Project Coordinator – Natural Resource Management

Accessdev; Sundargarh; On-site; INR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

ACCESS Development Services in Sundargarh, Odisha, is seeking a seasoned professional to plan, implement and supervise natural resource management and watershed development interventions under a ridge-to-valley approach.

The role requires 5–6 years of field experience, fluency in Odia, skills in survey, design and supervision of water-conservation structures, and willingness to base in Sundargarh with travel to project villages.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Agricultural Engineering / Civil Engineering is essential.
• Post graduate qualification in Natural Resource Management / Water Resource Management / Rural Management would be highly preferable.
• 5–6 years of relevant work experience in watershed development / NR management is required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement watershed activities in identified micro-watersheds using a ridge-to-valley approach, with participatory planning and DPR preparation.
• Conduct site surveys and prepare designs and estimates for check dams, farm ponds, field bunds and other soil and water conservation structures.
• Supervise construction for quality and timely completion; maintain measurement books and verify bills and vendor work.
• Plan and install solar drip irrigation systems, from farmer selection and design to installation and after-sales support.
• Form and train user groups and watershed committees for operation, maintenance and equitable water sharing.
• Coordinate with the PC – Agriculture and government departments for productive water use and convergence of schemes.
• Track progress through MIS and geo-tagging, and prepare progress reports and documentation for donor reporting.

Skills

Watershed development

NRM

Survey design estimation supervision

GIS/AutoCAD

Odia language

Computer proficiency

Team coordination/training

Education

B.E./B.Tech in Agricultural/Civil Engineering

Postgraduate in NRM/WRM/Rural Management

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS

Google Earth

Job description

About the Organisation and the Programme:

ACCESS Development Services is a national livelihoods promotion organization with focus on incubating innovations and sustainable models for livelihoods promotion of the poor. ACCESS operates in 14 states across the country, with programmes in both rural and urban locations, as well as in both farm and the non-farm sector. Currently, ACCESS supports more than 3 lakh households, strengthening their livelihoods and moving those from subsistence to sustainable levels through a clutch of intertwined interventions.

ACCESS Development Services is currently implementing numerous programs in Agri-value chain development, climate resilient agriculture, natural resource management, carbon farming and FPOs in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana and West Bengal in collaboration with various Public Sector, Philanthropic and CSR agencies. All programs are being managed by respective Team Leaders at State or program level. In Sundargarh district of Odisha, ACCESS is implementing an integrated rural livelihoods programme with tribal and smallholder farming households, combining natural resource management (watershed development, water harvesting and solar-powered micro irrigation) with sustainable, climate resilient agriculture (bio-inputs, multi-layer farming and farmer field schools) and women enterprises (poultry, mushroom, mini-food processing) to enhance farm productivity and household incomes.

Project Summary:

You will be responsible for planning, implementing and supervising the natural resource management and water resource development interventions of the project in Sundargarh district, following a ridge-to-valley watershed approach. Your specific responsibilities will be to:

• Plan and implement watershed activities in identified micro-watersheds using a ridge-to-valley approach, with participatory planning and DPR preparation.
• Conduct site surveys and prepare designs and estimates for check dams, farm ponds, field bunds and other soil and water conservation structures.
• Supervise construction for quality and timely completion; maintain measurement books and verify bills and vendor work.
• Plan and install solar drip irrigation systems, from farmer selection and design to installation and after-sales support.
• Form and train user groups and watershed committees for operation, maintenance and equitable water sharing.
• Coordinate with the PC – Agriculture and government departments for productive water use and convergence of schemes.
• Track progress through MIS and geo-tagging, and prepare progress reports and documentation for donor reporting.

Skills and Competencies:

• Minimum 5-6 years of relevant work experience in watershed development / natural resource management programmes in the development sector.
• Strong technical skills in survey, design, estimation and supervision of soil and water conservation and water harvesting structures are essential.
• Working knowledge of GIS / Google Earth / AutoCAD would be an advantage.
• Experience of working with tribal communities and community institutions; prior work experience in Odisha would be an advantage.
• Proficiency in Odia is essential; good working knowledge of English for reporting.
• Willingness to be based in Sundargarh and travel extensively to project villages; a valid two-wheeler driving licence is preferred.
• Must be proficient in Computers (internet, word and excel).

Education & Qualification:

Graduate degree in Agricultural Engineering / Civil Engineering is essential. Post Graduate qualification in Natural Resource Management / Water Resource Management / Rural Management would be highly preferable.

Compensation:

Salary range in this position is commensurate to industry standards and will be determined based upon the experiences and fixed as per the HR policies of the organization.

ACCESS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and is committed to providing an environment of fairness, and mutual respect where all applicants have access to equal employment opportunities. ACCESS values diversity and inclusion, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age and disability.

Deadline is 31 st October 2026.