Project Specialist, Green Infrastructure and Urban Resilience

The University of the District of Columbia is seeking a full-time Project Specialist in Green Infrastructure and Urban Resilience. This role involves managing projects that enhance urban sustainability, developing strategic plans, securing research funding, and collaborating with various stakeholders. The position also includes teaching responsibilities and requires knowledge of green practices and stormwater regulations. The job is based in Washington, DC.
Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open To The Public

Position Status: Full-Time, Regular

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0058/8

Salary Range: $68,582 - $72,727

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Brief Description of Duties
The College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) seeks a highly motivated and innovative Project Specialist in Green Infrastructure and Urban Resilience. The position reports directly to the Director of the Center for Urban Resilience, Innovation, and Infrastructure (CURII). CAUSES understands urban resilience as a transformative approach for urban systems and a central paradigm to define sustainable urban policy and implementation to create a more resilient, livable urban environment in the District of Columbia. The position is pivotal in advancing this understanding through innovative green strategies, appropriate assessment frameworks, education, research, and community outreach programs and activities. Key areas of responsibility entail developing and managing projects focusing on green infrastructure and incorporating best management practices in UDC facilities and the District. These include creating, planning, developing, implementing, and monitoring projects and programs that lead to a quantifiable reduction in nonpoint sources of pollution, promoting sustainable design and innovation, becoming a recognized knowledge-based node in the global network of urban infrastructure experts, and assisting and leading with the integration of academic and community education programs within CAUSES. The incumbent understands green infrastructure practices and programs, their environmental and economic benefits, and the District’s stormwater management regulations, and familiar (or familiarize themselves) with the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the college, the university, and program sponsors. Work is oriented towards short-term and multi-year projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Design and implement innovative nature-based solutions to support the District’s urban resilience plan. Also, conduct innovative urban resilience projects across all UDC food hubs.
• Develop and manage a green infrastructure and urban resilience strategic plan to provide direction for the program.
• Solicit research funding from government agencies and industry stakeholders, develop and nurture partnerships, and manage budgets for funded projects.
• Establish and manage appropriate performance assessment and monitoring framework with clear-cut goals, outcomes, outputs, inputs, processes, indicators, data needs, and sources for effective monitoring, reporting, and updating the progress of CAUSES programs and projects in different sectors.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and external partners to integrate urban resilience into the college work programs and engage actively in scholarly activities.
• Teach one course per term in an applicable academic program of CAUSES or the equivalent in community education programs (extension services).
• Assist the Center Director in setting up research priorities and in preparing operational budgets.
• Coordinate maintenance plan, data collection for monitoring/evaluation, and upgrades of existing Green Infrastructure Projects at Urban Food Hubs to meet stormwater compliance, in partnership with University Facilities.
• Develop and deliver community education programs including, but not limited to, Green Infrastructure Workforce Development, Certificate and Community Education Programs on urban resilience and program assessments that are effective and outcomes-oriented and support the mission, reach, and effectiveness of CAUSES and foster regional, national, and international recognition.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including special assignments related to their areas of responsibility as well as the needs of the college.

Minimum Job Requirement
• The incumbent is required to hold a Master’s degree (doctoral degree preferred) in landscape architecture, agriculture, natural resources, watershed science, community resource or economic development, or a related field.
• Must be legally able to work in the United States.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with evidence of working well with peers, volunteers, and diverse clientele.
• Demonstrated ability to be a team player, work effectively and efficiently with diverse internal and external constituencies, perform all duties with a high degree of independence and initiative, communicate effectively, and work well under the pressure of deadlines.
• Personal transportation and valid driver’s license.
• Must be willing to travel throughout the District as needed. Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
• Outstanding project management skills.
• Evidence of excellent teaching and communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in writing research proposals and securing research funding.
• Proven ability to produce quality publications in the field of specialization.

Information to Applicant
• Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.
• Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave, and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia's retirement plan (TIAA).
• Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
• Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations.
• Veterans Preference: Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.
• Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g., H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• Residency Preference: A person applying for a position who is a bona fide District resident at the time of application for the position may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants.
• Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.
• Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.
• Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration.
• Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources only.

Contact Information: All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at (202) 274-5380.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: https://www.udc.edu/human-resources/equal-opportunity/.

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