities, Skills, and Impact

Last Updated Mar 23, 2025

A Stormwater Program Manager oversees the development and implementation of strategies to manage stormwater runoff, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and reducing pollution in local waterways. This role involves coordinating monitoring efforts, conducting risk assessments, and engaging with community stakeholders to promote sustainable stormwater practices. Effective management of stormwater infrastructure and data analysis are essential for protecting ecosystems and mitigating flood risks.

Overview of Stormwater Program Manager Role

The Stormwater Program Manager oversees the planning and implementation of stormwater management strategies to protect water quality and prevent flooding. This role involves coordinating with regulatory agencies and community stakeholders to ensure compliance and promote sustainable practices.

  • Regulatory Compliance - Ensures all stormwater activities meet local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
  • Program Development - Designs and updates stormwater control programs tailored to community needs and environmental goals.
  • Monitoring and Reporting - Tracks stormwater system performance and prepares detailed reports for stakeholders and agencies.

Your leadership is essential in managing resources and guiding teams to achieve effective stormwater solutions.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

The Stormwater Program Manager oversees the development and implementation of stormwater management plans to reduce pollution and flooding risks. This role includes coordinating with government agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The manager also monitors water quality data and prepares detailed reports to support sustainable stormwater infrastructure projects.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

The Stormwater Program Manager must possess a deep understanding of environmental regulations and stormwater management best practices. Expertise in the Clean Water Act, NPDES permitting, and water quality standards is essential for effective program oversight.

Strong project management skills and experience with GIS mapping and data analysis tools are critical for monitoring and reporting stormwater impacts. Excellent communication abilities facilitate collaboration with public agencies, stakeholders, and community members to ensure regulatory compliance and promote sustainable stormwater solutions.

Educational and Certification Requirements

Stormwater Program Managers play a vital role in managing and regulating stormwater runoff to protect water quality and public health. Meeting educational and certification requirements ensures you have the necessary expertise to develop and implement effective stormwater management plans.

  • Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science or Engineering - A foundational degree provides essential knowledge of hydrology, environmental regulations, and water resource management.
  • Stormwater Management Certification - Certifications such as Certified Stormwater Manager (CSM) validate specialized skills and adherence to industry standards.
  • Continuing Education and Training - Ongoing professional development keeps you updated on evolving stormwater policies, technologies, and best practices.

Stormwater Regulations and Compliance

The Stormwater Program Manager oversees the implementation of stormwater regulations to prevent water pollution and protect natural waterways. Compliance with local, state, and federal stormwater permits ensures sustainable urban development and environmental health.

  1. Regulation Enforcement - Manages adherence to the Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.
  2. Compliance Monitoring - Conducts regular inspections and reporting to track stormwater management practices.
  3. Public Education - Develops outreach programs to raise awareness about stormwater pollution prevention and best practices.

Project Management in Stormwater Programs

Stormwater Program Managers oversee comprehensive project management to ensure effective design, implementation, and maintenance of stormwater systems. These programs reduce flooding risks, improve water quality, and promote sustainable urban development.

Your role involves coordinating multidisciplinary teams and adhering to regulatory requirements for successful stormwater management projects. Efficient scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation are essential to achieve long-term environmental and community benefits.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Goals

What are the primary responsibilities of a Stormwater Program Manager in reducing environmental impact? A Stormwater Program Manager oversees the development and implementation of strategies to control and treat stormwater runoff, minimizing pollutants entering natural waterways. By managing sustainable infrastructure projects and compliance with environmental regulations, they enhance water quality and protect aquatic ecosystems.

How does stormwater management contribute to achieving sustainability goals? Effective stormwater management reduces flooding, prevents habitat destruction, and improves groundwater recharge, aligning with broader sustainability objectives. This approach supports green infrastructure initiatives, promotes climate resilience, and conserves natural resources for future generations.

Collaboration with Government and Community Stakeholders

Stormwater Program Managers play a critical role in environmental protection by coordinating efforts to manage runoff and reduce pollution. Collaboration with government agencies and community stakeholders ensures comprehensive strategies that address local water quality concerns effectively.

You facilitate partnerships between municipalities, environmental organizations, and residents to implement sustainable stormwater solutions. Engaging diverse stakeholders fosters shared responsibility and promotes innovative practices tailored to community needs. This cooperative approach enhances regulatory compliance and supports long-term watershed health.

Challenges and Problem-Solving in Stormwater Management

Stormwater Program Managers face challenges such as aging infrastructure, unpredictable weather patterns, and regulatory compliance. Managing pollutant runoff, mitigating flooding risks, and ensuring community safety require innovative solutions. Your ability to coordinate resources and implement adaptive strategies is critical for effective stormwater management.

Career Growth and Opportunities in Stormwater Program Management

Career Growth in Stormwater Program Management
Stormwater program management is a vital role in environmental protection and urban planning. Managers oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of stormwater systems that reduce pollution, prevent flooding, and protect water quality. The demand for skilled stormwater program managers is increasing as cities expand and regulatory requirements become more stringent. Career opportunities include positions in municipal governments, environmental consulting firms, and non-profit organizations. Advancement often leads to leadership roles in sustainability and infrastructure development. Pursuing certifications such as Certified Stormwater Manager (CSM) or Professional Engineer (PE) enhances career prospects. Your expertise in managing complex stormwater projects supports environmental resilience and public health.
Key Skills and Certifications
- Knowledge of stormwater regulations (Clean Water Act, EPA guidelines)
- Project management and budgeting
- GIS and hydrological modeling proficiency
- Leadership and stakeholder communication
- Certifications: Certified Stormwater Manager (CSM), Professional Engineer (PE), LEED Accreditation
Job Market and Salary Insights
- Increasing job openings in local government and private sector
- Average salary range: $70,000 to $110,000 annually
- Opportunities for growth into environmental director or sustainability manager roles
- High demand in regions prone to urban flooding and environmental regulation enforcement

Related Important Terms

Low Impact Development (LID) Integration

Stormwater Program Managers implement Low Impact Development (LID) strategies to reduce runoff and improve water quality by promoting practices such as green roofs, permeable pavements, and rain gardens. Integrating LID minimizes environmental impact, enhances urban resilience, and supports compliance with Clean Water Act regulations.

Green Infrastructure Asset Management

Stormwater Program Managers oversee the implementation and maintenance of Green Infrastructure Asset Management systems designed to enhance urban water quality and reduce runoff. These professionals utilize GIS mapping, asset inventory databases, and regular performance monitoring to ensure sustainable stormwater solutions such as rain gardens, permeable pavements, and bioswales are effectively maintained and optimized.

Stormwater Credit Trading

Stormwater Program Managers oversee the implementation of stormwater credit trading systems that incentivize reductions in runoff and pollutant loads by allowing entities to buy and sell credits based on water quality improvements. These programs enhance urban water management, promote sustainable development, and support regulatory compliance under the Clean Water Act by creating market-driven approaches to stormwater pollution control.

Smart Drainage System Analytics

Stormwater program managers utilize smart drainage system analytics to optimize urban water runoff management by integrating real-time sensors and predictive algorithms, reducing flood risks and improving water quality. Advanced data modeling enhances stormwater infrastructure efficiency, enabling proactive maintenance and sustainable environmental protection.

Resilient Urban Watershed Planning

Stormwater Program Managers implement resilient urban watershed planning by integrating green infrastructure, enhancing flood control systems, and promoting sustainable land use to mitigate climate impacts. Strategic management of stormwater runoff reduces pollution, protects aquatic habitats, and supports community resilience against extreme weather events.

Stormwater Program Manager Infographic

Stormwater Program Manager Job Description: Responsibilities, Skills, and Impact


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The information provided in this document is for general informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be complete. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we cannot guarantee that the details mentioned are up-to-date or applicable to all scenarios. Topics about Stormwater Program Manager are subject to change from time to time.

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