Senior Planner - 1013 (Augusta)

Augusta , Maine , United States | Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry | Full-time | Partially remote

Apply by: May 21, 2024

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SENIOR PLANNER

Opening Date:May 07, 2024Closing Date:May 21, 2024

Location:AugustaPosition #:00500-1013

Position Type:Permanent Full TimeClass Code:0603

Grade/Salary: Grade 25 - $52,832.00 - $71,240.00/Annually

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has a current full-time vacancy for a Senior Planner in Augusta, Maine.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION:The position provides research services and professional advice and expertise in developing and implementing the Department’s policies and recommendations in response to agricultural sites contaminated by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to ensure the safety of the food products produced at these sites and to help impacted farms remain viable. The position also assists the Director of the Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources (BAFRR) on special projects as needed. The position will provide indirect, functional supervision to BAFRR employees involved in PFAS-related activities. The position collaborates with BAFRR staff, DACF senior management, the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Environmental Protection, and other state and federal agencies, stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and advocacy organizations as applicable.

Remote work options are available for this position, provided adherence to the DACF Telework policy.

For questions specific to the position, please contact Meagan Hennessey atmeagan.hennessey@maine.gov

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:A Bachelor’s Degree in assigned area and four (4) years of related work experience. Equivalent related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Assigned area for this position:Environmental sciences, biology, animal, or plant science.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following skills or experience:

• Knowledge of PFAS substances in the environment and agronomic impact.

• Knowledge of statewide agricultural industries and associated plant and animal husbandry practices.

• Experience interacting with a variety of parties, including the general public, municipal offices, the agricultural community, media, and special interest groups.

• Experience in public speaking and providing information about programs, activities, and policies.

• Experience managing teams through indirect supervision and collaborating with multiple staff across varying disciplines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and critical thinking and analysis skills.

• Ability to identify program gaps and provide recommendations and adjustments where necessary.

• Ability to design, organize, oversee, and/or maintain data collection and management efforts.

• Ability to organize, oversee, coordinate, and track research projects.

• Experience with software to create, translate, and integrate GIS data.

HOW TO APPLY:Interested applicants will need to complete and submit an online State of Maine Direct HireApplication, along with a Cover Letter,and detailedResumeat: https://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/index.shtml#acf

Direct Hire Applicationforms can be obtained by accessing the NRSC website at: https://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/application.shtml

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO APPLY ONLINE:Please mail the application materials listed in the "How to Apply" section to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155.

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave.Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100%of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.

• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.41% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.

• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.

• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

• Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

• Learn aboutadditional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.