Local recruitment: Watershed Resilience Planner

Reports to: MWA Executive Director 

Employment Classification: Full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible 

Profile:

The Watershed Resilience Planner is a key member of MWA’s senior staff. They will work closely with municipalities and counties, regional and state agencies, community-based organizations, farmers and landowners, businesses, environmental justice communities and other stakeholders in the Musconetcong Watershed to advance solutions that ensure people and nature will be able to thrive in the face of climate challenges. They report to the Executive Director and collaborate closely with other MWA staff across multiple disciplines.

Responsibilities:

• Key leadership role in the formation and implementation of a new Watershed Vision Plan, identifying shared goals and principles, researching mitigation and adaptation measures, building consensus around watershed-based solutions (including innovative green infrastructure, land use management, distributed water infrastructure, and social infrastructure solutions and incentives), and translating those into implementation projects & programs.
• Meaningfully engaging residents and business community—especially farmers, environmental justice neighborhoods, people of color, and those with limited means—around development of local adaptation and mitigation priorities and strategies that effectively address the needs of the watershed and climate vulnerable populations and activities.
• Working with interdisciplinary partners and consultants to evaluate impacts of flooding, heat, drought and other climate challenges on residents, businesses, and natural and manmade infrastructure.
• Identifying comprehensive plan amendments, regulatory changes and capital investments as well as best management practices, new technologies and other private actions that can advance MWA’s Watershed Vision Plan.
• Engaging residents, local officials and others to address failing septic systems and advance distributed wastewater systems consistent with the MWA Vision Plan, New Jersey Highlands Regional Master Plan and N.J. State Development and Redevelopment Plan.
• Assisting with grant applications and policy initiatives to support implementation of priority solutions.
• Managing select implementation projects and associated grant contract reporting, budgets, and compliance.
• Planning and organizing project-related public engagement and participation activities, using a variety of interactive approaches both in person and online.
• Identifying and building long-term working relationships with partners, including community-based organizations, representatives of environmental justice populations, municipal staff and local officials, farmers and landowners, and other key stakeholders to advance MWA’s 2023 – 2027 Strategic Plan to protect the river and connect watershed health with land preservation, economic opportunity and community vitality.
• Providing technical support to colleagues on planning, land use, regenerative agriculture, wastewater and community engagement issues.
• Supporting communication and development staff to document results through research, writing, presentations, photography and social media.
• Supporting watershed and water quality program staff to advance watershed management plans.
• Supporting staff to recruit and train new volunteers, enhance outreach and increase opportunities for education.

Experience/Qualifications/Education:

The successful candidate will have a combination of technical, project management, communication, and leadership skills. A master’s degree in regional or urban planning or a related field, or a relevant bachelor’s degree and five years’ work experience in land use planning and natural resource management is required. A keen interest in and unbridled appreciation for the river is desired.

Specific areas of expertise include:

• Planning and conducting community engagement activities, including underserved and environmental justice populations.
• Working effectively with municipal and county staff and local officials.
• Managing projects including preparing and managing multi-partner grant applications.
• Familiarity with the concepts of stormwater management, flood mitigation strategies, flood modeling techniques, green infrastructure techniques, the impacts of climate change on municipalities and municipal infrastructure, and the unique challenges posed by climate change for vulnerable and historically underrepresented populations, as well as regenerative agriculture and wastewater systems in rural communities.
• Excellent writing and interpersonal communication skills (effective with both technical and non-technical audiences) and an ability to master new topics independently including topics of a technical nature.

Skills:

• Proficiency with MS Office, and email platforms.
• Experience using GIS and StoryMaps required.
• Flexible and a self-starter, able to work independently and prioritize tasks appropriately; able to manage time effectively and meet deadlines.
• Organized, efficient, detail oriented and able to multi-task.
• Excellent written, phone and in-person communication skills; excellent proofreading ability.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervise volunteers as needed.

Special Requirements:

• Weekend and/or evening work required several times a year.
• May require use of personal vehicle and cell phone; job-related mileage reimbursed.

Job Classification: Full-time/Salary Range: $65,000 – $85,000

Applicants should be enthusiastic about the mission of the organization, motivated to achieve tangible results for the benefit of the community, and intrigued by the technical, social and political challenges in building climate and community resilience along a nationally-designated Wild and Scenic River.

This is a full-time, permanent position, which is available to commence work immediately. Requires in-office presence at least 3 days/week. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes paid vacation, holidays and health insurance plan. MWA is committed to building diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

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Don’t meet every single qualification listed above? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they do. If you are excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with everything listed in this description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at MWA.

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Application Procedure

To apply, send a resume and a cover letter explaining how the position would complement your career goals and how your talents and experience would help advance MWA’s efforts. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.

Responses should be directed via email to Tom Dallessio, MWA Executive Director at info@musconetcong.org.

The Musconetcong Watershed Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.