The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership (Estuario) seeks a senior level expert/technical to bring support as a Technical Facilitator to lead an analysis of the conditions of the Juan Mendez Creek with the input from the Infrastructure Committee. The technical facilitator is expected to develop and present to the Infrastructure Committee recommendations for the restoration plan using the information gathered throughout the year.
The Corporation for the Conservation of the San Juan Bay Estuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that operates the San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership, or Estuario. Established in 1994, we are the only tropical and non-continental location within the National Estuary Program (NEP) under Section 320 of the Clean Water Act. The Estuario operates as a partnership to restore and conserve the waters and associated ecosystems of the San Juan Bay Estuary and its watershed as a sustainable axis of social and economic development. The partnership is a trusted regional science-based organization, supported by engaged stakeholders. Estuario’s work is guided by a master restoration plan known as the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) for the San Juan Bay Estuary.
In November 2021, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to invest in the nation’s infrastructure and resilience, with major focus on environmental justice and climate change. Estuario will use BIL funding to restore the Juan Méndez Creek, in the municipality of San Juan through high-impact blue/green infrastructure interventions, achieving medium term restoration of communities affected by this body of water, many of which are environmental justice communities. The Juan Méndez Creek is a site for critical cases of illicit discharges, affecting a susceptible population of approximately 35,600 people residing in the communities surrounding this body of water.
To achieve this, the Technical Facilitator will convene, coordinate, and lead the Infrastructure Committee and conservation efforts among all levels of stakeholders and will identify documentation that is necessary for the design and implementation of a restoration plan for the Juan Mendez Creek. They will gather, analyze, and synthesize the technical data needed to design a restoration plan. They will help to identify the resources and support needed. The person in this position must have technical expertise in green/gray infrastructure and can understand the complications of reverse channelization projects and be able to communicate the technical aspects. They will carry out all the necessary field evaluations and assessments. This contract will be supervised by the Senior Program Manager.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Assemble and convene the Infrastructure Committee.
Lead meetings of the Infrastructure Committee.
Responsible for development of a Memorandum of Understanding for the Infrastructure Committee members.
Oversee inter-stakeholder collaboration for the design and implementation of the restoration plan.
Oversee and support the analysis of the conditions of the Juan Mendez Creek with the Project Coordinator.
Analyze and gather data for the design and implementation of the restoration plan for the Juan Méndez Creek with the Green Infrastructure Coordinator and other team members.
Communicate and present the technical aspects of the plan to the Infrastructure Committee, while documenting and integrating their feedback and input.
Identify resources and support and coordination among all levels of stakeholders for what is needed in order to design and implement the restoration plan.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree required in Environmental Sciences, Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Agriculture, Botany, Agriculture, Landscape design, Architect, or related fields can likely provide the candidate with skills required for this position. Should have a clear understanding on expected climate change effects of freshwater ecosystems. Master’s degree preferred.
- Experience with field evaluations, geomorphology, freshwater ecology, hydrology, grey/green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and climate resilience strategies.
- Experience with environmental fieldwork including in inclement conditions and following safety protocols.
- Experience with detailed data management using Excel and Access.
- At least 3 years working experience is preferred. However, all levels will be considered.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Enjoys work outside and doesn’t mind working in inclement weather conditions.
- Must be willing to potentially traverse over rough terrain to remote field sites.
- Strong oral, written, and graphic communication skills.
- Willing to work with master and PhD students.
- Ability to collect, compile, analyze, and evaluate a complex set of inputs and present the findings and conclusions clearly and effectively.
- Ability to work in a collaborative, team-based environment.
- Ability to prioritize time efficiently, work independently, and manage competing priorities.
- Computer literacy in Microsoft Office, cloud-based data access and share software such as Google Drive, and other software such as Adobe, etc. required.
- Provide their own personal computer and transportation.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates must submit the following to [email protected] by November 20, 2023:
- Cover Letter: Written in English and directed to Brenda Torres, Executive Director. The cover letter should present at least two concrete examples of similar positions, achievement, and impact, highlighting experience with non-profit organizations, if available.
- Resume/CV: Written in English, including three references.
- Writing sample: Written in Spanish. The writing sample must have been completed and edited by the candidate completely independently and can be an academic essay/report, a formal meeting report, proposal, or other technical report.
The email must specify in the subject the title of the position, «Technical Facilitator-BIL»
Source of funding: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The Corporation for the Conservation of the SJBE provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. MBE/WBE and other certified minorities and small businesses are encouraged to apply.
