SMC

04/21/2026

SMC is Hiring | Join Our Growing Team

We are excited to announce that SMC has multiple open positions for talented professionals looking to make a meaningful impact on our environment.

We are currently seeking candidates for the following roles:
📌 Stormwater Maintenance Project Coordinator 👉 https://lnkd.in/e-Ph7bXa
📌 Stormwater Maintenance Project Manager 👉 https://lnkd.in/ej8e3Uif
📌 Licensed Water Resources Professional Engineer 👉 https://lnkd.in/ezPNFNTc
📌 Environmental Construction Foreman 👉 https://lnkd.in/e_Jct3tv

At SMC, we are committed to delivering high-quality stormwater management and environmental restoration solutions. We value expertise, dedication, and a passion for protecting our natural resources.

If you or someone in your network is ready for the next step in their career, we encourage you to explore these opportunities and apply today.

🌐 Learn more and apply via the links above.

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

04/25/2025

☀️🌳 HAPPY ARBOR DAY! 🌳☀️
Do you live in Baltimore and want to give a tree a good home? Pick your free tree up tomorrow!! Click below to learn how...

https://bluewaterbaltimore.org/event/epics-free-tree-adoption-at-johns-hopkins-eastern-campus/

04/22/2025

🌎 What positive impact can you have on your planet today?? 🌎

03/25/2025

This LEADER IN STORMWATER is a Founding Partner of the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Program - Amanda Rockler, Watershed Restoration Specialist, University of Maryland (UMD).

Raised in a household of diverse perspectives, Amanda parents’ insight brought invaluable insight in shaping her interest in choosing a career that tackles both environmental and social equity, working in the ever evolving world of stormwater management (SWM). Amanda explains that stormwater "can be transformed from a challenge to an asset that contributes to [both] environmental and social well-being...an area where science, design, and community engagement intersect, and that cross-disciplinary approach keeps it exciting...”. Fortunate to have Doug Lipton and Heather Gewandter as instrumental mentors early on in her career provided Amanda with vital guidance that laid down the groundwork for the role she has today.

Now working within UMD’s AGNR Sea Grant Extension Program, Amanda has found a deep interest in translating sound science into practical, community-driven solutions. For 20 years, she has built programs focused on watershed restoration and environmental resilience, and feels privileged to mentor and teach students, transforming science into actionable strategies for sustainable community planning. Dubbed by colleagues as the “Kevin Bacon of Maryland” speaks to the connections Amanda has made across many different fields and communities, bringing a variety of people together in meaningful ways.

Amanda says that both natural systems and infrastructure components are essential for creating sustainable, resilient environments. Natural systems provide the foundation for ecological health; infrastructure plays a crucial role in managing human impact and ensuring systems function effectively. And the social dynamics that drive community engagement are critical to restoration. She notes a challenge facing the industry in how to design, install, and maintain SWM infrastructure that not only restores ecological function but also addresses the socio-economic of planning and community engagement. She says, “This involves balancing competing interests—economic development, environmental protection, and social equity—and lacks a one-size-fits-all solution. Communities faces unique challenges based on geography, demographics, and existing infrastructure which makes developing universally effective strategies difficult. ...The problem requires cross-sector collaboration between planners, scientists, engineers, and local communities. This issue demands innovative, adaptive solutions integrating natural systems with infrastructure while ensuring community participation and buy-in.” She goes on to say that, “By bridging science, policy, and community engagement, I strive to ensure complex scientific concepts are accessible, actionable, and impactful, creating tangible benefits for the environment and the people who depend on it.”

02/07/2025

Do you want to protect and restore our watersheds????
If you, or someone you know loves the Chesapeake Bay and wants to jump into the stormwater management industry, stop by and chat with us at one of the upcoming career fairs to learn more about the rewarding career opportunities we have to offer!
WE WILL BE AT UMBC TODAY!!

University of Maryland, Baltimore County - Friday, 2/7
University of Maryland at College Park (STEM) - Wednesday, 2/26
Howard Community College - Thursday, 3/6
University of Maryland at College Park (ENV) - Tuesday, 3/11

09/30/2024

This Leader in Stormwater played an integral part in Ecosystem Services' creation of the first P3 for water quality improvements related to TMDLs in Virginia, and the first nutrient bank that utilizes stream restoration as the pollutant reduction practice - Kip Mumaw, PE, Co-Founder/Principal Engineer, Ecosystem Services, LLC.

Raised in Floyd County, Kip regularly spent his childhood exploring the forest and creek around his family’s property. His love for the natural world translated to a career as an Engineer specifically solving issues in the hydrology and hydraulics field as applied to natural systems. In a market dominated by large multi-service firms, Kip saw an opportunity for a small natural resource consulting firm dedicated specifically to stormwater and ecological restoration challenges; and in 2011, together with Jon Roller, Kip co-founded Ecosystem Services, a firm focused on helping localities address the Chesapeake Bay TMDL. Kip explains, “Restoring natural environments tend to avail more significant ecological uplift than other stormwater infrastructure which is rewarding…seeing how a natural system responds to an intervention. It’s an astounding and enriching experience to see old ecological wounds start to heal.” He goes on to say, “We do occasionally work in more developed watersheds involving conventional drainage systems. These environments require approaches that typically have different goals associated with them. Working in urban areas is enjoyable because it tends to be about social engagement and envisioning how people will interact and benefit from our services.” Kip is inspired by making a difference in the landscape of a community, and providing those within the numerous benefits ecosystems have to offer.

Most of Kip’s day is oriented around supporting and facilitating the work of his employees. He manages projects and feels fortunate to participate in the associated field work. His days are diverse and, like most of his colleagues, he wears many hats which keeps things interesting. Kip explains that the complexity associated with designing stormwater and natural resource interventions is something that will always inspire and attract him to the field. The discipline is still relatively new for an applied science, and since it’s an active area of research, the field is constantly adapting to incorporate new information. He gives a nod to the character of those working within the stormwater industry - specifically to Richard Starr and Joe Berg for their generosity with their time and knowledge towards him early in his career; and David Hirschman for modeling exemplary leadership and humility towards subject matter, clients, and colleagues.

Outside of work, Kip occasionally volunteers with regional environmental non-profit organizations and sponsors local and regional groups advancing environmental missions. Beyond that, he stays active with his wife, Sarah and their dog, Mala with all sorts of outdoor adventures.

08/30/2024

This LEADER IN STORMWATER was contracted by CIS to design, implement, and manage the Clean Water Partnership's (CWP) Mentor-Protégé Program, which has created and nurtured significant capacity for local small and minority owned businesses (SBE/MBE); he is a founding partner and certified leadership coach of the John Maxwell Leadership Group, an internationally known career development leadership program; and he owns a consulting business helping companies and their leaders reach their highest levels of professional growth - MICHAEL BURKE, President, Quest2 Consulting, LLC / Director of Business Inclusion & Capacity Development, CWP.

Michael has an impressive career in sales and general management, with 20 years focused on advocating for and developing SBE/MBE capacity. The stormwater world discovered Michael in December 2015, when CIS approached him to spearhead the development of a mentor-protégé program to grow Prince George's County's SBE/MBE capacity in green infrastructure. Michael joined the CWP and, more than eight years later, is proud of the program's success. Michael and the CWP team have improved the SBE/MBE contractor capacity through the education, coaching, support, and training of businesses capable of competing in the green infrastructure industry. He says, "Sixty protégé companies have participated in the mentor program, most have competitively bid CWP projects, and 25 have constructed ~$50MM in green infrastructure BMPs".

Michael's work day is tailored to the specific needs and goals of the 6-10 companies enrolled in any given cohort for an 8 to 12 month period. His team assesses each firm and creates a development plan with established objectives, providing ongoing coaching for its leaders to ensure goal attainment. The program also has monthly workshops for the entire cohort on suggested topics selected based on the protégé assessment. Michael is deeply inspired by the success of the protégés whose achievements have kept dollars within the community and created job opportunities for residents. The program provides a platform for firms to engage in stormwater projects locally and in neighboring communities, offering opportunities for larger-scale project partnerships.

Michael grew up in Boston, MA, before moving to Milford, NH, as a teenager. He attended the University of Connecticut; and in the 1980s, moved down to Washington, DC, searching for a more diverse experience and milder winters. Today, Michael resides in Mitchellville, MD, with his wife. They have two daughters and a grandson. Michael has been a panelist at environmental conferences to include StormCon, One Water Summit, and the Water Environment Federation. He also holds environmental board positions at the Low Impact Development Center, Inc. and ecoLatinos; and is the Board Chair of Prince George's County's workforce development organization, Employ Prince George's.

07/26/2024

This LEADER IN STORMWATER lives and breathes MS4 permit compliance and has managed Frederick County’s compliance with annual permitting reporting requirements for the last 7 years - DON DORSEY, Frederick County Dept. Head of Stormwater, Division of Energy and Environment.

Don found his passion for stormwater while obtaining his Biology (freshwater) degree at St. Mary's College when he had the privilege to work with MD DNR on a grant project focused on biological monitoring of local streams in St. Mary's County. This strengthened his dedication to the stormwater field and, more specifically, to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit efforts that play a crucial role in environmental conservation.

Upon graduation, Don gained immeasurable experience working with Montgomery County for 17 years; and then in 2017, he joined the Frederick County Division of Energy and Environment where he continues to work with an amazing team that oversees a significant portion of the County’s MS4. Don’s day is threaded with dialogue and decision making related to stream monitoring through the County Stream Survey while managing staff responsible for dry weather flow screenings (IDDE program); stormwater management (SWM) design; reforestation; and stream restoration projects seeking MS4 credits. Don is also involved with public outreach (tabling, litter cleanups, storm drain marking).

Throughout his career, Don has been inspired by the dedication of the government, consulting/construction industry, and constituents working together to improve the health of our streams within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Don explains, “In such a divided society, it's crucial that we return to the fundamentals of dialogue, understanding diverse viewpoints and seeking common ground. Watersheds have suffered from 400 years of neglect, and [while] those responsible for improving them are dedicated, we must prioritize time, patience, and mutual understanding in all of our efforts.”

Don enjoys working with both natural and infrastructure systems, “driven by project goals aimed at improving past decisions”. He gives a nod to a project he completed that received the 2023 2nd Place County Engineers Association of Maryland Award for its cutting edge design - the Catoctin Creek Watershed Restoration - four climate resilient stormwater pond retrofits that upgraded a road culvert to safely convey larger storms and reduce temperatures to receiving streams, and 1500LF of associated stream restoration. Don has a deep regard for streams as they sparked his passion for wanting to work in the MS4 field in the first place. Born and raised among the waterways of Keedysville, MD, Don still lives there with his wife Jenni and their children where they enjoy a variety of water sports "to decompress from life’s stressors”. Don also serves on the MD Municipal Stormwater Association Board where they stand for clean waters and safe infrastructure based on sound science and good public policy.

05/24/2024

This LEADER IN STORMWATER spearheaded the development of the Fairfax County Stormwater Management (SWM) Program - KARLEE COPELAND, Chief, Stormwater Facilities Branch, Maintenance & SWM Division, Fairfax County DPW and Environmental Services.

Karlee has always been drawn to nature having grown up on land situated against a sizable pond in Montgomery, AL; and spending weekends with her family at the lake and amongst the vast expanse of her grandparents’ 1,300ac property surrounded by towering trees and lush grasses where she hunted, rode horses, and bonded with her dogs. Her love for the environment was further inspired by her father - an outdoorsman who embraced the open air with an unyielding energy and built many successful companies with an unwavering work ethic - leaving a legacy that Karlee carries with her.

Early on, Karlee joined the U.S. Coast Guard, gaining firsthand experience inspecting oil and HAZMAT transfers and recognizing the crucial balance between commerce and environmental protection. Once discharged, she pursued an environmental science degree at Auburn University; and upon graduation in 2006, joined Fairfax County Government as a consultant in the SWM field where she witnessed its evolution both organically and through technological enhancements. She says, “The transition from traditional hard infrastructure to innovative, nature-based solutions represents a significant shift in our approach to SWM challenges. By blending [the two], we're not only enhancing its effectiveness but also promoting sustainability - mimicking natural processes to absorb, filter, and store stormwater runoff thereby mitigating flooding, reducing pollution, and ultimately improving the ecosystem and the community.”

Karlee was hired by the County to grow their operations and maintenance (O&M) program. Today, she has the privilege of leading the very program she played a pivotal role in establishing, aligning it with emerging best practices and industry standards. Her days include inspections/maintenance; capital improvement projects; and asset inventory management where she's excited about an overhaul on the horizon that will improve cataloging, tailor inspections/maintenance, integrate technology and data analytics, and implement predictive lifecycle planning. She explains, “We're on the brink of transforming the way we make decisions; a transition that optimizes SWM infrastructure resilience.” Karlee is proud to have shaped the trajectory of this program and driven positive change in the SWM field. She says, “It's rewarding to know that we're contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.”

Karlee is also a founding partner and council member of the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program. Her most important role, however, is being a mom to two energetic boys and two pups with whom she and her boyfriend enjoy traveling with, tracking their destinations and enjoying the beautiful surroundings that each pitstop brings.

04/30/2024

This LEADER IN STORMWATER was involved in stormwater legislation passed by the VA Virginia General Assembly, and wrote the first MS4 permits that included Chesapeake Bay TMDL requirements - Ginny Snead, PE, CFM, Director of Environmental and Water Resources with AMT Engineering (AMT).

Ginny began her career in the stormwater industry 30 years ago and has dipped a toe into each of what she calls the environmental “3-legged stool” - government, private, and nonprofit work. She says, “All three serve roles in furthering positive movement for water resources, and it is important for [them to] thrive and collaborate together when possible.” Ginny has worked in smaller and larger engineering firms as well as in state government. These experiences have brought her to a place of appreciation for the opportunity that her current role with AMT brings. AMT - a mid-sized civil engineering firm specialized in stormwater, floodplain management, and resilience - gives her team a flexible platform to handle a variety of clients and project types. In addition to the day-to-day collaboration, she oversees industry committees and workgroups, and manages focused client support. Occasionally, she’ll also find herself in the field to stay connected to her projects.

Ginny says, “The stormwater field is a playground for applied science [as it is] so varied and our understanding is ever evolving.” Ginny’s interests are piqued by stormwater complexities and how the industry continues to learn more on how to best manage it. She stresses stormwater resilience is an important priority in need of our attention - resilience to climate change and its effects on increased frequency and duration of rain events and the impact on property, infrastructure, water quality and implemented BMPs. And she is drawn to engineering solutions that maximize natural systems, using infrastructure to best allow those systems to function over time.

Ginny has immersed herself in nonprofit work throughout the span of her career. Early on, she spoke at the Race For The Baltic’s Scandinavian conferences, comparing efforts here in the Chesapeake Bay to those in the Baltic Sea. She also served on the board of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay for many years - working with watershed residents to achieve clean streams and rivers. And more recently, she’s spent time on the board of VIRGINIAforever, a diverse coalition advocating for increased water quality and land conservation funding. Throughout her stormwater career, Ginny has been inspired by Jim Lape, her first boss who diligently worked to move the needle forward in the industry and always stressed that “the relationships with the people we work with are the most meaningful part of what we do.”

Ginny and her family live in downtown Williamsburg, Virginia, in the home that her great-grandparents built. When home restoration projects aren’t taking up their time, they enjoy outdoor sports, traveling, and quality time with their dog, Libbie.

04/26/2024

SMC's Jonathan Ridolfi, Associate, and Justin Seigel, Director, attended the ASCE Environmental Water Resources Institute (EWRI) Operation & Maintenance of Stormwater Systems (OMSW) Conference earlier this month - a gathering highlighting advances in O&M of stormwater infrastructure, including maintenance design and approaches, training programs, municipal program management and implementation, life cycle cost analysis, lessons from the field, etc. They had a very positive experience at the event, taking away the following insight,

"As various municipalities, jurisdictions, and agencies across the country embark on their journeys towards cleaner stormwater, learning how to properly maintain their facilities becomes a major hurdle that must be accounted for. Developing innovative ways to obtain funding and create 'Green Collar Jobs' becomes a key discussion point, with many looking to the P3 of the Clean Water Partnership in Prince George's County as a model to learn from. With a unique ability to provide extensive contractor training on how to properly maintain various stormwater facilities as well as provide valuable opportunities for both County Located Small Businesses and Local Resident work hours, the program has become a model for success across the Country.

"Furthermore, as funding becomes a greater need for proper O&M, implementing a stormwater utility tax, often referred to as a 'rain tax', is quickly being brought to the forefront. By following a 'teach & treat' model to engage the community, accounting for community desires and needs before implementing a stormwater utility tax, appears to be a potential path forward to remedy the O&M funding issue while reducing confrontation & resistance from the community. By following the 'teach & treat' model, the goal becomes to demonstrate that Green Infrastructure can be more than just a utility to clean stormwater runoff, but rather a positive asset to local communities for years to come."
- Jon Ridolfi

"Technology, specifically AI, can play a major role in maintaining BMPs. Stormwater infrastructure continues to expand, and we'll need to figure out how to best allocate limited resources to maximize the benefit of existing and future stormwater control measures. Ideally, inspections and maintenance firms can leverage AI to predict both routine and non-maintenance needs and allocate resources effectively."
- Justin Seigel

Click on the following link to learn more about future events hosted by the EWRI:

This is the list for all of the offerings and events that EWRI has to join!