Save the Dunes, a non-profit conservation organization in Northwest Indiana, is seeking a motivated, versatile, professional individual for a full-time position as Urban Waters Coordinator. Candidate must have an educational background in environmental policy or environmental science, with an advanced degree preferred. We are seeking an individual with exceptional organizational and communication skills, group facilitation skills, and ability to educate adults on a wide range of environmental issues. Must be comfortable speaking in public on a regular basis, have a positive attitude and demeanor, and demonstrate an ability to work with diverse groups while building partnership ties and working toward common goals. This position includes duties related to coordinating the Northwest Indiana Urban Waters partnership and duties related to Save the Dunes’ other activities and mission areas. The Urban Waters Coordinator will report to the Water Program Director and Executive Director to achieve organizational goals. Learn more about Save the Dunes at www.savedunes.org.
Urban Waters is a federal government-initiated partnership program started in 2011. Northwest Indiana is one of seven pilot Urban Waters locations across the country. The Northwest Indiana Urban Waters partnership includes representatives from non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and local, state, and federal government agencies. More information about the Northwest Indiana Urban Waters partnership is available at: http://www.urbanwaters.gov/pdf/northwestindiana120111.pdf.
This is a grant-funded, two-year position that may be extended should additional funding be secured.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Urban Waters Responsibilities
- Coordinating activities of the 4 Northwest Indiana Urban Waters Work Groups (Grand Calumet River Area of Concern, Trail Creek, East Branch of the Little Calumet River/Salt Creek, and Mapping), including developing work plans for each group and pulling together a larger work plan for the whole pilot area.
- Arranging periodic meetings for the Work Groups and the full partnership as needed. Includes developing agendas, arranging guest speakers, securing meeting space, setting up A/V equipment, taking and disseminating meeting minutes, and documenting the partnership through photos and video.
- Communicating with Urban Waters partners about urban waters-related activities and external opportunities.
- Coordinating the release of a U.S. Geological Survey mapping tool for the Northwest Indiana Urban Waters pilot area.
- Maintaining a website about the Northwest Indiana Urban Waters partnership.
- Participating in national Urban Waters conference calls to keep informed about the program from the federal perspective and providing updates about the Northwest Indiana partnership.
- Generating periodic reports and materials for the national Urban Waters coordinators.
- Monitoring and sharing funding opportunities and helping Urban Waters partners secure grants.
- Recruiting non-partner organizations to join the Urban Waters partnership.
Save the Dunes Responsibilities
- Securing funds for the Save the Dunes Water Program at the direction of the Water Program Director and Executive Director.
- Assisting the Save the Dunes Water Program in a variety of activities including field work, data analysis, technical writing, education and outreach.
- Reviewing and preparing comments on various permits, including National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.
- Helping with Great Lakes advocacy issues including the Great Lakes Compact and other priorities.
- Representing Save the Dunes at public meetings and testifying on our behalf at public hearings.
- Writing press releases, eNews briefs, website posts and newsletter articles about our work.
- Holding adult education workshops on a range of urban waters matters.
- Maintaining precise records of activities, time, expenses, receipts, and invoices by project.
- Compiling grant quarterly reports, reimbursement requests, budget updates, and final reports for existing grants.
- Helping with other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, which may include, but not be limited to general office tasks (e.g. filing, mailings, returning calls), attending and reporting on meetings, fundraising efforts and networking events.
- Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental policy, or related field.
- Five years of work experience in the environmental field.
- An understanding of water quality, quantity and policy issues.
- An understanding of Northwest Indiana’s geography, particularly its waterways.
- Valid driver’s license.
MINIMUM SKILLS
- Detail-oriented individual with strong administrative and record-keeping skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to give presentations.
- Ability to facilitate group meetings and bring a diverse set of people to consensus.
- Solid understanding of environmental sciences and natural resources.
- Experience writing grant proposals, managing grant-funded projects, and tracking budgets.
- Experience with Microsoft Office Word®, Excel® and PowerPoint®; and other computer applications. Willingness to learn to use Constant Contact®.
- Basic math and accounting skills.
- Capability to carry out responsibilities independently and complete projects with accuracy and thoroughness.
- Ability to work with diverse partners and to resolve conflicts in a professional manner.
ADDITIONAL PREFERRED SKILLS
- Advanced degree in environmental science, environmental policy, or related field.
- Understanding of environmental laws and regulations related to land, air and water in Northwest Indiana.
- Past involvement in non-profits or community organizations.
- Sense of humor and a positive outlook.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
- Using a computer terminal, perceiving and transcribing data with accuracy, and keyboarding.
- Communicating with telephone callers and associates.
- Occasionally walking long distances and spending extensive time outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
- Occasionally standing for sustained periods of time.
- Ascending and descending stairs daily.
- Occasionally lifting up to 30 lbs.
COMPENSATION
- Salary range is between $40,000 and $48,000 depending on qualifications.
- Modest health reimbursement package available after 90-day probationary period; retirement benefits available after one year.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
- In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Save the Dunes will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Save the Dunes does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
- Save the Dunes participates in the E-Verify Program, an Internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
TO APPLY
Mail resume and letter of interest no later than Monday, April 2, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time to: Save the Dunes, Attention: Heather Pritchard, 444 Barker Road, Michigan City, IN 46360 or e-mail with subject line “Urban Waters Coordinator” to office@savedunes.org. No phone calls please.