Water Resources Program Manager, NWF - Multiple Locations

The National Wildlife Federation is seeking a Water Resources Program Manager to advance water resources-related projects and policy advocacy efforts for the National Wildlife Federation and provide important leadership and coordination for the Water Protection Network. As the Water Resources Program Manager, you will advance water resources-related projects and policy advocacy efforts for the National Wildlife Federation and lead key activities for the Water Protection Network (www.waterprotectionnetwork.org). This work will amplify and leverage the organization’s project and policy expertise to improve water resources planning and advance nature-based solutions to protect people and wildlife. This role reports to the Legal Director, Water Resources and Coasts.

Responsibilities include conducting relevant research and helping to develop policy positions and advocacy strategies for water resources-related issues nationwide, contributing to the Federation’s work to advance nature-based solutions with a particular focus on the Mississippi River system, and managing and increasing the effectiveness of the Water Protection Network. The Manager will collaborate with national, regional, and local colleagues, NWF affiliates, partner organizations, and federal agencies. Developing and deploying water resources subject-matter expertise and expanding and deepening collaborative relationships with partners will both be central to your role.

Principal Duties (Major Areas of Responsibility):

Advance Water Resources Policy and Project Advocacy

• Support NWF’s Legal Director for Water Resources and NWF's Mississippi River initiatives, including through conducting factual and policy research, with a focus on wetland, floodplain, and river protection and management carried out by the Army Corps of Engineers and Environmental Protection Agency.
• Support efforts to advance nature-based solutions, protect wildlife habitat, and improve water quality on the ground across the Mississippi River mainstem states.
• Provide subject-matter expertise on issues related to Army Corps of Engineers authorities, policies, and projects.  Advise teammates on opportunities to advance nature-based solutions and improved water resources health through policy and practice.
• Build and maintain relationships with key water resource decision-makers, with a focus on Corps of Engineers and the Mississippi River basin. Engagement with Congress is also expected.
• Prepare reports and other written products and help disseminate key findings to professional and general audiences.
• Represent NWF in relevant internal and partner coalition meetings and conversations.

Lead and Coordinate the Water Protection Network

• Spearhead NWF’s effort to increase the effectiveness of the Water Protection Network (WPN) and strategically bring in new members.
• Coordinate WPN's leadership and WPN members; help develop and implement campaign plans consistent with the WPN priorities established by the WPN leadership and membership.
• Act as point of contact for the WPN and handle communications to the Network. Maintain the WPN website with up-to-date information and manages the WPN listserv.
• Organize and facilitate WPN events, including potential WPN virtual and in-person meetings, webinars, trainings, and workshops.
• Assist in fundraising for the WPN.

Provide Team Support for the Water & Coasts Program

• Collaborate with teammates to support NWF’s broader organizational efforts to advance protections for clean water and wetlands, as requested.
• Provide organizational and administrative support to NWF’s Water & Coasts team, including organizing meetings and events, advancing the Water & Coasts team’s environmental justice plan, tracking progress towards grant deliverables, and assisting with grant writing and reporting.

Qualifications:

• At least five years' experience in either natural resource policy or campaign management, outreach and coalition building. 
• Degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science or Policy, or related field; post-graduate degree and/or relevant work experience desirable.
• Familiarity with federal agency processes, programs, and policies related to environmental protection and restoration, with familiarity with the Army Corps of Engineers preferred. 
• Experience with policy research and analysis.
• Capacity to strategically conceive and manage campaigns with clear objectives, benchmarks, and deliverables in accordance with deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including attention to detail and the ability to distill complex technical information into messaging that is accessible to the public and decisionmakers.
• Experience in leadership positions with coalitions or NGO partnerships strongly preferred.
• High degree of initiative, ability to be a self-starter, and ability to accomplish projects with little supervision.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with an ability to identify and solve complex issues.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills with the ability to find common ground and develop collaborative, productive, respectful relationships with diverse interests, including decision-makers, environmental justice and indigenous communities, and conservation organizations.
• Proficiency in using various tech tools, such as Excel, Mailchimp, Word Press, HubSpot, Microsoft Suites, and Airtable.
• Ability to work collaboratively with an integrated and diverse team of professionals.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to and/or experience working on equity and justice related issues.

NWF Values:

Your actions are expected to reflect the staff values of the National Wildlife Federation: collaboration, mindfulness, empowerment, inclusivity, and mission focus.  Your competencies should include:

• Being motivated by values of equity and responsibility to those most marginalized;
• Consistently bringing a high level of empathy and social skills to work and interpersonal interactions;
• Being committed to deepening an environmental justice approach in policy priorities, program development and partner engagement;
• Actively seeks feedback, direction, and guidance from all team members and keeps staff informed of decisions that impact them;
• Being dedicated to advancing NWF’s internal equity transformation and compelling partners and allies to incorporate equity into their work; and
• Passion for and commitment to NWF's mission

Physical Requirements of the Job:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example, using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about the workspace.  The position requires mobility, including moving materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation.  Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Travel Requirements: 

This position requires the ability to travel approximately 3 to 5 times per year.

Location and Work Mode: 

The National Wildlife Federation is committed to a flexible and empowered work environment with an authentic community of care for all staff. This position is a member of the National Advocacy Center which has a physical office in Washington DC. The location of this position is flexible and may be fully remote, with a preference for proximity to Washington DC, or one of the following Mississippi River mainstem states: Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, or Minnesota.  In this position, the employee may work in an existing NWF office, in a hybrid manner, or completely remotely, to be decided jointly with their supervisor in the final stages of the interview process.  For more information on Work Modes, please review the benefits section of our careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers 

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $72,000 - $80,000, commensurate with experience.

Application:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume.

LEARN MORE/Apply here!

Water Resources and Municipal Outreach Consultant - Metropolitan Planning Committe

Who: Metropolitan Planning Committee

What: MPC is hiring a full-time or part-time consultant to support a number of critical projects related to water supply, stormwater and natural resources policy. MPC is seeking a highly motivated individual with a background in urban planning, land use, development, climate resilience, environmental policy, law, and/or public administration. This project will involve research, data analysis, stakeholder engagement and technical assistance projects with multiple local units of government, in particular within the Little Calumet and Lower Des Plaines watersheds. Strong relationship and project management skills, versatility and entrepreneurialism are absolutely essential, as is the ability to develop and maintain a working rapport with government staff, elected officials and concerned citizens.

The position will report to Vice President Josh Ellis until a new Director of Water Resources is hired. This position will run from March 2020 until December 2020, with a possible extension into 2021 contingent on funding. If hired for a full-time opportunity, the consultant will be eligible for MPC benefits offered to employees. If hired part-time, the consultant will be ineligible for MPC employee benefits.

Primary responsibilities may include:

• Serve as the primary project manager for technical assistance to two municipalities as part of Drinking Water 1-2-3, an initiative to support Chicagoland communities to better manage their drinking water systems. 
• Depending on relevant experience, the technical assistance projects could include assisting a community in conducting a water loss audit based on the American Water Works Association’s M36 manual, convening stakeholders to identify a municipality’s water priorities and produce a recommendations report, producing a lead service line inventory and plan for removal, or helping to facilitate a pilot study to equitably set water rates. 
• Expertise in water supply is not necessary, but experience with municipal outreach is a plus. 
• Assist with data collection and analysis to establish an inventory of green stormwater infrastructure throughout the region. 
• Coordinate logistics and ensure timely follow-up and relationship management for regional stakeholder outreach for StormStore, an MPC and Nature Conservancy initiative to create a stormwater credit trading market place in Cook County. 
• The consultant will help prepare and finalize marketing materials for the opportunity, and secure willing partners to take advantage of a pilot through MWRD. 
• Collaborate with Associate Justin Keller to establish a vision and plan the event series logistics for a 2021 Drinking Water 123 Academy, aimed at municipal officials and water-related staff. 
• Develop public education materials for Will County around water conservation needs. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

 MPC seeks an organized, high-energy individual who thrives in a collegial work environment and can meet deadlines. The ideal candidate holds at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, and has at least three to five years of relevant work experience.

A qualified candidate:

• is a self-starter, able to prioritize, handle concurrent tasks and projects, and work in a fluid environment; 
• is a team player and project leader who is highly organized and brings an ability to see immediate task needs with an eye to the bigger picture desired outcomes; 
• is able to communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with staff colleagues and multiple external partners; 
• is passionate about the issues that MPC addresses and committed to supporting the organization’s mission, as well as developing her/his competency in diversity, equity and inclusion; enjoys a fast-paced, challenging, intellectually-stimulating workplace; 
• is an excellent writer, and an articulate speaker in a range of settings; 
• is entrepreneurial, and executes timely and skillfully on assigned work; 
• has a working knowledge of relevant stakeholders and institutions in the Chicago region—particularly related to water management and stormwater institutions; 
• and has experience communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences.

MPC has a values-driven workplace and we are seeking candidates with a demonstrated commitment to—and willingness to have active conversations about—creating a region that is:

• Equitable: For MPC, equity means that every individual and community in our region has the opportunities they need to thrive. Promoting equity means that we recognize the harm that discrimination and racism have caused and continue to pose to our lives and neighborhoods. That’s why we drive policies, investments and ideas that ensure all current and future residents can reach their full potential. 
• Prosperous: For MPC, prosperity means that both the Northeastern Illinois region and all of its people are economically healthy and prepared for growth. MPC is focused on ensuring that everyone who lives and works in our region can provide for themselves and their families. We support commitments that bring resources, development, and fairly paid and quality jobs to all communities. 
• Sustainable: For MPC, sustainability means that our region meets the natural, human and financial needs of the present while improving conditions for future generations. MPC’s agenda supports ecological vitality, residents’ health and economic stability for the long term, and ensures that as things change, our region adapts. 
• Engaged and Responsible: For MPC, civic participation and effective government are cornerstones of our region’s viability. We drive policies that strengthen the participation and impact of residents in local and regional decisions. We also promote adaptive, collaborative, just and transparent governance at all levels.

How to apply:

Please send the following materials by email to:

Skyler Larrimore

manager@metroplanning.org

Metropolitan Planning Council

140 S. Dearborn, Suite 1400

Chicago, IL 60603

1) A letter detailing how your experience relates to the job being filled;

2) Your résumé; and

3) A short writing sample (2-3 pages)

4) Three professional references

Assistant Professor, University of New Mexico

The Community and Regional Planning Department at the University of New Mexico is seeking candidates for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in the area of Water Resources Planning, Development and Sustainability to commence in the Fall 2018 semester.   Strengths in one or more of the following is desired: arid lands, governance, hydrology, watershed management, ecosystem services, spatial analysis, rural planning, climate change adaptation, Indigenous communities, Chicana and Chicano communities, or Latin America. Rethinking how people manage water is critical to building resilient and just communities.  Teaching responsibilities will include graduate and undergraduate courses.

The Community and Regional Planning Department has a diverse faculty and student body who are committed to social transformation, collective action and community engagement that works towards social justice and resilient communities. The Community and Regional Planning Department offers two degrees, a BA in Environmental Planning and Design and an accredited Master of Community and Regional Planning. The MCRP program has concentrations in Natural Resources and Environmental Planning, Indigenous Planning, Community Development, and Physical Planning and Design. The Community and Regional Planning Department is affiliated with the Resource Center for Raza Planning and the Indigenous Design and Planning Institute.  About one-quarter of graduate students are enrolled in dual degrees with Latin American Studies, Water Resources, or Public Administration.  About 65 graduate students and 55 undergraduates are enrolled each year. The faculty is considering embarking on a PhD program. 

For more information: https://unm.csod.com/ats/careersite/jobdetails.aspx?site=1&c=unm&id=2679

Four UNM faculty members will be at ACSP. We will be at the coffee breaks on Friday and Saturday mornings. Please feel free to come up to us to discuss the positon or email one of us if you’d like to set up a time to meet.

Claudia Isaac (cisaac@unm.edu)

Caroline Scruggs (csruggs@unm.edu)

Jennifer Tucker (jennifertucker@unm.edu)

Renia Ehrenfeucht (rehrenfeucht@unm.edu)

Environmental Planner, DD&A, Inc. - Monterey, CA

Environmental Planner

DD&A, Inc.

Professional Area: 

Environmental and Natural Resources Planning

Experience: 

1-3 years

Location: 

Monterey, CA

Denise Duffy & Associates (DD&A, Inc.) is seeking to hire an Environmental Planner for our office in Monterey, California. DD&A, Inc. is an environmental consulting firm with over 30 years of experience providing environmental planning and natural resource expertise.   DD&A, Inc. offers a broad range of services, including land use planning, CEQA/NEPA analysis, water resource planning, natural resource evaluation, entitlements and permit processing, GIS, air quality analysis, and regulatory compliance. Our clients include state, county, and municipal agencies as well as private industry.

DD&A, Inc. is seeking a CEQA/NEPA specialist to add to our multidisciplinary team of environmental professionals.  DD&A, Inc. welcomes responses from all qualified applicants with a minimum of 2 years of relevant CEQA/NEPA experience and/or knowledge of current environmental regulations. The successful candidate will preferably come from a consulting background and have practical knowledge of land use, environmental planning and permitting regulations.  The candidate will be responsible for the preparation of CEQA/NEPA documents, permit applications, public hearing attendance/facilitation and proposal preparation.  Water resource project experience is a plus.

This is a full-time, salaried opportunity.  Compensation is DOQ and very competitive, including benefits.  A background check is required for this position.

Position Requirements

¨       Bachelors degree, at a minimum, in Environmental Science, Engineering, Policy and/or Land Use Planning or related field (Masters degree preferred)

¨       A minimum of 2 years of experience in planning and environmental document preparation, specifically (CEQA/NEPA), preferably in consulting

¨       Strong analytical abilities

¨       Demonstrated writing and editing skills

¨       Outstanding written and oral communication skills

¨       Detail oriented, motivated and a self-starter

¨       Successful marketing and proposal preparation experience

¨       Excellent leadership, project management, and team building skills

¨       Good understanding of federal, state and local regulatory framework, land use permitting and environmental regulations

¨       Ability to use Microsoft Suite including: Word, Excel and Project; GIS capabilities a plus 

Other skills and preferred qualifications include: strong public speaking abilities; ability to work in a team environment or independently in a fast paced office dynamic, and business development experience. 

If you are interested in this position, please submit your resume, including a cover letter, to info@ddaplanning.com.  Please include a discussion of recent CEQA experience that highlights your understanding of CEQA in your cover letter. Please also include a list of references.

Visit our web site at www.ddaplanning.com for more information on our projects and services.

Water Resource Professional, Lake County IL Stormwater Management Commission - Libertyville, IL

Water Resource Professional

Lake County IL Stormwater Management Commission

Professional Area: 

Environmental and Natural Resources Planning

Experience: 

1-3 years

Location: 

Libertyville, IL

Salary Range: $63,800 - $71,800, depending on qualifications.

Excellent benefits.

Under general supervision, this position exercises considerable professional and technical judgment and initiative to manage flood hazard mitigation grant projects. Both field and office work will be required.

The successful candidate will manage and coordinate contracts with government agencies, appraisal and title service providers, environmental survey and hazardous material abatement companies, demolition and restoration contractors and other various engineering related job assignments.

This position will represent SMC to elected officials, local governments, the general public and related federal/state agencies.

Minimum Requirements

We are looking for a candidate that possesses a Bachelor’s degree in water resources, environmental studies, civil engineering, construction management, emergency management or related field and a minimum of 2 years of experience. Strong communication and organization skills are required. The candidate must have a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record, as local travel is required with this role.

Desired Skills & Experience

Professional training and experience in project management, emergency management, and the ability to apply for and obtain federal, state or other types of grants. Specialized knowledge or experience in stormwater best management practices, soil erosion and sediment control, wetlands, flood mitigation projects and related benefit-cost analysis software, damage assessment, experience with GIS and GPS equipment. Registration as a Certified Floodplain Manager, Certified Professional Erosion and Sediment Control, Professional Engineer or Project Management Professional is desired, but not required.

SEND RESUME, SALARY HISTORY and PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES TO: Kurt Woolford, Chief Engineer, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission 500 W. Winchester Rd., Suite 201, Libertyville, IL 60048 E-mail:kwoolford@lakecountyil.gov

Application deadline: July 31, 2015