Salary
$62,483.57 - $93,725.36 Annually
Job Type
Limited Duration: Regular Sched (FT with benefits)
Closing Date
5/19/2025 11:59 PM Central
Description
Hennepin County's Environment and Energy department is seeking a Conservation Project Manager to support the county’s climate action goals and our Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council-funded conservation easement program. This position will be responsible for project management of habitat improvement projects and workflows associated with establishment of new conservation easement projects. The candidate selected will work to protect, restore, and diversify wildlife habitats and natural ecosystems through the planning and design of restoration and enhancement projects, providing technical assistance to landowners and partners, coordination with land protection partners and landowners, grant and regulatory compliance, and tracking of program results. The candidate will also balance landowner and partner relationships, fieldwork, coordination with internal and external partners, and project management.
Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program.
Location and hours:
This position is hybrid and will be performed both remote and occasionally on-site at the Hennepin County Government Center 300 South 6th Street, MC 679, Minneapolis, MN 55487 as well as other various work site locations in Hennepin County. Significant on-site work will occur on partner and private lands across the county and at the Hennepin County Public Works Facility, 1600 Prairie Drive, Medina, MN 55340. There is no public transportation to this facility. Work hours will be 6 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends for community events and meetings. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin. New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.
About this position type:
This is a limited duration (temporary) full-time, benefit earning position expected to last up to two years.
This position is internally classified as an Environmentalist.
Click here to view the job classification specification.
In this position, you will:
Project management of conservation projects:
• Manage individual land protection projects, including initial landowner contacts; leading landowner assistance, navigation, and negotiation; coordinating with partners; reviewing conservation easement appraisals, terms sheets, and habitat management plans.
• Manage individual habitat improvement projects, including coordinating with consultants, partners, and landowners; developing and reviewing ecological restoration or planting plans; developing scopes of work, bid materials, and project specifications for contractors; tracking budgets and schedules; and overseeing work of contractors.
• Assist with prioritization and selection of potential land protection and habitat improvement projects.
Technical implementation and fieldwork:
• Interpret orthophotography, analyze natural resource data layers in ArcGIS applications, and use professional skills (e.g., ecological, biological) to evaluate existing and potential vegetative cover/habitat.
• Conduct field visits to delineate native plant communities, identify habitat improvement opportunities, and determine enhancement or restoration methods.
• Assist in the regular monitoring and management of Hennepin County’s existing portfolio of permanently protected lands.
• Provide technical assistance to other county departments, partners, and residents.
Outreach and relationship management:
• Lead outreach and marketing efforts to identify residents interested in permanent land conservation.
• Respond to inquiries and leads related to potential conservation easement and habitat improvement projects.
• Establish professional relationships with residents and provide excellent customer service.
Need to have:
One of the following:
• Bachelor's degree in physical or natural sciences, environmental health, industrial hygiene, public health, engineering, public or business administration, or a field closely related to the assignment and 6 months of experience in work related to the assignment.
• Related education and experience to total four years and six months.
• A valid driver's license, and the ability to obtain a Hennepin County drivers permit.
Nice to have:
• Experience:
o As a professional in the environmental field working with land protection, land restoration, natural resources management, or soil and water conservation.
o Writing habitat management plans, and implementing, contracting, and managing habitat improvement of native vegetation communities.
o Implementing habitat improvement strategies for natural communities including design, contracting, and project management.
o With MN native plant community identification and assessment.
o Using GPS, survey equipment, tablets, ArcPro or similar software and devices for data collection.
o With database applications like Excel, SharePoint, Access, or similar for data tracking, analysis, and creation.
o Managing contractors and partners from various organizations and agencies.
o Working with the private landowners and/or conservation partners on land protection.
o Developing and executing work plans with measurable outcomes that meet program objectives.
o With state grants (e.g., MN Outdoor Heritage Fund) and contract processes, documents, and requirements.
o Tailoring outreach approaches and content for specific audiences.
• Ability to:
o Work effectively with and gain input from various staff members and partners
o Provide excellent customer service and collaborative skills, building rapport with landowners and partners to promote land protection and habitat improvement projects.
o Operate effectively in a fast-paced, self-directed hybrid environment.
o Work with landowners and other conservation partners with diverse perspectives and temperaments.
o Read, understand, and summarize a variety of legal, technical, and planning documents, maps, and aerial photos.
o Lift up to 40 pounds.
o Walk long distances and at times work in adverse conditions.
o Communicate effectively with staff at all levels of the organization and the public, including verbal presentations and the preparation of clear and concise written documents.
Candidates with fluency in another language in addition to English are encouraged to apply. Bilingual candidates who pass a language assessment may qualify for additional bilingual pay and duties.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Talent Acquisition Division
Hennepin County Human Resources Department
612-348-7855