Environmental Conservation Director I

The Water Investment Division (WID) seeks a Deputy Director to assist in leading the WID in implementing its mission: to steward and sustain public investment in water resources and infrastructure by securing and targeting financial and technical assistance while ensuring transparency and accountability to the public and stakeholders.

Comprised of six programs, the WID manages Vermont's State Revolving Loan Funds for clean water and drinking water infrastructure. The WID also manages the administration of the Vermont Clean Water Fund and of Capital Fund appropriations that support water infrastructure throughout Vermont. The WID coordinates annual reporting for these funds, publishing annual State Revolving Fund, Clean Water Performance, and Tactical Basin Planning Reports, and related reporting to federal agencies. The WID provides project engineering and implementation services to the Agency for a variety of projects, including construction and maintenance of state park facilities, fish culture stations, access areas, and dams. The WID's Dam Safety Program regulates non-power, non-federal dams, operates DEC-owned dams, and protects public safety relative to dams.

WID programs integrate with other federal and state agencies that also participate in water infrastructure funding. These include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development and Natural Resources Conservation Service, Lake Champlain Basin Program, the State Agencies of Administration, Agriculture, Commerce and Community Development, and Transportation, and the State Fish and Wildlife Department and Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.

The Deputy Director will work closely with the Director to unify WID around its vision and mission by enhancing the WID Management Team and division-wide team culture, building strategy and policy alignment and capacity across WID core functions, and facilitating strong inter-program/division relationships and workflow. WID's core cross-programmatic functions include leveraging funding/financing; developing and overseeing budgets, awards, spending plans, and funding program policy and design; providing technical assistance and oversight through engineering and project management; and conducting data management, accountability, reporting, and communications. In addition, the position will assist the Director in supervising the WID Management Team, serving on the Department Management Team, and conducting and improving core administrative and operational functions of the WID.

The Deputy Director must promote WID's shared values of collaboration, adaptability, accountability, equity, communication, and respect.

Reports to the WID Director. Telework may be considered. Cover letter required.

• Proven leadership skills with experience fostering strong team dynamics and clear communications.
• Extensive supervision experience and commitment to employee growth and development.
• Expertise in water infrastructure financing and funding, including budgeting, fund management, and program design for multimillion-dollar initiatives.
• Skilled in policy development and evaluation, including legislative policy engagement and communication.
• Skilled public communicator capable of representing WID in legislative, public, and media forums.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain constructive stakeholder relationships.
• Strong knowledge and application of strategic planning and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Project management and conflict resolution skills, especially in collaborative, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong organizational and time management capabilities; adept at managing diverse projects and priorities.
• Technical knowledge of surface water and/or drinking water management strategies and policies.
• Proficient in standard office software and data management tools.

This position, Environmental Conservation Director I (Job Requisition #53073), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Emily.Bird@vermont.gov.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting. Some out of state public speaking and attendance at meetings and hearings is necessary. An incumbent must be able to deal effectively with stressful public meetings where strongly divergent opinions are expressed. Private means of transportation must be available for required travel.

Master's degree or higher in a physical or natural science, in public or business administration, in engineering, or in law AND two (2) years or more of experience at or above a supervisory level in a field directly related to environmental conservation or natural resources management.

OR

Bachelor's degree in a physical or natural science, in engineering, or in a field closely related to natural resource management AND four (4) years or more of experience at a professional level in a field directly related to environmental conservation or natural resources management INCLUDING two (2) years or more at or above a supervisory level in natural resources management.

OR

Associate's degree in a physical or natural science, in engineering, or in a field closely related to natural resource management AND six (6) years or more of experience at a professional level in a field directly related to environmental conservation or natural resources management INCLUDING two (2) years or more at or above a supervisory level in natural resources management.

OR

Eight (8) years or more of experience at a professional level in a field directly related to environmental conservation or natural resources management INCLUDING two (2) years or more at or above a supervisory level in natural resources management.

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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