Land Resources Program Manager

Job Code: 11-9121

Salary: $67,225.60- $108,368.00

Status:  Full-time, Permanent, Exempt

Department: Environment Division 

Location: Community Services Building

Reports To: Assistant Director  

Telecommute: Limited

Fleet: No

Mandated Reporter: No

Background: PL 101-630

Summary: 

The Land Resources Program Manager oversees the SRMT Environment Division’s Land Resources Program, which includes the planning, directing, coordination, and implementation of land-based restoration efforts within Akwesasne and cultural-use areas. The Land Resources Program exists to promote the sustainable protection and enhancement of land resources, while working to maintain the reciprocal relationship that exists between the land and the Akwesasne community with a focus on forestry, invasive terrestrial species, integrated pest management, and operation of a Native Plant Nursery. The manager supervises staff, resolves technical and administrative issues, develops program goals and procedures, administers regulatory authority, and supports the priorities of the Environment Division. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: 

The Program Manager will lead a technical team in natural resource management and project implementation to restore, protect, or enhance Tribal resources. The Program Manager will serve as the point of contact for forestry, native plants, invasive terrestrial species, pesticides, or other inquiries related to land-based resources or restoration efforts. 

Program Leadership and Administration 

• Plan, organize, and direct the operations of the Land Resources Program, including permitting, oversight of program staff, and meeting funding agency requirements.
• Develop and implement strategic goals, policies, and procedures to ensure effective program performance, environmental protection, and community safety.
• Prepare reports, policy recommendations, and presentations for senior management, regulatory agencies, partner agencies, and the public.
• Project management, which includes planning, seeking and obtaining grant funding, managing grants, preparing workplans, task prioritization, delegation, and leading program staff in meeting deadlines with quality deliverables. 

Scientific Studies and Data Management 

• Direct and review field plans to ensure alignment with program and project goals.
• Oversee data collection, quality assurance, and interpretation of environmental data.
• Collaborate with other agencies, Tribal nations, research institutions, or universities on scientific projects related to shared technologies, environmental goals, or concerns.  

Regulatory Oversight 

• Administer regulatory oversight related to pesticide application permitting under the Tribal Pesticide Code, including applicant training verification, permitting, inspections, and compliance.
• Review and update regulatory framework and guidance documents in response to new laws, regulations, or emerging environmental issues.
• Serve as the primary liaison with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Tribal Pesticides Program Council, and other regulatory partners. 

Grant and Budget Management 

• Identify programmatic needs, seek and secure funding, manage grants or cooperative agreements to support program initiatives, growth, and development.
• Develop project-specific and annual program budgets, track expenditures, ensure fiscal accountability and compliance with funding requirements.
• Prepare funding proposals, performance metrics, technical reports, and progress/ final reports for grantors and stakeholders. 

Communication, Public Outreach and Interagency Coordination 

• Represent the Environment Division at public meetings, hearings, professional conferences, and community events.
• Communicate technical, regulatory, or other programmatic information clearly to Tribal leadership, project partners, funding agencies, the community, and the public.
• Ensure effective communication in person, in writing, or via public speaking engagements.
• Building partnerships with reginal, state, and federal organizations to advance programmatic objectives.
• Exhibit strong professional and interpersonal communication, and engage in conflict resolution or de-escalation as needed.  

Special tasks: 

Additional duties may be assigned for special projects or representing the Environment Division to address emerging environmental threats, new programmatic opportunities, or other tasks as assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

This position is responsible for supervising and mentoring assigned staff. Key duties include:  

• Hire, supervise, and evaluate performance of staff through the completion of workplans, assigned projects, and performance reviews.
• Assign work, monitor progress, and provide ongoing coaching, training, and constructive feedback to support individual and team success.
• Guide and train staff in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of environmental and technical data.
• Direct and oversee investigations as required to meet program or project objectives.
• Foster a collaborative team environment that emphasizes productivity, clear communication, accountability, and continuous capacity development.
• Oversee recruitment efforts to attract and retain qualified candidates to fill vacancies.
• Identify and provide opportunities for professional development and training to support staff growth and program effectiveness.  

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the sensitive nature of information obtained, must maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

Key Performance Indicators: 

Expected outcomes and overall impact to organizational mission for this position include these key areas: 

• Creativity and Innovation – the development and implementation of new systems and processes and staying up to date with current trends that affect timely program delivery, promotes measurable outcomes in environmental quality, grant revenues, effective project life-cycling 

• Team success and collaboration – the cohesiveness and productivity of their team members that impact staff retention, employee satisfaction and morale, service quality and program success 

• Risk Assessment and Management – ensuring strategies minimize and mitigate threats to mission critical operational elements 

• Process and Operations – ensuring that day-to-day processes are monitored and follow standardized steps, e.g. – standard procedures 

• Information Technology capabilities – ensuring that Information Technology is being effectively utilized within the program to improve program performance and to make better decisions 

• Quality – commitment to excellence and total quality management in the delivery of program services including cost controls, on-time performance and other established standards 

• Projects and Programs – employment of strategic approach to project and program management 

• Safety Considerations - ensuring a commitment to safety, employing safety training and strategies in alignment with Tribal standards 

Education and/or Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university; 

Or

• Five (5) years or more of professional experience in land-based restoration, environmental regulations, or a related scientific field. [Completed, relevant coursework may be credited towards the required experience. Applicant must provide transcripts for coursework to be considered as experience.] 

Preferred: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a preferred field of study: Environmental Studies, Life Sciences, Engineering or a related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in a supervisory role.

Reasoning Ability: Effective verbal and written communication skills with project team members and community. Must have excellent computer skills with word processing, spreadsheet, database, flowchart and presentation software and conducting internet research. Strong analytical skills and good attention to detail with the ability to recognize discrepancies. Financial skills to review expenditures, monitor project balances, and develop detailed budgets. Scientific writing, technical writing, editing, and proofreading skills to develop project reports, correspondence, presentations, and coordinate projects concisely and clearly.

The successful candidate must pass a drug test and background check prior to employment.