Planner-Project Manager

Get to Know Us – Our Why:

MCWD believes that water is a central organizing element in the development of sustainable cities.  We know that our lakes, streams, and wetlands have the power to underpin community identity, and grow social, environmental, and economic value. This is why we are dedicated to building a landscape of vibrant communities where nature and the built environment exist in balance and create value and enjoyment.  We are pursuing a vision of A Balanced Urban Ecology through public-private partnerships that protect and improve water, while creating a sense of place within the watershed.

How We Work Together – Our Culture:
MCWD is a leader in watershed management—it’s a place to explore your potential and to push boundaries. We know that our success is driven by talented people who want to grow, think, and create. Our culture thrives on ideas, imagination, initiative, and the power that diverse perspectives bring to our collective mission.  At MCWD, we enjoy the challenge of deep, meaningful work and appreciate the power we have as a team to achieve excellence in a constantly evolving environment. Our team of 23 will continue to expand this year. MCWD is deeply committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize that a diverse workforce enriches our team with varied perspectives and experiences, fueling creativity and innovation. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups, and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our shared success.

Who You Will Work With – The Team:

MCWD sees natural resources as an integral component of vibrant communities, serving to create a sense of place, providing vital connections, and enhancing social and economic value. The Project Planning program works with watershed communities to ensure that management of our natural resources is integrated with that of our partners in the public, private, and civic sectors.  With a focus on genuine community collaboration, the Project Planning team focuses on the implementation of high impact capital projects to protect and improve our water resources while attaining the economic growth and high-quality built environments that will work to the benefit of all. As a Planner-Project Manager, you will work with a group of highly driven, innovative, critical thinkers, with a passion for planning, systems thinking and the delivery of regionally significant natural resource projects.  In this role, you will report to the Director of Project Planning and work across all MCWD programs to deliver the vision of the organization.  

What You Will Be Doing – The Job:

• Utilizing your thorough knowledge of planning theory and principles to identify opportunities for partnership and natural resource improvements within our focal geographies.
• Assembling internal and external teams and managing all aspects of project development through early visioning and planning, feasibility, design, land acquisition and construction.
• Directing and managing internal staff teams through a matrix management system to ensure clear expectations and execution of project support across research and monitoring, permitting, and outreach programs.
• Preparing and presenting recommendations to the MCWD Board of Managers regarding planning initiatives, District policies and policy improvements, feasibility studies, project ordering, and all other aspects of capital project delivery.

What You Will Bring to MCWD:

• A passion for advancing MCWD’s Balanced Urban Ecology vision of watershed management
• A Bachelor’s degree with coursework in natural resources, environmental science, planning, management, or related field and 2-5 years of experience in planning or natural resource management (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Thorough knowledge of planning theory and principles including state rules and statutes governing land use and water resource management and protection
• General knowledge of urban land use planning, economic and community development, transportation infrastructure, and municipal processes
• Thorough skill processing and analyzing information related to natural resources, planning, project development – project scoping, scheduling, budgets – and development of contracts, work plans, policies, grants, and geographic data interpretation
• Strong understanding of engineering, construction, mapping, and easement methodology related to water resources 
• Strong ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms
• An ability to spot relevant patterns and issues, and forge new alternative ways forward
• The capacity to track, digest, and manage detail while maintaining a strategic perspective
• A drive to stretch, learn, and grow in a high performing environment
• Flexible thinking, adaptability, and a desire to actively manage change
• A propensity for interpersonal communications, and the ability to build consensus
• A drive to build lasting relationships across a diverse set of stakeholders

What We Can Offer You:

MCWD believes that taking care of its people is the right thing to do.  We strive to provide an environment that supports great work, balanced with a great life, by offering:

• The opportunity to influence the strategy of a mission-driven leader in watershed management
• A commitment to maintaining competitive total compensation as a means to recruit and retain top talent to support our mission
• Employer paid health and dental coverage
• A collaborative and supportive culture
• Flexible hybrid work environment
• Generous number of vacation and sick days each year
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Opportunities for growth and professional development, including tuition reimbursement, professional credentialing, and continuing education through conferences and seminars