Environmental Planner Position Description

Position Title:  Environmental Planner                            Incumbent:  Vacant

Location:  Boiling Springs, PA                                            Status:  Exempt (one-year termed)

Supervisor:  Karen Lutz, Regional Director                    Department:  Conservation

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Regional Director, the Environmental Planner primarily serves to lead the South Mountain Partnership, a Conservation Landscape Initiative (CLI) in Central Pennsylvania. The CLI program is one of several state sponsored large scale landscape protection initiatives that brings together public and private stakeholders in an organized effort to protect the landscape and resources surrounding South Mountain including four rapidly developing counties. Additional duties will be to support land use planning and community outreach initiatives along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail within Pennsylvania as well as manage a grant program to serve both the South Mountain and Kittatinny Ridge landscapes along the Trail. 

This is a one year term position with the intent of making it permanent dependent on ATC’s success in its efforts to secure additional funding. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Serve as lead and coordinator of efforts of the South Mountain Partnership including: facilitation of and logistical support for regular partner meetings, administer a grant program, maintain regular communication with partners, formulate and implement strategies for priority projects and programs identified by the Partnership, support and manage projects. Lead will also oversee development of new partnerships. 
  • Identify long term funding strategies to support the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the South Mountain Partnership’s programs. Collaborate with staff and other organizations on grant writing. 
  • Create maps and other visual graphics for research and analysis, public meetings, partner meetings, and various other forums using GIS software and other tools. 
  • Establish and maintain regular communication with state, regional, county and local planning authorities in those jurisdictions through which the A.T. passes. 
  • Foster and facilitate the cooperative partnership among ATC, Trail-maintaining clubs, conservation organizations, business partners, academic institutions, and local and county government partners in the region. Promote the Partnership and protection efforts through various media sources and build a network of mass communication. 
  • Lead oversight of ATC mini-grant programs available to municipalities and non-profits along the Appalachian Trail landscape. These grants target projects and partners that support ATC’s mission. As grant administrator, position requires great organizational skills and strong adherence to ATC accounting practices. 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in land use planning and administration, landscape architecture, resource management, conservation, community planning, economic development, sustainable tourism, or related fields; graduate degree preferred. 
  • 2-4 years related experience. 
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with excellent public speaking and community organizational skills. 
  • Demonstrable fluency with GIS and related computer skills (eg Microsoft Office) 
  • Understanding of Pennsylvania local government and land use regulations 
  • Familiarity with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and its cooperative management system is desirable. 
  • Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with diverse groups including local, state, and federal agencies, NGO’s and private citizens. 
  • Ability to organize, track, and follow through to successful completion and report the details of several projects at once. 
  • Ability to work effectively on a variety of tasks, programs and projects, without direct supervision. 
  • Ability to inspire cooperation and new partnership and increase communication among individuals, private groups, local, state and federal agencies. 
  • Ability to supervise seasonal or part time staff. 
  • Self-starter who can take on and manage multiple tasks and frequently changing priorities with patience, perseverance, and minimal supervision. 
  • Experience in grant writing and/or management. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Extensive travel and weekend work may be required. 
  • Ability to communicate with individuals by phone, email and in person. 
  • At times, may require the ability to lift or move light to moderate weight. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Moderate noise level due to open office environment with a high level of activity on the phone, computers, and printers. 

The deadline to apply is September 10, 2012. To apply please email resume to lbresette@appalachiantrail.org