Projects & Grants Specialist

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:
Performs various intermediate-level technical work in areas such as project or program coordination, planning, data management & analysis, project construction and inspection, infrastructure maintenance/inspection, GIS, or related work.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Projects and Grants Specialist may coordinate or support CRWD’s Stewardship Grant programs, including Clean Water Project, Planning, and Native Landscape grants. This may include program implementation, review and evaluation, project coordination, and assisting grantees. The Projects and Grants Specialist may also be responsible for coordinating or supporting the inspection of grant-funded infrastructure. Additionally, the Specialist may be responsible for coordinating small to medium-scale project design and construction, natural resource restoration projects, and water and natural resource assessments and studies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Coordinate or support District grant programs.
This includes the District’s Clean Water, Native Landscape, and Planning grant programs. Essential tasks include conducting periodic reviews of grant program policies, evaluating program success, and providing recommendations on improving programs. Work may also include grant program administration, promotion, conducting site visits, reviewing plans, coordinating with grantees, and managing the District’s project database.
2. Conduct and evaluate results of annual BMP inspections of grant-funded BMPs and provide technical assistance to grantees. Responsibilities may include coordinating annual inspections with grantees and volunteer inspectors, training volunteers, reporting results, providing maintenance recommendations to grantees, and conducting outreach.
3. Coordinate or support the planning, design, and construction of boulevard rain garden projects and other BMP projects.
Work with partners and property owners to identify and pursue boulevard rain garden opportunities. This may include municipal street reconstruction projects, ROW utility work, and ash tree removal. Responsibilities include property owner and municipal partner coordination and communication, BMP siting and design review, consultant and contractor procurement, coordination and contract administration, and BMP construction oversight.
4. Conduct water and natural resource studies.
Work with consultants, partners, and other staff to better understand existing conditions and identify opportunities to improve water and other natural resource health and resiliency through small to medium scale assessments and studies. This may include subwatershed studies, neighborhood/small area planning work, and BMP feasibility studies.
5. Data management and coordination.
Manage and update the District’s project database to support District programs and projects. This may include working with a consultant, conducting data queries/analyses, and supporting other District divisions with database setup and functionality improvements.
6. Assist with capital project development and implementation.
Provide support to Project Managers during the planning, design and construction of CRWD capital improvement projects.
7. Coordinate or support CRWD planning efforts.
Lead or support CRWD plan development or other planning efforts. Participate in planning and review of plans developed by partners or other agencies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES (KSA’s):

General

• Proficiency with a personal computer (PC) and Microsoft software packages for word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and computer-generated graphics. Specifically, but not limited to, Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint. The ability to effectively use email, internet applications, and other common software applications.
• Perform varied and challenging detail-oriented work.
• Ability to establish priorities, balance diverse work, and implement projects successfully.
• Proven ability to take direction from supervisor and colleagues, work successfully with some independence, and use good time management skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the District’s Administrator, Deputy Administrator, Planning, Projects and Grants Division Manager, and other staff.
• Ability to develop effective cooperative relationships with technical and policy staff, state and local government officials, private entities, and the community.
• Promote a diverse, inclusive, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
• Must have a valid Minnesota driver’s license and vehicle available for periodic business use on a mileage reimbursement basis. The vehicle must have insurance approved by CRWD.

Technical and Policy

• Knowledge of and working experience with green infrastructure and stormwater BMP planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of watershed management, surface and groundwater hydrology, natural resource management, soils, and MN native plants.
• Experience with BMP design software, watershed/water quality assessment models and/or outputs (e.g., HydroCAD, P-8, MIDS, SWMM), and GIS.
• Ability to analyze technical data and write technical reports and memos.
• Ability to review and interpret construction drawings, diagrams, and specifications.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal stormwater programs and regulations.

Project Management

• Excellent project management skills with ability to establish priorities, balance large volumes of diverse work and implement projects successfully.
• Attention to detail and demonstrated ability to develop project scopes of work and budgets.
• Experience developing and managing professional services, construction, and vendor contracts.
• Ability to effectively provide direction to consultants, contractors, and vendors to ensure contract requirements are met.
• Ability to effectively lead project teams consisting of staff, public partners, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent conflict management and interpersonal skills.

Communication

• Responds to a variety of requests in verbal and written form.
• Fosters two-way communication and listens to others’ views or suggestions.
• Has a strong ability to respond to information requests from internal and external audiences appropriately.
• Effectively listens, speaks, and interacts tactfully in a workgroup or with the public. Produces effective and easily understood technical reports, documents, and correspondence.

Core Competencies

• Knows and uses fundamental concepts of a particular field of specialization.
• Demonstrates the ability to learn standard procedures and follow written instructions to accomplish entry-level technical duties related to assigned responsibilities.
• Performs varied work that may be somewhat complex but involves limited responsibility.