POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:   Conservation Landscape Coordinator

The Conservation Landscape Coordinator is currently listed as a contract position with no benefits; renewable annually contingent upon availability of funds. However there is potential for future full-time employment with PEC which would  include additional responsibilities.

REPORTS TO: Pennsylvania Environmental Council Northeast Office Director

LOCATION: PEC’s Northeast Regional Office is located at 175 Main Street Luzerne, PA 18709.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director, the Conservation Landscape Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating specific tasks associated with programs and projects related to the Pocono Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape Initiative. Primary responsibilities will include working with local, state and national partners to: 1) provide external project lead services associated with DCNR’s Conservation Landscape Initiative, serving as PEC’s “on-the-ground” representative to advance agreed upon CLI priorities for the Pocono Forest and Waters CLI; 2) implement the scope of work services associated with the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Development grant in relation to the Pocono Forest and Waters CLI priorities; and 3) manage implementation of contracted Regional Lead Organization tasks for the Pocono Forest and Waters CLI.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Conservation Landscape Initiative

• Coordinate External/Internal committee meetings with project partners
• Organize working groups and manage work tasks
• Implement priority strategies in coordination with stakeholders
• Update and adjust work plan as needed to effectively implement the CLI

Provide leadership and coordinate efforts of the Pocono Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape Initiative (CLI) including: logistical support for regular partner meetings, maintain regular communication with partners, formulate and implement strategies for priority projects and programs identified by the Pocono Forest and Waters CLI partnership, support and manage projects. Track and maintain a comprehensive inventory of related initiatives undertaken by the CLI partners.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor degree in land use planning and administration, landscape architecture, resource management, conservation, community planning, or related fields.
• Two to four years related experience in landscape preservation or rivers conservation, coordinating public relations, facilitating communications and managing complex work programs and initiatives with a public or private organization—non-profit experience is preferred.
• Demonstrable fluency with computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office products, especially Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Ability to assist in the management of the budget for the grant program.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with a variety of agencies and diverse groups including local, regional, state, and federal agencies, NGO’s, business interests and private citizens.
• Experience working with committees and working groups.
• Working knowledge and some experience in the practices of sustainable development – including the application of a variety of land use tools.
• Understanding of the principles of cultural and natural resource preservation.
• Experience in managing projects with a variety of partners and funding sources.
• Understanding of federal, state and county grant programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with community groups and the public
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with excellent public speaking and community organizational skills.
• A strong appreciation of both the natural and cultural resources of the region, especially the Pocono Region (Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike and Wayne Counties).
• Ability to organize, track and follow through to successful completion and report the details of several projects at once.
• Ability to work effectively on a variety of tasks, programs and projects, without direct supervision.
• Ability to inspire cooperation and effective communication among individuals, private groups, local, state and federal agencies.
• Self-starter who can take on and manage multiple tasks and frequently changing priorities with patience, perseverance, and minimal supervision.
• Experience and passion for land and water conservation, outdoor recreation and/or heritage preservation is desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle in day and night time conditions as field work is occasionally required in all types of weather.
• The ability to attend evening/weekend meetings and events is required.
• Ability to communicate with individuals by phone, email and in person.
• At times, may require the ability to lift or move light to moderate weight.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

TO APPLY: Mail or email your resume with a cover letter, including salary expectations and references to: Janet Sweeney, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, 175 Main Street, Luzerne, PA 18709 (jsweeney@pecpa.org)  by  February 10, 2012. For information on the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, please visit http://www.pecpa.org.