CNT is seeking an experienced and qualified project associate to assist with our RainReady Community initiative. RainReady is a program that helps individual property owners and communities work together to find solutions to the problems of too much or too little water. We help people who find their lives disrupted by flooding or water shortages to come together to adopt RainReady practices and policies. Our current focus is on mitigating the impacts of urban flooding in the Chicago region.
RainReady Community is a first-of-its-kind community planning program for neighborhoods and municipalities affected by flooding, complete with a risk assessment led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, solution mapping, and implementation support. RainReady solutions are pursued at multiple scales, the home, the street, the neighborhood, and the community. We prioritize green infrastructure solutions that bring broader benefits for long-term community resilience.
Accountability
The RainReady Project Associate will report directly to the RainReady Community Manager, and collaborate closely with other CNT staff on operations and production activities.
Responsibilities
The Project Associate will work closely with the RainReady team to implement flood resilience programs in target communities, and to expand our outreach and impact in the region and nationally. Responsibilities include:
- Oversee community flood risk assessment in order to identify high priority areas for investment
- Author RainReady Community Plans, incorporating risk data, planning priorities, and best practice in green infrastructure investment, as well as the diverse input of municipal partners, nonprofit allies, and resident steering committees
- Coordinate workshop series for residents, businesses, and community groups to reduce flood risk using low-cost green infrastructure strategies
- Plan and manage community outreach events
- Develop curriculum to increase municipal capacity for flood resilience
- Support regional partnerships and funding opportunities
- Team support: participating in the activities of the wider RainReady team, from meeting with policy makers to attending community mapping workshops. Your work will support policy development, data analysis, risk modeling, the development of accreditation standards, workforce development, and the development of communication and outreach materials (such as factsheets, videos and photos).
Evening and weekend work will sometimes be necessary.
Skills and qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in urban planning, landscape design, engineering, public administration, or related field
- Experience in community planning and stormwater management
- Exceptional organizational and coordination skills
- Strong interest in sustainable community development and mission-based organizations.
- A demonstrated attention to detail
- Strong writing skills
- Valid driver’s license and legally be able to drive in the state of Illinois. Company vehicle is provided for work-related travel.
- Knowledge and expertise in the use of flood mitigation strategies and/or green infrastructure best management practices - within the public rights-of-way, on public land and on private property.
- Analytical skills, e.g. the ability to develop analytical strategies/risk models
- Communications, in particular, working with clients, residents, public works officials, academics and other stakeholders. You must have good workshop presentation skills.
Desirable
- Knowledge and experience working with stormwater management tools including flow dynamics, hydrological mapping, LIDAR data and topography maps, and sewer maps and models.
- Landscape design and/or illustration skills
- Proficiency using industry-standard design and communications software
The Center for Neighborhood Technology is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age disability, veteran status, or marital status. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, termination, promotion, transfer, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
This is an Exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience.
To Apply
Please send cover letter, resume, and salary history to:
Center for Neighborhood Technology
Center for Neighborhood Technology
No phone calls please.