Resource Conservationist

Breathe Project; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3% Simple IRA match

Health insurance with family coverage

Disability insurance (short/long-term)

Life insurance

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

ACCD is seeking a Resource Conservationist to join the Regulatory Team to conduct permit reviews and inspections under PADEP delegation. The role emphasizes Chapter 102 and 105 programs, with outreach support and stakeholder engagement.

Hybrid workplace with travel to project sites may be required. Candidates should have a bachelor’s or associate degree with 2+ years in environmental fields and be prepared to learn regulatory procedures and field practices, ensuring compliance and effective

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree with 2+ years in environmental science, geology, hydrology, natural resource management, or related field.
• Experience with or ability to learn permitting and regulations under Chapter 102 and Chapter 105.
• Experience with or ability to read construction plans and translate to field.

Responsibilities

• Complete PADEP trainings within 12 months of employment (Chapter 102 Level 1 – New Staff Training Clean Water Academy).
• Qualified Visual Site Inspector responsibilities.
• Review Chapter 102 Erosion & Sediment Control plans and permits.
• Review Chapter 105 General Permits 1-9.
• Complete Chapter 102 and 105 inspections and ensure compliance at sites within a designated area.
• Provide technical assistance to stakeholders and the general public.
• Assist with outreach efforts.
• Document and track work using ACCD/PADEP SOPs.

Skills

Data management

GIS familiarity

Adobe Pro

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Time management

Attention to detail

Analytical reporting

Education

Bachelor’s Degree OR Associate’s Degree with 2+ years in environmental science or related field

Experience with Chapter 102 & Chapter 105 permitting

Ability to read construction plans and translate to field

Tools

Adobe Pro

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Record-keeping systems (proprietary)

Job description

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) is the trusted soil and water conservation partner in Allegheny County. As part of a national regulatory network tasked with the mission to protect, restore and preserve our natural resources, ACCD’s work focuses specifically on the keystones of our environment – soil and water. ACCD leads robust programs designed for urban and rural agriculture; facilitates professional workshops and trainings; provides access to funding; educates professionals, public representatives and the general public; and acts locally as the state permitting authority for several clean water laws and regulations.

POSITION OVERVIEW

ACCD’s Resource Conservationist, under the supervision of the Regulatory Director, is a member of the Regulatory Team. Under a delegation agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), ACCD conducts technical assistance, permit reviews, inspections, and enforcement actions when appropriate to mitigate the effects of non-point sources of pollution in accordance with the following:

• Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law
• Dam Safety and Encroachments Act
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Program
• Pennsylvania Chapter 102 Erosion and Sediment Control
• Pennsylvania Chapter 105 Dam Safety and Waterway Management

Resource Conservationist works primarily within ACCD’s delegated Chapter 102 Erosion Control and Chapter 105 Dam Safety and Waterway Management programs. The two primary functions of this position are permit reviews and inspections related to Chapter 102 and 105. Additionally, the Resource Conservationist 1 may assist with outreach efforts in the delegated programs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Complete required PADEP trainings within 12 months of employment at ACCD o Chapter 102 Level 1 – New Staff Training Clean Water Academy
• Qualified Visual Site Inspector
• Intro to Chapter 105
• Chapter 102 ‘Bootcamp’
• Review Chapter 102 Erosion & Sediment Control plans and permits
• Review Chapter 105 General Permits 1 -9
• Complete Chapter 102 and 105 inspections and fulfill compliance responsibilities for permitted and complaint sites within a designated area
• Provide technical assistance to stakeholders and the general public on delegated programs
• Assist with outreach efforts
• Use established ACCD and PADEP standard operating procedures to document and track work activities

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Data management and analysis
• GIS familiarity and knowledge
• Ability to use Adobe Pro, Microsoft Office products, Google Suite, and other common office and web-based platforms.
• Ability and willingness to learn proprietary record-keeping systems
• Exceptional time management. Ability to pivot between field work, meetings, and administrative tasks in an accurate and timely way.
• Great attention to detail in reviewing project drawings and calculations, with the ability to clearly communicate review findings.
• Analytic skills to create insightful reports based on field work findings.
• Cooperative personality, courteous, respectful and high degree of integrity.
• Physically able to work in outdoor environments with uneven terrain, variable conditions often on active construction sites with heavy earth moving equipment, with or without accommodations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree OR an Associate’s Degree with 2+ years relevant experience in environmental science, geology, hydrology, natural resource management, or another closely related field.
• Experience with or ability to learn permitting and regulations under Chapter 102 Erosion Control and Chapter 105 Dam Safety and Waterway Management
• Experience with or ability to learn and understand how to read construction plans, construction sequencing, and translating plan information to the field.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

ACCD is a flexible, hybrid workplace that prioritizes employee and community health. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. ACCD encourages both prospective employees and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with ACCD. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations. Applicants must pass background checks as a condition of employment.

COMPENSATION OVERVIEW

This position is full time non-exempt. ACCD offers a highly competitive compensation package and a motivated, employee-centered workplace. Beyond salary, compensation includes a 3% Simple IRA match, health insurance with family coverage, short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid sick, and a generous paid holiday and vacation package in accordance with the ACCD Employee Manual. The salary range is $52,000 - $60,000 commensurate with experience.

ACCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

ACCD is an EOE employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. ACCD follows Pennsylvania’s at will employment policy. People of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.