The Hayes Approach has partnered with Upstate Forever, a nonprofit conservation organization that protects the critical lands, waters, and unique character of Upstate Carolina. Upstate Forever is seeking a Project Associate to assist the Clean Water Program Director in achieving Upstate Forever’s vision and goals for the Upstate and related strategies and initiatives associated with the Clean Water program.
This is a full-time position. Regular office hours will initially be remote until it is safe to return to the office, after which the position can be located in either the Greenville or Spartanburg office, given that the overall focus of the position is regional. Please also note Upstate Forever’s COVID policy information below. The position will include occasional travel throughout the Upstate region as needed.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with the planning and implementation of Clean Water Program projects, including managing UF’s state and federally funded Watershed-Based Plan Development and Section 319 Nonpoint Source Implementation grants to reduce the impacts of nonpoint source runoff on local waterways.
- Assist in the identification of funding opportunities, preparing grant applications, managing grant deadlines, and compiling required reports.
- Participate in related local task forces, associations, working groups and organizations to assure clean water views are represented.
- Represent Upstate Forever’s positions publicly with elected officials, state and federal partners, city and county administrative and planning staff, and the general public.
- Monitor local and state permit filings and draft comments as needed.
- Respond to water related citizen inquiries/concerns.
- Write articles for publication in local media outlets and websites and assist the Communications Team with relevant social media content and blog posts.
- Assist with outreach efforts and in volunteer projects.
- Complete additional work assigned by the Clean Water Director as needed.
- Continually promote Upstate Forever to recruit new members when appropriate.
REQUIREMENTS
Education – a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree preferably in biology, engineering, natural resource management, environmental science or related field; or 3-5 years equivalent experience.
Technical skills – highly proficient with general office and computer skills (including M365 Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom or similar prgrams). Working knowledge of and willingness to build familiarity with ArcGIS.
People skills – a strong track record of collaboration and partnership with development of diverse stakeholders; experience or willingness to working effectively with landowners, board members, volunteers, local and state governments, and other conservation organizations; ability to interact with individuals from different backgrounds, ages, and socio-economic levels in a manner that positively reflects the values of Upstate Forever.
Communication – demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills including the ability to effectively communicate complex or technical issues to different audiences.
Part of a Team – easy to approach and talk to; spends extra effort to put people at ease; can be warm, pleasant, and gracious; is sensitive to and patient with others; builds rapport well; is a good listener; able to work with others, respect for all team members and ability to foster and maintain an enjoyable, rewarding and productive workplace.
Self-Motivated – comfortable working independently and on multiple projects simultaneously, strong organizational and time management skills, a commitment to accuracy and integrity in all aspects of the job.
Travel – Capable of independent travel around Upstate Forever’s ten-county region. Weekend work is needed on rare occasions, and overnight travel is limited primarily to conferences and professional development opportunities.
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COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS*
- Compensation starts at $42,000 and may be negotiable based on experience
- Health and dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Simple-IRA with company contribution
- Flexible workplace and scheduling
- Mileage reimbursement for travel
COVID-19 precautions: To protect the safety of our employees in light of the recommendations from the State and Federal Governments as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Upstate Forever strongly encourages all employees to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. Additionally, Upstate Forever is currently implementing additional safety protections and allowing employees to telework until COVID-19 cases decrease, at which point the organization will pilot a new remote work policy that will require some weekly in-office work and allow for some remote work.
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DEI commitment*: Upstate Forever is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are taking deliberate steps to build authentic community partnerships and cultivate new leaders at all levels or our organization – from our membership to our staff to our board – to ensure that we better represent the community we serve.
Upstate Forever is an equal opportunity employer.
