Natural Resource Project Manager

State of Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

5d•$67,314•Onsite

About The Position

Work for Indiana Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana. About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR): The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. Role Overview: The Natural Resource Damages (NRD) Project Coordinator oversees the strategic planning, design, and execution of large-scale habitat restoration initiatives across the Hoosier state, including the management of NRD settlement funds. This position is responsible for managing multi-million-dollar budgets, navigating complex state and federal environmental compliance laws, and leading interdisciplinary teams of biologist, ecologists, and contractors to recover critical fish and wildlife habitats. The NRD Project Coordinator is expected at minimum to: Manage NRD settlement funds and ensures all expenditures directly align with approved restoration plans. Serve as the primary liaison between trustees, responsible parties, agencies, and partners. Develop, implement, and monitor largescale environmental restoration project plans and land acquisitions. Manage project funding, tracks expenditures, and oversees contractor performance. Coordinate Natural Resource Damage Assessments by identifying resource injuries, analyzing ecological and economic impacts, and preparing the technical documentation needed to support trustee claims. Support the settlement process by developing restoration focused compensation proposals, coordinating with responsible parties, and ensuring agreements meet regulatory and statutory requirements. Seek grant funding opportunities for supporting restoration work statewide. Design and guide initiatives that support ecosystem resilience, biodiversity, and long‑term environmental wellbeing. Oversee data collection on wildlife, habitat conditions, water quality, contaminants, invasive species, and other ecological indicators. Salary: The salary for this position traditionally starts at $67,314.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package. A Day in the Life: The essential functions of this role are as follows: Oversee or design project scope for the development of design, bidding, and construction as well as coordination of permits and grants as required. Provide leadership and expertise for project planning and management through budget planning, federal grant preparation and reporting, and regulatory compliance. Perform technical reviews of engineering submittents, construction documents, and project scope development. Administer contracts with professional consultants and contractors, overseeing project progress and financials. Perform critical review of plans and specifications to minimize non-compliance of a project. Responsible for long-term project planning and related budgetary issues with preparation of Capital Project Requests and submission to the State Budget Agency and monitoring unspent project balances. Utilize applications such as AutoCAD or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Department databases to produce documents and to gather data and information related to site layouts and project development. Research grant opportunities, prepare grant applications, prepare and submit required grant reports, track expenditures, and coordinate with the Department's Grant and Finance Division. Reviews and updates Emergency Action Plans for the Department's high-hazard dams. Manage projects for the Institutional Road Program. This utilizes annual allotments given directly to DNR as well as coordination of DNR-wide projects that are prioritized and submitted to INDOT. Provide planning and logistical coordination as needed for DNR wide initiatives or events; most notably in support of the DNR's annual presence and outreach at the Natural Resources Building at the Indiana State Fair. Respond to requests from other divisions and agencies regarding compliance and technical objectives of the projects. Supervise staff to meet the programmatic needs of the Division and the Department. Attend meetings, training seminars and workshops to disseminate information, review procedures, maintain licensure, and learn new methods and techniques. The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time. This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of and ability to understand and interpret relevant federal and state laws and administrative rules and is expected to wisely apply appropriate and related procedures and policies to lead projects through sound engineering, financial, and environmental means.
Must work independently and meet with and disseminate overall project and technical information to federal, state and local agencies as well as coordinate with other Department personnel, co-workers, Executive Management, and have the ability to communicate with a diverse group of professionals.
Critical thinking and technical knowledge, ability to interpret construction plans, effectively apply methodology and standards, ability to communicate with diverse professionals.
Broad knowledge of Department standards and policies, ability to plan, develop, critique, and prioritize projects/programs.
Knowledge of bidding and construction process and ability to review shop drawings and contractor submittals for consistency with design and technical requirements.
Thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulatory programs and procedures.
Ability to provide designs that meet safety and code requirements in coordination with usage requirements of the institution and public within an acceptable budget.
Knowledge of the requirements of the NEPA review process.
Ability to communicate effectively and timely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with coworkers within and outside the Division; Federal, State, and local agencies; consultants; contractors, as well as the general public.
At least 5 years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities gained in architecture, engineering, environmental sciences, landscape architecture, natural resource management, planning, public affairs, or similar setting/field may be considered.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

A degree is not required.

Responsibilities

Manage NRD settlement funds and ensures all expenditures directly align with approved restoration plans.
Serve as the primary liaison between trustees, responsible parties, agencies, and partners.
Develop, implement, and monitor largescale environmental restoration project plans and land acquisitions.
Manage project funding, tracks expenditures, and oversees contractor performance.
Coordinate Natural Resource Damage Assessments by identifying resource injuries, analyzing ecological and economic impacts, and preparing the technical documentation needed to support trustee claims.
Support the settlement process by developing restoration focused compensation proposals, coordinating with responsible parties, and ensuring agreements meet regulatory and statutory requirements.
Seek grant funding opportunities for supporting restoration work statewide.
Design and guide initiatives that support ecosystem resilience, biodiversity, and long‑term environmental wellbeing.
Oversee data collection on wildlife, habitat conditions, water quality, contaminants, invasive species, and other ecological indicators.
Oversee or design project scope for the development of design, bidding, and construction as well as coordination of permits and grants as required.
Provide leadership and expertise for project planning and management through budget planning, federal grant preparation and reporting, and regulatory compliance.
Perform technical reviews of engineering submittents, construction documents, and project scope development.
Administer contracts with professional consultants and contractors, overseeing project progress and financials.
Perform critical review of plans and specifications to minimize non-compliance of a project.
Responsible for long-term project planning and related budgetary issues with preparation of Capital Project Requests and submission to the State Budget Agency and monitoring unspent project balances.
Utilize applications such as AutoCAD or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Department databases to produce documents and to gather data and information related to site layouts and project development.
Research grant opportunities, prepare grant applications, prepare and submit required grant reports, track expenditures, and coordinate with the Department's Grant and Finance Division.
Reviews and updates Emergency Action Plans for the Department's high-hazard dams.
Manage projects for the Institutional Road Program.
Provide planning and logistical coordination as needed for DNR wide initiatives or events; most notably in support of the DNR's annual presence and outreach at the Natural Resources Building at the Indiana State Fair.
Respond to requests from other divisions and agencies regarding compliance and technical objectives of the projects.
Supervise staff to meet the programmatic needs of the Division and the Department.
Attend meetings, training seminars and workshops to disseminate information, review procedures, maintain licensure, and learn new methods and techniques.

Benefits

Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
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