Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open To The Public 

Position Status: Full-Time, Regular

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0058/ 8

Salary Range:  $51,977- $69,905

Closing Date:  Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Brief Description of Duties

The Project Specialist in Urban Ecology, Center for Sustainable Development + Resilience, College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is an integral part of the visionary team of professionals who support the mission of CAUSES to

“…offer research based academic and community outreach programs that improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for people and organizations in the District of Columbia, the nation, and the world.”

The dynamic candidate will report to the Assistant Director of the Center for Sustainable Development + Resilience or his/her designee in CAUSES. Consistent with the land-grant mission of CAUSES, the Project Specialist has three primary responsibilities: community research, academic teaching and community outreach. This may include assessing community needs; developing and implementing an applied research agenda to address identified needs; designing, implementing and assessing programs to address identified needs; identifying and securing resources to build identified research and program goals; and collaborating with community partners, including District and Federal agencies, schools, non-profit and private sector organizations to achieve identified goals and objectives.

The Project Specialist teaches one academic course in related discipline per semester in UDC CAUSES. The incumbent should actively look for funding opportunities to develop a strong research portfolio related to this position and is encouraged to garner external funding and develop partnership beyond the University.

The incumbent must be a team player, work effectively and efficiently with diverse constituencies’ including populations from different cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds, maintain professional competencies and skills required for professional practice, and ensure alignment of research and programs with the strategic objectives of CAUSES and UDC. The Project Specialist is expected to be self-motivated, outcomes driven, work well under pressure of deadlines, and be familiar (or familiarize themselves) with the policies, procedures, and regulations of UDC CAUSES, and program sponsors. The incumbent is expected to have supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Interprets regional and local ecological data and regulations for proposed and active project sites and implements a research agenda accordingly
• Conducts ecosystem services studies and ecological impact assessments
• Participates in technical-review sessions with peer-mentors in environmental research
• Synthesizes ecological goals for clients and stakeholders across themes of conservation, urban resilience, and ecosystem health
• Develops and implements applied research and peer-reviewed publications to address existing and emerging needs in urban ecology
• Teaches one academic course per semester or its equivalent in land-grant certificates in the field for which the incumbent qualifies.
• Maintains and completes required reports, including plan of work, program outcomes and achievements, and other documentation needed to assess program and research effectiveness.
• Maintains productivity standards prioritizing tasks effectively and managing resources (time, materials, and staff) in an efficient and effective manner.
• Develops and maintains an awareness of community needs by involving organizations, professionals and community members in program- and research planning in the relevant land-grant center.
• Uses a variety of available delivery modes to implement and assess program and research objectives using evidence based results.
• Collects information and data on the impact of programs and research projects and reports and reviews outcomes and objectives with program sponsors, community partners, and other appropriate stakeholders.
• Maintains professional and leaderships competencies, and pursues opportunities for professional practice and leadership development.
• Demonstrates accountability for the proper use of protected data and other relevant information

Other Duties

• Works effectively and collaboratively with the Director, Assistant Director and program staff in his or her respective center and other staff members in CAUSES and its land-grant and academic programs.
• Serves as a resource and leader for educators, community groups, and agencies in the District of Columbia and beyond.
• Monitors and evaluates neighborhood and District-wide demographic trends for use in program and community development and research opportunities related to the prescribed United States Department of Agriculture (land-grant) goals.
• Assists in identifying funding sources and actively pursues grant opportunities to meet program development and research interests in the field of Sustainability, Innovation, Business, and Creativity.
• Participates in interagency meetings, task forces, and projects as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned including special assignments related to nutrition, health and wellness related needs of the college and community.

Minimum Job Requirements
 

• The incumbent will hold a master’s degree (PhD preferred) from an accredited college or university in ecology, biology, environmental science, urban forestry or a related field.
• A minimum of three years of experience working on urban ecology or related fields with a strong research portfolio.
• Have good knowledge of chemistry, biology, and environmental science, and have a strong understanding of scientific research and analysis methods.
• A proven commitment to continuous improvement and to proactive, outcomes-oriented work.

Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.  

Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business,  or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act.  In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act.  Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated.  Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference:  Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Residency Preference: A person applying for a position who is a bona fide District resident at the time of application for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.  The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia.  The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Talent Management only.

Contact Information:  All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Talent Management at (202) 274-5380.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: https://www.udc.edu/human-resources/equal-opportunity/ .