Environmental Conservation Project Coordinator

Position Summary

The Muskegon River Watershed Assembly (MRWA) is seeking an Environmental Conservation Project Coordinator focused on professional and organizational growth and impact. The Project Coordinator will lead integration, management, and effective execution of both contracted and inhouse environmental conservation, restoration, and related projects. Initially, this new position will assume primary responsibility for coordinating four large projects in partnership with contracted project management and be responsible for project management of smaller, inhouse projects as they are identified. Over time, this position will grow the organization’s capacity to manage increasingly larger projects inhouse while supporting the Project Coordinator’s professional growth and advancement.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have prior experience leading environmental restoration, conservation, or related projects and be seeking an opportunity for growth. The candidate will demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence, the ability to work effectively in project teams and with diverse stakeholders, and have sound professional judgement. The candidate will be skilled in developing and delivering aggressive yet realistic project timelines, have a successful track record of forecasting and managing project budgets, and be capable of linking project-specific deliverables to wider environmental outcomes. The candidate must demonstrate a love for rivers and watershed conservation, and have a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the work of contracted Project Management, currently four projects. (60%)
  • Facilitate and support Project Teams (MRWA, contracted Project Manager, funders, project partners, property owners, local and state government officials, other key stakeholders).
  • Manage dedicated grants, funding awards, funding contracts, and other sources of revenue to ensure committed resources are spent as intended or amended as needed.
  • Conduct all grant reporting with the support of the Project Manager and MRWA Executive Director and Comptroller.
  • Work with the Project Manager to meet project benchmarks and timelines, including required problem solving.
  • Ensure public stakeholders are informed about the project, supportive of its completion, and understand the project’s long-term value.
• Develop and manage inhouse environmental conservation projects. (25%)
  • Design projects, determining project deliverables and environmental outcomes.
  • Assist with fund development. Responsible for all grants management and reporting with support from the MRWA Comptroller.
  • Procure supplies, contractors, and volunteers as necessary.
  • Manage project implementation and evaluate results.
• Support strategic development of future projects that address critical issues identified through careful planning (watershed management plans) or local community initiatives. (10%)
  • Identify and quantify environmental and economic value.
  • Assist with project scope and pricing development
• Other responsibilities as assigned to support the growth and strategic direction of the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly. (5%)

Qualifications being sought

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, natural resources management, environmental science, or related course of study required. Masters degree preferred. Those with a robust combination of related academic and life experience and those working towards a Masters degree are encouraged to apply.
• Two years’ experience with native habitat conservation and restoration project management, grants management, and other experience with coordinating resources/tasks and managing toward outcomes.
• Competency in the biological sciences, natural resources management or a related field.
• Ability to summarize complex information and situations into concise and easily understandable statements.
• Outcome oriented with a developed understanding of how tasks support outcomes. Able to prioritize.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, executing sound judgement. Integrity.
• Confidence balanced with humility. Demonstrated success working as part of a team, ideally in a leadership role.
• Communicates well both in writing and spoken communications.
• Attention to detail. Competent with basic fund accounting and math.
• Competent with Microsoft products and other software and technology.
• GIS and data management experience.
• Oriented towards the positive. Supportive and affirming. Fun to be around.
• Passion for river restoration and conservation.

Hours & Compensation

This is a full-time position with a company that respects work/life balance. Compensation is hourly and the employee will be expected to work 40 hours per week. Overtime is not permitted. Compensation is competitive and will be discussed candidly with applicants being considered. Other benefits include:

• Health insurance w/ copay
• Retirement (SIMPLE IRA with 3% match)
• Paid time off (starting at 10 days/year)
• Sick leave (6 days/year)
• Paid holidays (12)
• Flexible scheduling with remote work options

Additional Information

The Muskegon River Watershed Assembly is a 25-year-old organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and sustaining the Muskegon River, the land it drains, and the life it supports. The health and vitality of local communities along the river are important to us—when they thrive, the river thrives. We are a science and outcome-driven organization seeking to hone our focus on the activities that create the highest ecological lift for the watershed. We are strengths-based and focused on working where we can be most effective. Current core competencies support small to moderately-sized ecological restoration and conservation projects as well as community-based initiatives. We have a strong interest in linking research to action to outcomes, and clearly defining the ecological and economic benefits of our work. Data reveals that agricultural lands comprise 50% of the Muskegon River watershed, thus MRWA is interested in growing partnerships with those who work with ag producers to lead and advance protections for the watershed. Many conservation organizations provide environmental education and we seek to partner with those groups rather than deliver such services ourselves.

MRWA maintains an office on the campus of Ferris State University (Big Rapids); however, our staff predominantly works remotely and utilize shared workspace in Newaygo. MRWA staff currently consists of a full-time Executive Director and part-time Comptroller. In 2025, MRWA will be adding two full-time project staff. We contract with three Project Managers/Consultants that work closely with staff. MRWA promotes an affirming, supportive work environment where outputs are maximized by efficient teaming.

MRWA is committed to diversity in Board composition, staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries, including full participation in programs, policy formulation, and decision-making. MRWA promotes an environment that respects diverse traditions, heritages, and experiences. We recognize the rights of all individuals to mutual respect, and welcome others without bias based on differences of any kind. MRWA is committed to individual and organizational efforts to build respect, dignity, fairness, caring, and equity.