Conservation Program Specialist (Watershed Projects)

SUMMARY

The Conservation Program Specialist (Watershed Projects Focus) is responsible for supporting and advancing the Indiana County Conservation District’s watershed restoration, abandoned mine drainage (AMD), stream restoration, conservation, and related natural resource initiatives through project development, grant acquisition, grant administration, project implementation, and partnership coordination activities. This position focuses heavily on identifying funding opportunities, developing competitive grant applications, administering grant-funded projects, coordinating project implementation activities, supporting watershed organizations, and advancing watershed restoration and conservation efforts throughout Indiana County. Responsibilities include project planning, grant administration, reimbursement requests, budget tracking, compliance documentation, partnership development, project monitoring, and coordination with municipalities, watershed organizations, consultants, contractors, landowners, and funding agencies. The position will play a key role in supporting the Watershed Alliance of Indiana County and strengthening relationships with watershed organizations and project partners throughout the region. The position will assist with development of watershed restoration priorities, implementation strategies, partnership initiatives, and funding opportunities that support long-term watershed health and restoration goals. This position works closely with District staff, watershed organizations, municipalities, state and federal agencies, consultants, contractors, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, landowners, and community partners to advance watershed restoration projects and conservation initiatives. The successful candidate will possess strong organizational, communication, grant administration, project management, and partnership development skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. Currently, this position is anticipated to be substantially supported through grant-funded watershed restoration, conservation, and related project initiatives.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The percentage allocations listed below are intended to reflect the general focus areas of the position and may fluctuate based upon seasonal workload demands, project schedules, grant deadlines, construction activities, funding opportunities, partnership needs, organizational priorities, and operational requirements. Responsibilities may include a combination of project development, grant administration, project implementation, watershed organization support, partnership coordination, technical assistance, reporting, and other activities necessary to advance the District’s watershed restoration and conservation objectives. PROGRAM GRANT COORDINATION & PROJECT SUPPORT (95% of time): Identify, evaluate, and pursue funding opportunities from local, state, federal, nonprofit, and private funding sources that support watershed restoration, abandoned mine drainage remediation, stream restoration, conservation, recreation, education, and related natural resource initiatives. Develop competitive grant applications including project narratives, work plans, budgets, budget narratives, maps, schedules, supporting documentation, partnership commitments, and other materials required to secure project funding. Coordinate with District staff, municipalities, watershed organizations, partner agencies, consultants, landowners, and other stakeholders to identify project needs, develop project concepts, and advance funding opportunities. Assist with development, implementation, and administration of watershed restoration projects, including abandoned mine drainage treatment systems, stream restoration projects, riparian buffer projects, watershed assessments, restoration planning efforts, stormwater management projects, recreational improvements, and related conservation initiatives. Administer grant-funded projects including procurement compliance, contract administration, budget tracking, reimbursement requests, reporting requirements, project documentation, grant amendments, and project closeout activities. Develop project budgets, cost estimates, funding strategies, match documentation, and implementation schedules associated with watershed projects and grant proposals. Prepare reimbursement requests, progress reports, final reports, grant amendments, funding requests, and other documentation required by funding agencies and project partners. Coordinate with engineers, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, municipalities, watershed organizations, and project partners throughout project development and implementation. Conduct project site visits and assist with project planning, implementation oversight, project documentation, construction coordination, and project monitoring activities. Maintain project files, grant files, reimbursement documentation, contracts, procurement records, monitoring data, correspondence, and other records associated with watershed projects and grants. Track project accomplishments, environmental outcomes, financial expenditures, performance measures, grant deliverables, and project milestones associated with funded projects. Assist with the development and implementation of watershed restoration plans, implementation strategies, watershed assessments, and other planning efforts that support future project development and funding opportunities. Support watershed organizations and project partners by identifying funding opportunities, assisting with project development activities, and coordinating implementation efforts associated with funded projects. Represent the District at meetings, conferences, workshops, trainings, funding agency meetings, project meetings, and other professional activities related to watershed restoration, grant administration, and project development. Assist with the preparation of District annual reports, grant accomplishment summaries, project success stories, funding reports, and other organizational reporting materials. OTHER CRITICAL FUNCTIONS (5% of time): Maintain records and documentation associated with grants, watershed programs, and delegated programs. Assist District staff with educational events, outreach activities, demonstrations, workshops, and special projects. Work to promote a District team concept by assisting with related District functions, activities, and programs. Prepare monthly activity reports and attend Board of Directors meetings as requested. Participate in professional development opportunities relevant to grant administration, communications, outreach, watershed restoration, conservation planning, GIS, photography, media production, and related technical areas. Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Associate’s degree in environmental science, natural resources, conservation, biology, ecology, geology, environmental engineering, engineering technology, construction management, planning, public administration, project management, or related field; OR completion of a Registered Agriculture Conservation Technician Apprenticeship Program with JourneyWorker status; OR bachelor’s degree in a related field; OR equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and applicable experience. Working knowledge of watershed restoration principles, abandoned mine drainage remediation, stream restoration, water quality improvement practices, conservation planning, stormwater management, and related natural resource management programs. Knowledge of grant development, grant administration, project management, budgeting, procurement requirements, reimbursement procedures, and project implementation processes. Ability to identify funding opportunities and develop competitive grant applications including project narratives, work plans, budgets, budget narratives, schedules, and supporting documentation. Ability to develop and administer grant-funded projects while maintaining compliance with applicable funding requirements, procurement standards, reporting obligations, and project schedules. Ability to prepare and manage project budgets, cost estimates, match documentation, reimbursement requests, financial tracking records, and grant administration documentation. Ability to coordinate effectively with municipalities, watershed organizations, consultants, engineers, contractors, regulatory agencies, funding agencies, landowners, and project partners. Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects, grant applications, funding opportunities, deadlines, contracts, and implementation activities simultaneously. Ability to read, interpret, and apply grant agreements, contracts, project plans, technical reports, engineering documents, procurement requirements, permits, regulatory guidance, and funding requirements. Ability to conduct project site visits and evaluate project implementation progress, construction activities, environmental conditions, and project performance. Strong written communication skills including grant applications, reports, reimbursement requests, project summaries, correspondence, funding requests, and technical documentation. Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively represent the District during meetings, project discussions, funding agency interactions, public presentations, and partner coordination activities. Ability to work independently while exercising sound professional judgment and contributing positively to a collaborative team environment. Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Office programs, spreadsheets, databases, cloud-based file management systems, project management tools, and virtual meeting platforms. Experience with ArcGIS, GIS mapping platforms, grant management systems, project management software, construction oversight, water quality monitoring, or environmental data collection is preferred but not required. Ability to maintain organized project files, grant records, procurement documentation, reimbursement records, and compliance documentation. Ability to manage changing priorities, meet deadlines, adapt to funding opportunities, and respond to project implementation needs as they arise. Possess a valid driver’s license and safely operate a motor vehicle while carrying out assigned duties. Possess a reliable vehicle that can be utilized for field work or travel purposes as needed. Mileage reimbursement for authorized use of personal vehicles will be provided at the approved rate.

WORK CONDITIONS

This position requires a combination of office and field work associated with watershed restoration projects, grant administration, project development, project implementation, and related conservation activities. Fieldwork may involve travel throughout Indiana County and surrounding areas, including varying terrain and weather conditions, construction sites, stream corridors, and other locations associated with watershed projects and grant-funded activities. District vehicles are available for field activities and should be utilized when available. Employees may occasionally be required to utilize a personal vehicle for field work or travel purposes when a District vehicle is unavailable. Mileage reimbursement for authorized use of personal vehicles will be provided at the approved reimbursement rate. Office work is performed in a collaborative professional office environment with regular interaction among District staff, municipalities, consultants, contractors, funding agencies, watershed organizations, landowners, and partner organizations. Occasional evening meetings, trainings, conferences, workshops, or project-related activities may be required.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Ability to perform both office and field-based work activities throughout the workday. Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, balance, reach, and traverse uneven terrain as necessary to perform assigned duties. Ability to safely conduct field work activities in varying weather conditions and environmental settings. Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. Ability to operate computers, tablets, office equipment, cameras, GPS equipment, and other field or technical equipment as required. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with coworkers, partner agencies, landowners, contractors, public officials, and members of the public. Ability to review, interpret, analyze, and prepare technical documents, reports, maps, plans, and project records with attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple assignments, maintain organization, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing project priorities and field conditions. Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and maintain professionalism in both office and field environments. The Indiana County Conservation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WORK SCHEDULE/COMPENSATION

Successful candidates will serve a 6-month probationary period. Starting salary shall be based upon the applicable classification level and pay grade schedule approved by the District. Placement within the classification structure shall be based upon the candidate’s relevant education, certifications, apprenticeship completion, training, and professional experience as evaluated against the established classification criteria. While not guaranteed, the District is currently offering an additional $6,000 annual retention incentive paid in quarterly installments to eligible full-time employees following successful completion of the probationary period. Employees become eligible for the retention incentive after completion of the probationary period, with the first quarterly payment issued following the next completed eligible quarter of employment. The District offers a competitive benefits package including: Health, Dental, and Vision insurance with 100% employer-paid premiums Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (currently $4,300 annually for individual coverage, distributed in monthly contributions) Pension program with a minimum 5% employer contribution (currently contributing 10%) with 5-year vesting Sixteen paid holidays annually Two floating holidays annually Eighty (80) hours of annual vacation leave, with additional vacation leave provided based upon years of service in accordance with District policy Vacation leave becomes available for use following successful completion of the 6-month probationary period unless otherwise approved by the Executive Director Front-loaded sick leave available upon hire in accordance with District policy Twelve weeks paid parental leave for eligible employees Tuition assistance and student loan reimbursement program Normal work hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., including a one-hour paid lunch period. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required for meetings, outreach events, field activities, emergency response activities, or project responsibilities. This position requires a combination of office work, field work, meetings, outreach activities, and travel throughout Indiana County and surrounding areas. Flexible scheduling opportunities, including modified schedules and limited remote/work-from-home opportunities, may be available following successful completion of the probationary period in accordance with District policies, operational needs, job responsibilities, and supervisor approval. Use of Artificial Intelligence The Indiana County Conservation District