Water 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 Water Resources Program Manager administers the SRMT Environment Division’s Water Resources Program in its regulatory authorities for the protection, restoration, and management of aquatic resources. This position includes the planning and coordination of monitoring and assessment efforts; enactment of projects to mitigate or improve biological health; and implementation of the SRMT authorities delegated by Tribal Council Resolution. Essential work activities for this position include overall program development and administration including the supervision of staff, resolving technical issues, developing program goals and procedures, administering regulatory authority, and supporting 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 monitoring and restoration efforts related to tribal waters, wetlands, and aquatic species.

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION

• Plan, organize, and direct the operations of the Water Resources Program, including implementing regulatory authority, permitting, oversight of program staff, and meeting funding agency requirements.
• Develop and implement strategic goals, quality assurance plans, 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 Clean Water Act regulatory programs: Section 106, 104(b)(3), 303(c), 319, 401, and 518.
• Administer the Water Quality Standards program of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, and complete the triennial review as required.
• Conduct review of federal actions for Water Quality Certification under CWA Section 401.
• 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), 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 regional, 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 in any field

OR

• Five (5) years or more of relevant experience in river, wetland, or aquatic 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 from an accredited college or university in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Engineering, Hydrology, Chemistry, or a related field:

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience totaling six (6) years AND
• 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.