Senior Planner

State of Maine•Augusta-Richmond County, GA

7d•$54,413 - $76,315

About The Position

The position oversees development and implementation of the Maine Climate Corps (5MRSA c373 §7507). The position coordinates with state agencies engaged in climate adaptation and resilience efforts, conducts outreach to potential applicants for climate corps grants, administers grants, and convenes the Maine Climate Corps Network. The position will also work with a coalition of states to develop, maintain, and deliver online training specific to climate corps that will be required training for participants who start service. The position must coordinate with multiple state and federal agencies whose individual policies and goals need to be synthesized in a manner that permits multiple community agencies to engage citizens as participants in the climate corps. The position monitors developments in climate science and tactics for responding then communicates those to operating programs so they use the most effective methods. The position also works with the training officer to provide both grantee staff and corps participants with training that meets climate corps goals. The position will also represent the Commission on national climate corps coordinating committees as the Executive Director’s designee and advise the Executive Director on policies, practices, or legislative initiatives that will impact Maine’s climate corps success.

Requirements

Knowledge of climate change science and conservation science principles, including environmental and social science research methods.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, methodologies, and objectives of National Service, volunteer, community service, and nonprofit management.
Ability to analyze issues, undertake data management, reach logical conclusions, and make sound decisions.
Ability to conduct special studies/assignments, extract data from surveys and vendor reports, manipulate and analyze data for performance indicators and trends, and prepare correspondence and reports.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and work effectively in a team.
A Bachelor's Degree in assigned area and four (4) years of related work experience.
Equivalent related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
Assigned Areas: Ecology, Environmental Sciences

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of conservation and conservation science principles, including environmental and social science research methods.
Experience with qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis related to environmental, climate, or natural resource issues.
Ability to interpret complex conservation and sustainability data and apply findings to real-world ecological and community contexts.
Training in interdisciplinary research, science communication, and facilitation that supports collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

overseeing and supporting Maine Climate Corps programs by coordinating policy, planning, and program development to align with state and national climate goals
participating in national Climate Corps policy groups
collaborating with the Maine Climate Council
setting program goals
developing policies and procedures for grants and operations
securing and administering federal and state funding
guiding community-based program implementation
ensuring compliance with program standards
connecting grantees with technical assistance and training
fostering collaboration among Maine service corps
identifying opportunities for regional and national partnerships
reviewing grant proposals
assessing funding sources to expand program resources

Benefits

Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes at least 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.