REPORTS TO: Assistant Director of Community Services

BASIC FUNCTION: The Senior Planner independently cultivates, manages, and implements on-the-ground projects that advance the Conservancy’s goals related to enhancing water quality and soil health, improving recreational access, safety, and stewardship of the Brandywine, and advancing trails that connect communities to one another and nature. 

POSITION RELATIONSHIPS: Works with other Conservancy staff as necessary regarding land  conservation, municipal planning, and land stewardship projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES:            

1. Independently plans, organizes, and implements projects related to resource conservation, agricultural best management practices, Green Stormwater Infrastructure, the Brandywine Creek Greenway Initiative, and other program related activities. 
2. Independently leads and acts as coordinator for the Brandywine Creek Greenway, including the management of other staff in executing the strategic goals of the program.
3. Expected to maintain working relationships with technical experts in relevant specialties, agencies, and institutions throughout the Conservancy’s service area
4. Identifies and cultivates Community Service projects in Conservancy priority areas, capitalizing on the Conservancy’s existing relationships with key landowners, partners, and stakeholders therein.
5. Assesses potential projects/contracts, reviews prospective projects with Conservancy staff, recommends measures and scope of projects, estimates project costs, and prepares project proposals.
6. Works with local, state and federal programs and agency staff to identify and secure grant funds for Community Service projects. Manages and coordinates grant applications and grant administration for projects.
7. Maintains contact with other conservation organizations, local governments, regional, state and federal agencies (as appropriate) for program development and evaluation purposes.
8. Supervises project team and associated consultants for project specific tasks and manages current contracts through project pacing and budget tracking. Responsible for review of consultant work for compliance with the Conservancy’s conservation objectives and funding requirements. Coordinates resource conservation grant budgets, expenses, and funding reporting with the Conservancy Accountant and Development Department.
9. Prepares reports, project metric data analysis and other requests as needed for project and program related work.
10. Assists other Community Service staff as needed with the administration and execution of existing projects. 
11. Makes presentations to the Conservancy Committee to obtain approval of proposed projects or grant applications and update the Committee on resource conservation activities.
12. Participates in Conservancy public relations efforts and outreach as needed.  Contributes to Conservancy publications.  Makes presentations to interested groups.
13. Follows regulatory and public policy developments related to resource conservation, land management, and stormwater. Recommends policy communications with elected local, county, state, and federal officials on behalf of the Conservancy.
14. Responsible for collaborating with the Development Department as needed in the identification of potential funding opportunities, preparation of grant proposals and grant reporting requirements and funder/donor cultivation
15. Assists with supervising staff and performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:    

1. Advanced degree in geography, environmental science, ecology, agronomy, construction management, engineering, land planning, or related field. 
2. 7-9 years’ experience with conservation, agricultural or natural resource management, land use planning and/or multi-use trail planning and implementation.
3. Advanced degree of familiarity with agricultural best management practices, green stormwater infrastructure, maps, conservation plans, construction documents, and municipal plans.
4. High degree of familiarity with the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program.
5. Ability to effectively manage and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously and to work efficiently under pressure.
6. Willing to devote such time as required to perform assigned functions.  Expected to work eight hours between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Occasional night meetings and weekend work.  Must be able and comfortable working outdoors in rural natural conditions and construction sites.  Frequent travel within southeast Pennsylvania and Delaware and to other places as necessary.
7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Positive and energetic attitude. Ability to comprehend legal documents and maps. Self-motivated.
8. Proficiency with Microsoft Office traditional and cloud programs, including MS Word, Outlook, Access, Excel, Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint. Familiarity with GIS and GPS preferred.
9. Flexibility in dealing with changing priorities. 
10. Must have a means of transportation to and from work and work assignments. 
11. Must be able to lift and carry 30 lbs.

Please send cover letter and resume to [email protected]