NPS Project Manager

Rural Action Inc; The Plains (OH); On-site; USD 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Rural Action Inc. seeks a Nonpoint Source (NPS) Project Manager to join the Watersheds team based in Athens County, Ohio. The role coordinates water quality projects across the Ohio River Basin, develops plans, and pursues funding opportunities with partner organizations.

Under the Director of Ecological Restoration, you will manage multiple initiatives, engage landowners, and coordinate grant proposals, reporting, and contractor oversight. Travel is a requirement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in environmental or watershed restoration.
• Knowledge of nonpoint source water quality restoration needs in Ohio.
• Willingness to travel frequently; this position may require weekly travel.
• Project management experience.
• Experience working with landowners on environmental restoration projects.
• Self-starter with detail-oriented focus.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Integrity, credibility and commitment to Rural Action's mission.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage multiple water quality projects within the Ohio River Basin.
• Develop grant proposals, manage agreements, and pursue funding opportunities.
• Engage landowners, coordinate with stakeholders, and supervise field activities as needed.
• Oversee project development, reporting, and contractor oversight.
• Possibly supervise AmeriCorps members and volunteers.
• Support environmental education field trips and summer programs.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Field work

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in environmental or watershed restoration

Tools

Google Suite

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Database management

Job description

• Department: Watersheds
• Reports to: Director of Ecological Restoration
• Supervises: N/A
• Hours of work: F/T 35 hours/week; Exempt
• Pay Range: $48,000/yr

Job Summary

The Nonpoint Source (NPS) Project Manager works with Rural Action's Watershed Program team and partner organizations to build awareness, pursue funding, develop projects, and implement water quality improvement and preservation activities throughout the Ohio River Basin. Based out of Athens County, Ohio, this position will work under the supervision of the Director of Ecological Restoration. One of the essential functions of this position will be to coordinate existing projects while also identifying and pursuing funding for other water quality improvement opportunities. A successful candidate must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, be self-motivated, and be knowledgeable about current water quality issues in Ohio. Travel will be required.

Essential Functions

Project Development and Management

This position will work on a wide array of water quality projects and the candidate must be able to manage multiple projects at the same time. The candidate must also be flexible and able to assist with and/or lead other tasks - both in the office and in the field - as necessary, such as project development, landowner engagement, water quality monitoring, research, and grant proposal and agreement development. This position is responsible for:

• Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategies development. This includes working with stakeholders and landowners to identify restoration project opportunities and developing high quality plans suitable for Ohio EPA approval. This will include technical writing and GIS map development;
• Outreach and engagement to identify projects sites and inventory landowners who want to do conservation projects on their property. This could include working with RA Staff, external partners, State and Federal agencies, NGOs, private landowners, and others;
• Working with the Watershed Team and other Rural Action programs to implement and manage water quality restoration and preservation projects such as riparian buffer restoration, wetland installation, and stream habitat improvement. This position will oversee project development and implementation of some projects. Including, but not limited to, pursuit of funding, scope of work development, partnership coordination, reporting, and contractor oversight;
• Potential supervision of AmeriCorps members and volunteers;
• Assistance with environmental education field trips and summer camps.

Grant Management

• Attend meetings to provide updates to State officials at Ohio Department of Natural Resources and other agencies, as required, on project progress;
• Assist Watershed team to identify, secure, and implement grant agreements for the continuation of Rural Action's watershed program.

General Rural Action Watershed Program Duties

• Participate in regional and statewide partnerships surrounding watershed restoration in the Ohio River Basin such as the Appalachian Ohio Watershed Council, and the Ohio River Basin Alliance;
• Represent Rural Action at events and give presentations on Rural Action and the watershed program as requested;
• Work plan development and upkeep;
• Maintain social media presence and promote watershed events;
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in environmental or watershed restoration;
• Knowledge of nonpoint source water quality restoration needs in Ohio;
• Knowledge of watersheds and streams;
• Willingness to travel frequently. This position may require weekly travel;
• Project management experience;
• Experience working with landowners on environmental restoration projects;
• Self-starter with detail-oriented focus;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Integrity, credibility and commitment to Rural Action's mission;
• Experience with Google suite, Microsoft Word and Excel, database management, email and other computer software systems;
• Ability and proven experience working in the field in uncomfortable temperatures or weather conditions;
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs and walk on uneven surfaces;
• Ability to swim;
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed;
• Valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle.

NOTE: The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the associate a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position. As the nature of business demands change so, too, may the essential functions of this position. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Equal Opportunity

Rural Action is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and is committed to making employment decisions based on merit. We are committed to complying with any and all pertinent Federal, State and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, as well as all laws related to terms and conditions of employment.