The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) is seeking dynamic candidates for Program Director of the Peconic Estuary Program (PEP) with a personality characterized by integrity, creativity, and flexibility. The Peconic Estuary Program is one of 28 national estuary programs established pursuant to Section 320 of the federal Clean Water Act.
The Program Director will administer a federal program designed to protect and preserve Peconic Estuary and its watershed through partnerships that conserve and restore natural resources, promote the use of sound science to support Peconic Estuary management, enhance water quality, and promote community involvement and stewardship. The Program Director will serve as a principal spokesperson and advocate for the estuary and work in concert with other stakeholders and promote effective cooperation with all constituencies on the development of both policies and programs focused on protection and restoration of the estuary.
The Program Director will be the lead for developing and implementing initiatives and partnerships that support the implementation and renewal of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). Key issues to be addressed include water quality impairment, habitat protection and restoration, local capacity building, and coastal resilience.
The Program Director will promote a holistic approach to the protection of the Peconic Estuary watershed, recognizing its environmental, economic, and social/cultural significance and bringing together various constituencies to work together effectively towards a shared vision and mission; will communicate regularly with all PEP stakeholders about activities and issues to ensure consensus and that all views are fairly represented in work products; will coordinate activities that enhance collaboration and coordination among Federal, state, county, and local agencies as well as the public sector to develop policies and programs that meet regional and program objectives; and will ensure the PEP program structure and activities reflect the nature of the watershed.
The successful candidate is expected to have a master’s degree in public administration, environmental science, engineering, or in a field related to natural resources. Candidates with knowledge of and experience in the following areas are preferred: aquatic, estuarine, or marine science or policy, or coastal zone management; non-point source pollution, estuarine monitoring, habitat assessment, and other factors affecting water quality in estuaries; planning principles and implementation techniques related to water quality protection; the principles and practices of public administration and relations; biological, chemical, and physical water quality indicators; habitat restoration activities; land use and water quality relationships; and natural resources management. The right candidate will welcome collaboration; will have demonstrated sound judgment and resourcefulness; will be action oriented; have proven experience in managing and building a team and in bringing work of the team to completion on time and within budget.
Apply by February 14, 2018.
Photo courtesy of NEIWPCC.