Project Planner/Stream Restoration Specialist

Description

Idaho Governor's Office of Species Conservation Opportunity

SPECIAL NOTIFICATION: This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission. This job announcement will now remain open until the position has been filled. Applications will be periodically reviewed as they are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply and submit their applications as soon as possible.

The Idaho Governor’s Office of Species Conservation (OSC) is dedicated to planning, coordinating, and implementing the State’s actions to preserve, protect and restore species listed as candidate, threatened, or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). This work is done in coordination with the State’s natural resource agencies and input from the citizens of Idaho, while taking into consideration the economic vitality of the State. The OSC provides constituent services for state, federal and private stakeholders seeking assistance with ESA issues. In the Upper Salmon Basin, the OSC primarily works on projects that benefit recovery of Chinook salmon and steelhead including habitat improvement/rehabilitation, irrigation efficiency, and fish barrier removal.

OSC currently has an opening for a Project Planner/Stream Restoration Specialist with the Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Program. The incumbent will identify, plan, permit, and aid in implementing stream habitat projects in the Upper Salmon River that benefit ESA listed anadromous fish species. This position works in a very interdisciplinary environment and must be comfortable collaborating with a team of individuals having different opinions and viewpoints. Additionally, this position provides scientific/technical services to project partners, sponsors, and collaborators during project development and evaluation. The technical services expected of the incumbent will depend on experience, but the preferred candidate will have a basic understanding of watershed sciences, applied methods in hydrology and fluvial geomorphology, and experience with stream restoration design.

Benefits Offered include:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance - employee only coverage for PPO $65/month for medical and vision & $11.80/month for dental
• Participation in one of the Nation's best state retirement systems
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual that begins as soon as you start
• Eleven paid holidays in a year
• Eight weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Multiple saving plans-optional 401k and 457 plans 
• Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance - state provided basic life insurance coverage and affordable supplemental plans 
• Public Sector Student Loan Forgiveness (eligibility requirements may apply)
• Employee Assistance Program - confidential support, information, and resources for all of life's challenges
• State and Department Wellness Programs 
• Ongoing training opportunities 
• Potential flexible work schedule  

Roles and Responsibilities:

• In a teamwork environment, coordinate with private landowners, government agencies and non-government organizations to develop habitat restoration projects to benefit anadromous fish in the Upper Salmon River Basin
• Maintain and utilize data collection systems and computer-based reports for analysis and dissemination
• Develop conceptual restoration designs for stream habitat improvement projects
• Conduct pre-project site assessments/data collection to inform project goals and objectives.
• Assist with program budgeting, and contract development including assisting with development of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), solicitation of bids, and selection of vendors
• Act as liaison with other agencies, project sponsors, and private landowners
• Answer inquiries for information from local, state, and federal agencies and the public
• Review and evaluate departmental planning projects or grants for compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations including ESA, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Clean Water Act
• Prepare grant applications for submittal to state or federal agencies, and manage grant-related activities
• Participate in on-site project compliance reviews
• Participate as an active member of an interagency technical team and advisory committee in addition to taking notes
• Provide reports and project information to Advisory Committees, project sponsors, special interest groups, and the general public
• Assist with website maintenance
• Provide technical services such as installing and maintaining stream monitoring equipment, aerial surveys, hydrologic measurements, flow modeling, sediment assessments, water quality sampling, or other requests related to project development and monitoring

Minimum Qualifications: (These qualifications are required.)

• Some knowledge of measurement processes and methods for assessing progress toward achieving goals and objectives of projects or plans (Typically gained by successful completion of related college-level courses, OR successful completion of a course of at least 20 hours or more or more specific to plan measurement methods, OR through work experience which frequently required application of this knowledge)
• Experience that demonstrates knowledge of planning principles and practices for program and project planning (Typically gained by successful completion of specific college courses or seminars covering planning and principles and practices and at least six months of experience with planning duties as a predominant responsibility, OR by a least one year of experience applying project or program principles as a professional planner)
• Experience utilizing automated systems to develop spread sheets and graphics (Typically gained by successful completion of a course or seminar covering specified software applications and six months of applied experience, OR at least one year of experience that required frequent used of software packages to produce spreadsheets and graphics)
• Experience writing technical reports (Typically gained by successful completion of coursework in technical writing with some applied experience, OR at least six months of specific experience writing technical reports)
• Experience preparing and making presentations to groups (Typically gained by researching, compiling, and organizing information, and making oral presentations to groups in a business setting.)

Preferred Qualifications: (In-addition to the Minimum Qualifications. These qualifications are not required, however if you have relevant education or experience in the areas listed below, please be sure to include it within your application material that you submit. Candidates with this education or experience may be given additional consideration during the interview process.)

• Education:
  o Successful completion or a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, ecology, fisheries, hydrology, geology or a natural resources discipline, or five years of equivalent work experience

• Experience: (A combination of previous work history that will assist in the roles and responsibilities, such as those listed below):
  o Experience/knowledge in planning habitat improvement projects focused on aquatic habitat restoration and fish passage.
  oExperience in stream channel/riparian and aquatic habitat inventory and assessment.
  oExperience in environmental compliance to include federal/state rules, ESA, ACOE 404 permitting etc. and utilizing best management practices in project planning
  oExperience presenting to a diverse audience of stakeholders with differing views and levels of experience
  oDemonstrated experience in participating and collaborating with local soil and water conservation districts, municipal and county governments, federal/state agencies and private landowners

Additional Comments:

• If you have specific questions regarding this position, please contact Daniel Bertram via email at daniel.bertram@osc.idaho.gov

Thank you for applying with us!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

The Idaho Governor’s Office
of Species Conservation
304 N. 8^th Street, Suite 149
Boise, Idaho 83702

WEBSITE:
https://species.idaho.gov 

If you have questions,
please contact
Human Resources at:

EMAIL:
rachel.byington@idfg.idaho.gov

PHONE:
(208) 334-3773

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

Salary : $65