Natural Resource Project Manager

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, youll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, youll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indianas citizens through professional leadership, management, and education.

Role Overview:

The Natural Resource Damages (NRD) Project Coordinator oversees the strategic planning, design, and execution of large-scale habitat restoration initiatives across the Hoosier state, including the management of NRD settlement funds. This position is responsible for managing multi-million-dollar budgets, navigating complex state and federal environmental compliance laws, and leading interdisciplinary teams of biologist, ecologists, and contractors to recover critical fish and wildlife habitats. The NRD Project Coordinator is expected at minimum to:

• Manage NRD settlement funds and ensures all expenditures directly align with approved restoration plans.
• Serve as the primary liaison between trustees, responsible parties, agencies, and partners.
• Develop, implement, and monitor largescale environmental restoration project plans and land acquisitions.
• Manage project funding, tracks expenditures, and oversees contractor performance.
• Coordinate Natural Resource Damage Assessments by identifying resource injuries, analyzing ecological and economic impacts, and preparing the technical documentation needed to support trustee claims.
• Support the settlement process by developing restoration focused compensation proposals, coordinating with responsible parties, and ensuring agreements meet regulatory and statutory requirements.
• Seek grant funding opportunities for supporting restoration work statewide.
• Design and guide initiatives that support ecosystem resilience, biodiversity, and long‑term environmental wellbeing.
• Oversee data collection on wildlife, habitat conditions, water quality, contaminants, invasive species, and other ecological indicators.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $67,314.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Oversee or design project scope for the development of design, bidding, and construction as well as coordination of permits and grants as required.
• Provide leadership and expertise for project planning and management through budget planning, federal grant preparation and reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Perform technical reviews of engineering submittals, construction documents, and project scope development.
• Administer contracts with professional consultants and contractors, overseeing project progress and financials.
• Perform critical review of plans and specifications to minimize non-compliance of a project.
• Responsible for long-term project planning and related budgetary issues with preparation of Capital Project Requests and submission to the State Budget Agency and monitoring unspent project balances.
• Utilize applications such as AutoCAD or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Department databases to produce documents and to gather data and information related to site layouts and project development.
• Research grant opportunities, prepare grant applications, prepare and submit required grant reports, track expenditures, and coordinate with the Departments Grant and Finance Division.
• Reviews and updates Emergency Action Plans for the Departments high-hazard dams.
• Manage projects for the Institutional Road Program. This utilizes annual allotments given directly to DNR as well as coordination of DNR-wide projects that are prioritized and submitted to INDOT.
• Provide planning and logistical coordination as needed for DNR wide initiatives or events; most notably in support of the DNRs annual presence and outreach at the Natural Resources Building at the Indiana State Fair.
• Respond to requests from other divisions and agencies regarding compliance and technical objectives of the projects.
• Supervise staff to meet the programmatic needs of the Division and the Department.
• Attend meetings, training seminars and workshops to disseminate information, review procedures, maintain licensure, and learn new methods and techniques.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What Youll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Extensive knowledge of and ability to understand and interpret relevant federal and state laws and administrative rules and is expected to wisely apply appropriate and related procedures and policies to lead projects through sound engineering, financial, and environmental means.
• Must work independently and meet with and disseminate overall project and technical information to federal, state and local agencies as well as coordinate with other Department personnel, co-workers, Executive Management, and have the ability to communicate with a diverse group of professionals.
• Projects are varied and unique, including among them aquatic centers, ADA compliance, campgrounds, dam and levee evaluation and improvements, exhibit installations, inn additions/ renovations, interpretive centers, master planning, mitigation, parking facilities, roads and trails, and shooting ranges. Most projects require complex solutions and coordination and require resolution of disputes or opposing viewpoints among stakeholders (public, State, Federal, and local government) to form consensus.
• Critical thinking and technical knowledge, ability to interpret construction plans, effectively apply methodology and standards, ability to communicate with diverse professionals.
• Broad knowledge of Department standards and policies, ability to plan, develop, critique, and prioritize projects/programs.
• Knowledge of bidding and construction process and ability to review shop drawings and contractor submittals for consistency with design and technical requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulatory programs and procedures.
• Ability to provide designs that meet safety and code requirements in coordination with usage requirements of the institution and public within an acceptable budget.
• Knowledge of the requirements of the NEPA review process.
• Ability to communicate effectively and timely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with coworkers within and outside the Division; Federal, State, and local agencies; consultants; contractors, as well as the general public.

A degree is not required. However, at least 5 years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities gained in architecture, engineering, environmental sciences, landscape architecture, natural resource management, planning, public affairs, or similar setting/field may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.