Project Administrator USDA Forest Service

Position Purpose/Summary Responsible for planning, executing, and reporting of all grant funded activities under the USDA Forest Service IRA Grant. This position is responsible for the coordination of all steps necessary to obtain labor and the materials required to achieve project tasks in accordance with the provisions of the Grant. Work is performed in accordance with the accepted methods and procedures under the supervision of the City Forester. Supervision is exercised over assigned employees.

Essential Functions

• Manages USDA Forest Service IRA Urban Forestry Grant awarded to the City of Springfield with a total budget of $6 million.
• Submits periodic grant progress reports as required by USDA Forest Service guidelines.
• Responsible for all reimbursement requests as required by USDA Forest Service grant guidelines including semiannual progress reports and periodic entries into the UCF IRA Interim Accomplishment Reporting Tool.
• Supervises Project Coordinator.
• Manages grant budget and ensures verified payrolls, invoices, and other documentation is obtained from vendors by the City in a timely manner to ensure grant compliance.
• Manages work schedules for employees, volunteers, and outside contract labor.
• Coordinates and attends planning meetings with the USDA Forest Service, City of Springfield (COS), outside contractors, and other community stake holders.
• Implements a public relations program of grant related activities, prepares press releases and public information resources.
• Works with hired consultants to coordinate the development of Urban Forest Management Plant and Woodland Management Plan.
• Oversees outreach and permissions of tree planting efforts and oversees Neighborhood Nursery program.
• Drafts reports and prepares contract specifications, solicits bids, and monitors contract work.
• Administers payments to contractors.
• Oversees updates to Springfield’s tree inventory system to reflect grant activities.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, supervisors, municipal officials, contractors, consultants, and the general public.
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and writing.
• Ability to stay organized and maintain records of grant activities.
• Ability to anticipate, respond to, and manage change, ability to think strategically.
• Ability to coordinate and facilitate in-person and virtual project meetings with relevant partners and other stakeholders.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of one (1) year related experience; OR any equivalent combination of five (5) years.
• Masters’ degree and work experience and/or training in Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, or related field preferred
• Experience administering Federal grants preferred