Mitigation Project Manager
About The Position
The Mitigation Project Manager manages all aspects of state-led wetland and stream mitigation banking projects. The position works with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC) wetlands program team under the supervision of the Technical Programs Director, supporting the creation and management of mitigation banks to meet Clean Water Act permitting requirements of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). The role serves as a liaison between OCC’s Wetlands Program and ODOT and coordinates across agencies to meet program goals. The position location is negotiable statewide, with preference for candidates able to work from the Oklahoma City or Stillwater office. Work travel may include all of Oklahoma, with most initial travel expected in central or south-central Oklahoma. Limited overnight stays are possible, and out-of-state travel may be required, particularly for training. The successful candidate must be a legal U.S. resident and possess or obtain a valid Oklahoma driver’s license. OCC will provide training and supervisory guidance as needed.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in agriculture, natural resource management, environmental science, or a related field.
- At least one year of experience managing complex environmental projects.
- Knowledge of Oklahoma wetlands, streams, and ecosystems, including ecosystem services, land-use impacts, regulatory requirements, and management strategies.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage budgets, coordinate with partners, and oversee contractors.
- Knowledge of Oklahoma’s conservation community, including relevant stakeholders, conservation partners, and agencies involved in wildlife and environmental management.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with team members.
- Proficiency with computers and contemporary software packages, including Microsoft Office and ArcGIS.
- Willingness to perform field work throughout the year under varying weather conditions.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
- Must be a legal resident of the United States.
- Must possess or obtain a valid Oklahoma driver’s license.
Nice To Haves
- Five years of relevant professional experience, or a master’s degree in agriculture, natural resources management, environmental science, or a related field and three years of relevant professional experience.
- Experience with conservation easements and/or land acquisition.
- Experience with mitigation banking.
- Experience providing construction oversight.
- Experience with contract management.
- Experience with environmental compliance.
Responsibilities
- Work under the direction of the Technical Programs Director and coordinate with the ODOT Clean Water Programs Manager.
- Identify suitable potential mitigation bank locations within ODOT priority watersheds.
- Work with private landowners to secure property through fee-title acquisition and/or third-party conservation easements.
- Coordinate with conservation partners to identify entities willing to hold title and/or easements on mitigation banks.
- Draft project prospectuses and mitigation banking instruments (MBIs).
- Coordinate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Interagency Review Team (IRT) to ensure MBIs meet regulatory and programmatic requirements.
- Work with contractors on design-build specifications to deliver ecologically functional mitigation projects.
- Oversee contractors and construction to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification.
- Develop and implement long-term maintenance plans.
- Monitor project success against documented performance standards and manage corrective actions as needed.
- Help identify and procure appropriate funding mechanisms for construction bonds and long-term maintenance.
- Manage project budgets to deliver fiscally responsible mitigation projects.
- Coordinate with federal, state, and tribal partners to ensure projects comply with relevant regulations.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Benefits
- 15 days of vacation annually.
- 15 days of sick leave annually.
- 11 paid holidays annually.
- Comprehensive benefit package with a benefit allowance to offset insurance premium costs for employees and eligible dependents.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
