Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP)
Nitrogen Smart Communities and STEAM Ambassador
The Long Island Regional Planning Council (“the LIRPC”) in cooperation and association with the New York State Department of Environment Conservation (“DEC”) has embarked upon the development of the LINAP in order to protect Long Island’s ground and surface waters from further contamination and degradation from the discharge of nitrogen-containing compounds and the associated environmental and economic impacts that result from such pollution.
In order to accomplish the goals of LINAP, the LIRPC and DEC wish to retain the part-time services of an LIRPC employee for the implementation of the actions developed in the LINAP Scope.
The employee will work with the LIRPC and the DEC to launch the Nitrogen Smart Communities (NSC) program. The NSC program is a new, voluntary program that is part of the LINAP initiative, and promotes local awareness and action. The program encourages municipalities in Nassau and Suffolk counties to take meaningful and effective actions to reduce, prevent or eliminate nitrogen pollution through a coordinated, community specific strategic plan of action. While Nassau and Suffolk counties have taken big steps in the reduction of nitrogen, the biggest change can occur when communities take on reducing their nitrogen at a local level. The employee will also assist in managing the Long Island Water Quality Challenge (LIWQC). Recognizing the need for greater interaction between our schools and professionals engaged in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM), the LIRPC in coordination with the DEC, developed a Long Island Water Quality Challenge related to LINAP. The goal of this initiative is to connect students, teachers, and their communities to the overall LINAP program while engaging in STEAM project-based learning. The LIWQC has been successfully run for three years and is being updated and enhanced.
LINAP Nitrogen Smart Communities Ambassador duties include:
- Educating and connecting municipalities with best management practices to reduce nitrogen from local sources, including the implementation of such practices
- Leveraging program resources by focusing on support of and technical assistance to partners and key stakeholders to support informed, science-based decision making
- Organizing and facilitating meetings or workshops to maximize information transfer
- Overseeing production of print and electronic outreach material
- Working with partners to identify information needs, and to acquire, interpret, and disseminate data to support NSC
- Working with partners to keep the public and policymakers informed about NSC
Long Island Water Quality Challenge Ambassador duties include:
- Working with interested schools to help students and teachers understand the connection to LINAP
- Giving presentations on the program to interested parties
- Assisting in efforts to expand the program to improve its reach
- Participating in various partner meetings to make connections and enhance knowledge of the connection between LINAP, NSC, LIWQC and partner initiatives
- Building, strengthening and maintaining effective partnerships or working relationships with key stakeholders involved on Long Island, including agencies and organizations at federal, state, and local levels as related to the NSC and LIWQC initiatives.
- Working with partners to identify information needs, and to acquire, interpret, and disseminate data to support the LIWQC.
- Working with partners to keep the public and policymakers informed about LIWQC
Candidate may:
- Support LINAP Project Management Team and technical subcommittees in the implementation of the program, as appropriate
- Participate in organizing intergovernmental meetings and conferences
- Communicate and share responsibilities effectively and appropriately with management and staff
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications for the Candidate shall include:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in science, engineering, public administration or other related fields
- Applicants must have at least 5 years of experience in a field related to sciences, engineering, public policy or education
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups
- Must communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Experience in project management
- Knowledge of the legislation and programs related to LINAP
- Knowledge of biological, chemical and physical water quality indicators
The following knowledge and skills would be considered a positive attribute to a prospective candidate:
- Experience working with a STEM or STEAM program
- Experience in teacher training
- Experience in lesson plan development
- Knowledge of land use and water quality relationships
- Able to see connections and think creatively about connections between various programs
Time / Environmental Factors: The position is expected to be a part-time position with an estimated time commitment of 25 hours/week. Duties are performed largely in an office setting, but with the need for travel to meetings throughout Long Island for which private means of transportation must be available. Experience with facilitating public participation meetings is considered an important asset for candidates.
Compensation for LINAP Program Manager: Salary will be commensurate with candidates’ education, experience and overall qualifications.
Kindly send resumes with letters of interest by December 17, 2021 to:
Elizabeth Cole
Deputy Executive Director
Long Island Regional Planning Council
1864 Muttontown Road
Syosset, NY 11791 516-571-7613 | [email protected]
