Environmental Program Administrator

The Environmental Program Administrator at the State of Delaware is responsible for protecting agricultural and forestry industries from pests and diseases. This role involves leading a team, managing programs related to plant health, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Key responsibilities include program planning, drafting regulations, managing budgets, and overseeing personnel matters. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and several years of experience in environmental program administration are required.
About the position

The Environmental Program Administrator plays a crucial role in safeguarding Delaware's agricultural, horticultural, beekeeping, and forest industries from various pests and diseases. This position is responsible for leading a team of up to 19 full and part-time staff members, ensuring the effective implementation of programs that include nursery licensing and inspection, management of noxious weeds, oversight of hemp production, and the inspection and certification of seeds, grains, and sod. The Administrator also manages initiatives related to the spotted lanternfly, apiary health, plant pest surveys, invasive plant species, and the enforcement of both federal and state plant pest quarantines. In addition to program management, the Administrator serves as the State Plant Regulatory Official, which involves developing budgets and managing various programs. This role requires collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including representation on the Eastern Plant Board and the Delaware Native Species Commission. The Administrator frequently engages with the USDA and other state departments of agriculture on regional and national levels to enhance plant protection efforts. The position demands a proactive approach to planning, coordinating, and overseeing program implementation, as well as providing technical direction and oversight to subordinates. The Administrator is also responsible for drafting laws, rules, and regulations pertinent to the assigned program areas, as well as preparing grant applications and budget proposals. Furthermore, the role includes managing personnel matters such as training, performance evaluations, and hiring recommendations, along with organizing meetings and workshops with other agencies and private sector partners.

Responsibilities
• Plans, coordinates and oversees program implementation.
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• Provides technical direction and oversight for subordinates.
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• Recommends and drafts laws, rules and regulations applicable to assigned program areas.
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• Drafts grant applications and budget proposals; may participate in other specialized fiscal activities.
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• Manages staff personnel matters such as training, performance evaluation, hiring interviews, and making hiring recommendations.
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• Plans, coordinates and conducts meetings and workshops with other agencies and the private sector.

Requirements
• Possession of a Bachelor's degree or higher in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Engineering, Environmental Science or related field.
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• Three years experience in environmental/natural resources program administration, including overseeing and directing the development, implementation, and evaluation of environmental/natural resource programs and services.
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• Three years experience in analyzing and evaluating data.
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• Three years experience in interpreting environmental laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
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• Six months experience in operations management, including planning, directing, coordinating, controlling and evaluating operations typically through subordinate supervisors.

Nice-to-haves

Benefits
• Comprehensive benefit package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.