The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Chesapeake and Coastal Service, Annapolis is currently accepting applications for a Natural Resources Planner IV.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is identified as the lead agency for the Whole Watershed Act, which establishes a highly collaborative, science-based approach to watershed restoration across the state promoting innovative, science-based solutions to waterway restoration efforts. In direct response to the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee’s Comprehensive Evaluation of System Response (CESR) report, the supported projects will address multiple restoration and conservation benefits, including water quality, increased public access, wildlife habitat, fisheries improvement, environmental justice and climate resiliency. Selected projects will be overseen by a State Management Team, made up of agency experts, to help find efficiencies in project permitting and funding, and to measure project results.
The Whole Watershed Coordinator (WWC) will be the lead staff coordinating, directing and supporting the State Management Team in their charge to partner with federal agencies (Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, etc.) on watershed restoration efforts; issue a request for proposals (RFP) every five (5) years; award proposed watersheds for investment (includes 1 urban, 1 suburban, 2 agriculture, 1 border state); ensure that two (2) of the five (5) watersheds have measurable Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) impact; and develop financial and implementation plans for the selected watersheds. The WWC will be the lead staff in issuing grant awards, reviewing proposals, including finalizing scope of work and grant agreements; partnering with other state agencies on financial and technical resources; establishment and maintenance of a permit tracking dashboard; and coordinating the State Management meetings with project sponsors of each watershed 6 times a year. The WWC will review project reports and detail progress to the department along with coordinating the submission of a mandated state report to the General Assembly by November 1 annually. The WWC may act as the DNR State Management team chair if appointed.
