Project Manager Conservation Projects

Project Manager - Conservation Projects

Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation District

Opening posted: 07/09/2025 | Expires: 08/09/2025

About Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation District (HCSWCD)

HCSWCD provides local conservation leadership, encourages conservation efforts, and helps plan and implement voluntary programs. We conserve clean water and healthy soil by working with willing landowners to implement incentive-based voluntary conservation practices. District programs focus on reducing polluted runoff, habitat restoration, citizen science, and education.

Job Overview

The Project Manager is a part-time (but grant-dependent) contract position responsible for landowner education and coordinating and implementing watershed protection projects for HCSWCD, including but not limited to Watershed Protection Grants, Enviro-Grant, and Stream Crossing Grants.

This position requires communication with landowners, landowner associations, municipal governments, and contractors. The Project Manager will act as a community liaison promoting soil and water conservation and includes outreach and education as part of the position's responsibility. Travel to attend trainings and workshops is anticipated, but minimal overnight travel is expected.

The Project Manager works independently under the supervision of the HCSWCD Board of Supervisors, which is comprised of locally elected and appointed conservation volunteers. The HCSWCD Office Manager can provide administrative support whenever needed.

Qualifications

Project experience explaining and installing soil and water best management practices (BMPs), with knowledge of watershed protection project design.

Background in conservation practices related to farming, forestry, construction, engineering, or applied science fieldwork.

Experience with water quality monitoring and analytical field methods, including the ability to use equipment such as laser levels and GPS devices to measure distance, elevation, and grades.

Experience working with projects that have regulatory parameters.

Excellent relationship-building and communications abilities with partners from federal, state, and local agencies and the public regarding projects and issues.

Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on several projects at once.

Strong written and verbal communication abilities with diverse stakeholders. Grant writing experience is a plus.

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and Google Drive.

Experienced in facilitating meetings, reviewing documentation, and mediating conservation issues among partners with varying backgrounds and perspectives. A valid driver's license and your own vehicle is required to travel to work sites and field locations.

Bachelor of Science or equivalent.

Preferred Knowledge and Experience

Certification in soil erosion control and stabilization best management practices from ME-DEP

Experience using GIS software (e.g., ESRI, QGIS).

Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations relevant to soil and water conservation practices.

Construction oversight experience.

Knowledge of common agriculture and forestry production practices and conservation methods to protect soil and water resources.

Experience with designing, installing, or assessing road-stream crossings that prioritize environmental sustainability and facilitate aquatic organism passage.

Understanding of soil health principles, nutrient management, and pest management.

Knowledge of invasive species detection and control.

Physical Requirements

This position requires fieldwork that may involve physical exertion such as walking rough terrain, climbing steep banks, negotiating physical obstacles, using hand tools and lifting.

Must have the ability to work in and around wetlands/water elements and to work during inclement weather.

Responsibilities and Duties

Fieldwork

Conducts conservation fieldwork activities for the District necessary to develop site plans and recommend conservation practices that align with project objectives.

Provides technical recommendations to individuals, community groups, and/or volunteers to accomplish conservation objectives.

Assesses land for problems and recommends best management practices to prevent or correct problems.

Conducts/oversees water and soil testing.

Project Planning and Grant Acquisition, Delivery and Reporting

Implements project-based work plans to meet District goals including but not limited to watershed protection, replacement of stream-friendly road-stream crossing structures, and other District priorities.

Maintains required records and produces reports for documentation of fieldwork required for reporting to funders and agencies.

Prepares invoices, expense reports, and required progress reports.

Maintains accurate and up-to-date electronic documentation of project files, including but not limited to: tracking project time, task progress and completion, and recording volunteer project match.

Attends and reports at monthly Board of Supervisors meetings.

Proposed Compensation

$25-30/hr based on skills and experience.

Part-time flexible hours

Personal time off accrues after a 90-day probationary period.

Application Instructions

To apply for the Project Manager position, please submit the following materials to:

Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation District

474 Bucksport Road

Ellsworth, ME 04605

Email: ...

Cover Letter: A letter detailing your interest in the position and how your qualifications align with the job requirements.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae: An updated resume highlighting relevant experience, education, and skills.

References: Contact information for at least three professional references, including at least one current or former supervisor.

Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation District (HCSWCD) is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.