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Position Announcement
Morris K. Udall Foundation
U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution
The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution (U.S. Institute) is a program of the Morris K. Udall Foundation, a federal
agency dedicated to continuing the legacy of the late Congressman Udall in consensus-building, environmental policy and Native
American affairs. The U.S. Institute was created by Congress as an impartial, non-partisan service organization to assist in
resolving environmental, natural resources, and public lands conflicts involving the federal government. It is located in Tucson,
Arizona, and works nationally in a variety of program areas, drawing on its national roster of qualified environmental mediators
and facilitators. The U.S. Institute is funded by a combination of appropriations and revenues generated by its services. See
www.ecr.gov for more information on the Institute.
The U.S. Institute seeks one or more experienced and entrepreneurial individual(s) for a position on the program staff. The
successful applicant will join the staff in managing environmental conflict resolution (ECR) projects where contracted neutrals
are the primary service providers. S/he may also provide direct mediation and/or facilitation services. The U.S. Institute will
consider applicants for three types of positions: Program Associate, Program Manager and Senior Program Manager.
POSITION DESCRIPTIONS
The primary duty of all program staff is to develop and manage cases and projects from initiation through evaluation. Institute
staff perform a variety of ECR case services: convening, conflict assessment and process design, and managing the provision of
services (whether in-house or through a subcontractor). Program staff also conduct or support outreach and training activities,
and provide facilitation and mediation services.
The successful candidate(s) will join a current Tucson based team of four Senior Program Managers, two Program Managers, five
Program Associates/Coordinators and a total Institute staff of 24. Program staff report to the Institute’s Director of Operations,
who oversees administration, operations, and the performance of staff and programs. Program Staff also consult and work with the
Foundation’s Deputy Executive Director for ECR on cases and projects, sector development, and other program initiatives. Program
staff members belong to one or more issue area teams. Program staff contribute to institutional initiatives like strategic
planning, training, new technologies, evaluation, and national ECR policy issues.
The amount of travel required varies depending on the position, the caseload and, to a lesser extent, individual preferences.
Availability to travel is a requirement of all program staff.
Program Associate
Program Associates support Senior Program or Program Managers on teams. Each team focuses on one or more program or issue areas.
Program Associates work with Program Managers to maintain ongoing institutional relationships with stakeholders and federal
agencies, develop and implement strategies for outreach to potential users of ECR services, and identify situations where ECR is
likely to provide benefit. At times, Program Associates may assist the Program Manager with meeting facilitation and/or training
services. Program Associates have primary responsibility for case financial tracking, preparing contracts, reviewing contractor
invoices, coordinating meeting logistics, maintaining project files, documenting case outcomes and maintaining project websites.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
-
Support the team in initial case intake, management of data in the internal "Program Management Database," materials production,
representing the agency at conference exhibit booths, and other duties as assigned.
-
Support the Program Manager in case services such screening, consultation, convening of parties, selection of neutrals, conflict
assessment, training, facilitation and/or mediation, case management, and evaluation.
-
Help the team to maintain a case load that generates revenue to support contracted work and a portion of the U.S. Institute's
operating budget. Maintain productive working relationships with contractors and stakeholders involved in the teams cases and
projects.
-
Work collaboratively with other program staff and Foundation management to develop and implement U.S. Institute policies,
projects and programs.
Program Manager
Program Managers work with a staff team to develop one or more program or issue areas and maintain ongoing institutional
relationships with related stakeholders and federal agencies. Responsibilities include outreach to potential users of ECR services,
identification of situations where ECR is likely to provide benefit, managing a caseload, and generating income from projects.
Program Managers may also provide direct facilitation, mediation and/or training services as appropriate to the situation. Program
Managers have a Senior Program Manager as a mentor, working closely with him or her on case-related decision making.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
-
Provide environmental conflict resolution (ECR) services, including intake, screening, case consultation, convening of parties,
managing neutral selection processes, conflict assessment (often in partnership with independent neutrals), case management,
facilitation/mediation and evaluation. Use best practices and provide high quality service at all times.
-
Promote ECR generally and in selected issue areas. Develop productive relationships with stakeholders working in the issue area.
Develop and successfully manage a case load of ECR projects. With the help of the team, build and maintain a case load that
generates revenue to support contracted work and a portion of the Institute’s operating budget.
-
Work collaboratively with other program staff and Foundation management to develop and implement U.S. Institute policies,
projects, and programs.
Senior Program Manager
Senior Program Managers lead the staff team and have primary responsibility for developing programs or issue areas and maintaining
ongoing institutional relationships with stakeholders and federal agencies. Responsibilities include outreach to potential users of
ECR services, identification of situations where ECR is likely to provide benefit, and generation of project revenues. Senior
Program Managers also provide direct facilitation, mediation and/or training services as appropriate to the situation. Senior
Program Managers mentor Program Managers, Program Associates, and other team members.
Major Duties And Responsibilities
-
Provide environmental conflict resolution (ECR) services, including intake, screening, case consultation, convening of parties,
managing neutral selection processes, conflict assessment (often in partnership with independent neutrals), case management,
facilitation/mediation and evaluation. Assure the use of best practices and provision of high quality service by all team members.
-
Promote ECR generally and in selected issue areas. Develop productive relationships with stakeholders working in the issue area.
Develop and successfully manage a case load of ECR projects. With the help of the team, build and maintain a case load which
generates revenue to support contracted work and a portion of the U.S. Institute's operating budget.
-
Work collaboratively with other program staff and Foundation management to develop and implement U.S. Institute policies,
projects and programs. Mentor other staff.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS |
Program Associate |
Program Manager |
Senior Program Manager |
1. Experience in conflict resolution, conflict management, or public involvement processes. |
At least one year experience |
At least 4 years experience |
At least 8 years experience |
2. Educational background (graduate or law degree) and current knowledge in environmental, natural resources or land use
law, science, policy, or management
|
or an additional 2 years ECR experience |
or an additional 2 years ECR experience |
required |
3. Work experience in federal, state, regional, tribal, or local government, or in the private sector dealing with public
policy matters and public institutions.
|
preferred |
preferred |
required |
4. Experience as a project manager and team leader responsible for developing or managing programs or large projects. |
not required |
required |
required |
5. Demonstrated flexibility and ability to work independently, while also capable of working collaboratively with a team to
develop and carry out an overall program.
|
required |
required |
required |
6. Demonstrated competence in the numerous skills required of facilitators and mediators in multi-party, public sector
disputes.
|
preferred |
required |
required |
7. Demonstrated excellence in communication skills, including writing, conversing, and public speaking. |
required |
required |
required |
8. Experience working with federal agencies (as a neutral or in a collaborative problem-solving capacity). |
preferred |
preferred |
required |
9. Experience in fee-for-service, fund raising, or other revenue-generating positions. |
preferred |
preferred |
required |
10. ECR or dispute resolution training experience |
preferred |
preferred |
preferred |
POSITION LOCATION
All positions are located in the offices of the U. S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution in Tucson,
Arizona. Tucson is a growing metropolis of 1,000,000 people in the heart of the beautiful Sonoran desert. Arizona provides
magnificent opportunities for a wide variety of outdoor recreation activities.
SALARY RANGES:
- Program Associate $35,000 to $50,000
- Program Manager $50,000 to $75,000
- Senior Program Manager $75,000 to $100,000
Where the successful candidate's salary falls within the stated range for a position depends on experience and qualifications. The
successful candidate will become a federal employee, eligible for federal benefits such as retirement plan and health benefits.
This position is an excepted service position. Relocation expenses may be paid.
BENEFITS:
You may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, with costs shared with your employer. More info:
http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#FEHB.
Life insurance coverage is provided. More info:
http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#life
Long-Term Care Insurance is offered and carries into your retirement. More info:
http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#ltci
New employees are automatically covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). If you are transferring from another
agency and covered by CSRS, you may continue in this program. You will be covered by a Basic Benefit Plan, Social Security (FICA)
and a voluntary 401-k style Thrift Saving Plan (TSP). TSP allows you to make tax deferred contributions and receive matching
agency funds for part of it. For additional information on TSP, see http://www.tsp.gov/.
More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#retr
You will earn annual vacation leave. More info:
http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#retr
You will earn sick leave. More info:
http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#SKLV
You will be paid for federal holidays that fall within your regularly scheduled tour of duty. More info:
http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#HOLI
If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized.
APPLICANT INSTRUCTIONS
Please submit the following:
A resume that includes (at a minimum) complete contact information, a chronological employment summary (including your title, name
and location of employer and dates of employment), educational and other credentials, and country of citizenship.
A cover letter referencing the position(s) you are applying for and describing your interest in this position, your availability
and salary requirements.
A description of specifically how you meet each of the experience requirements.
Three references with addresses and phone numbers, to:
Lynne Gillette, Director of Operations
U. S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution
130 S. Scott Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85701
email: gillette@ecr.gov
fax: 520-901-8541
Applications will be accepted until September 21st, 2008
The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution of the Morris K. Udall Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
ALL QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF POLITICAL AFFILIATION, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX,
SEXUAL ORIENTATION, MARITAL STATUS, AGE, DISABILITY, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTORS.
ECR Leadership Exchange Program
The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution (U.S. Institute) offers selected federal employees the opportunity to gain
experience in addressing challenging environmental issues through environmental conflict resolution tools and processes that can lead to
improved environmental decision making at their home agency. The U.S. Institute is part of the Morris K. Udall Foundation, an independent
federal agency. The Environmental Conflict Resolution (ECR) Leadership Exchange Program offers individuals at the GS 13 to GS 15 level the
opportunity to join the U.S. Institute at its headquarters in Tucson, AZ. Participants will complete a detail assignment of three to six
months and spend up to one year in direct affiliation with the U.S. Institute focused on ECR issues, policies and their assessment.
The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution (U.S. Institute) offers selected federal employees the opportunity to gain
experience in addressing challenging environmental issues through environmental conflict resolution tools and processes that can lead
to improved environmental decision making at their home agency. The U.S. Institute is part of the Morris K. Udall Foundation, an
independent federal agency. The Environmental Conflict Resolution (ECR) Leadership Exchange Program offers individuals at the GS 13 to
GS 15 level the opportunity to join the U.S. Institute at its headquarters in Tucson, AZ. Participants will complete a detail
assignment of three to six months and spend up to one year in direct affiliation with the U.S. Institute focused on ECR issues,
policies and their assessment.
During the assignment, the visiting employee will learn about ECR processes and tools. The employee will help develop potential
strategies for his/her home agency to recognize opportunities for ECR and track the effectiveness of these processes in comparison
with other processes, as outlined in the November 2005 OMB/CEQ memo to agencies. The focus will be on bringing value to the home
agency through increased experience and understanding of the appropriate application of ECR. The value to the U.S. Institute will be
in the opportunity to more effectively address its mission by building a network of experienced senior ECR leaders/advocates across
the federal government.
ECR Leadership Exchange Program
A unique opportunity for:
- Career development and personal growth;
- Sharing leadership and conflict management experiences; and
- Developing the strategic direction and policies for effective use of ECR.
Summary
The U.S. Institute invites applications for the ECR Leadership Exchange Program. The program offers an individual at the GS 13-15
level the opportunity to assist in formulating potential strategies for his or her agency to meet its responsibilities for managing
environmental conflicts, as outlined in the 11/05 OMB/CEQ memo.
Benefits
Program participants and sponsoring agencies can anticipate a positive accelerated learning experience while working alongside the
federal government leaders in ECR.
Advantages include opportunities to:
- Exchange knowledge and experience;
- Meet and network with a wide variety of individuals throughout the government;
- Research, discuss and propose a variety of policies and initiative for ECR practice in the home agency.
Program participants return to their home agencies with new skills and perspectives that serve to improve agency performance and
service to citizens. Development assignments usually last six months.
Responsibilities
The activities and responsibilities of the ECR Leadership Exchange Program participants include, but are not limited to:
Agency Liaisons:
-
Function as an "ECR Information Point Person" researching and providing answers to agency ECR questions. As appropriate, function
as the liaison between agency ECR activities and the U.S. Institute.
-
Evaluate the agency ECR use/progress report submissions and provide written recommendations to the home agency about improving
the report.
ECR Education and Outreach:
- Participate in current ECR processes involving home agency or other federal agencies.
-
Share experience and expertise with home agency through presentations, information sharing, documentation, and other outreach
methods.
Special Assignments:
Perform special assignments at the request of the U.S. Institute. These may include but are not limited to:
- Efforts in support of the U.S. Institute's Strategic Plan or Outreach Plan.
- Research opportunities with the home agency.
- Implementation of the OMB-CEQ ECR memo, possibly including in-depth evaluation of recent cases involving the home agency.
Qualifications
All interested applicants for this detail opportunity must meet the following qualifications:
-
Three to six-month commitment to the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution in Tucson, AZ (can be scheduled over
a period of one year);
- One-year commitment to the program;
- Leadership and management experience;
- Strong communications and interpersonal skills; and
- Willingness of the sponsoring agency to co-fund a portion of salary, benefits and travel/relocation costs.
Applicants should demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Leadership training and development;
- Strategic Planning experience;
- ECR, mediation or facilitation experience and interest;
- Experience in federal environmental policy, planning, management, law or enforcement.
If Interested:
Please send a letter of interest and a current resume to:
Lynne Gillette
Director of Operations
U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution
Morris K Udall Foundation
130 S. Scott Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85701
or email Lynne at gillette@ecr.gov
More...
2008-09 USIECR Internship Announcement
The Institute is pleased to offer the Environmental Conflict Resolution (ECR) Internship program. This internship offers an exciting
opportunity for Udall Scholars and Congressional Interns who have completed college or are in graduate school to spend three to six
months in Tucson, AZ with our staff of ECR professionals. It is a chance to gain firsthand exposure to the practice of environmental
conflict resolution. The U.S. Institute's internship is designed for former Udall Scholars and Congressional Interns to work closely
with Institute staff on selected work assignments. Interns will contribute to an array of projects related to ECR cases, outreach and/or
evaluation. All interested current or former Udall Scholars and Congressional Interns are encouraged to apply. We are looking for Udall
Alumni with a strong interest in ECR and related academic or professional experience. The successful candidate will be paid a stipend
of $500 per week. Living and other expenses will be the responsibility of the participant.
For Former Morris K. Udall Foundation Scholars and Congressional Interns
The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution (the U.S. Institute) was created by Congress to assist parties in resolving
environmental, natural resource, and public lands conflicts. The U.S. Institute is a program of the Morris K. Udall Foundation, an
independent federal agency.
The U.S. Institute provides a neutral place inside the federal government, where public and private interests can reach common ground
using non-adversarial, interest-based negotiation. The mission of the Institute is to:
-
Resolve environmental conflicts and improve environmental decision-making through mediation, training
and related activities.
A variety of complex, interesting and important environmental issues are part of the U.S. Institute's caseload. Currently we are
working with Federal Agencies and Departments, such as Interior, EPA, Transportation, Agriculture and Defense, to prevent and resolve
conflicts over use of public lands, endangered species, sacred sites, highway construction, and ecosystem restoration. The U.S.
Institute also has programs to train people in other federal agencies about the appropriate use of Environmental Conflict Resolution
(ECR) and several ongoing national policy initiatives.
For further information about the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution and its projects, visit
ecr.gov. Questions should be directed to gillette@ecr.gov.
The Institute is pleased to offer the Environmental Conflict Resolution (ECR) Internship program. This internship offers an exciting
opportunity for Udall Scholars and Congressional Interns who have completed college or are in graduate school to spend three to six
months in Tucson, AZ with our staff of ECR professionals. It is a chance to gain firsthand exposure to the practice of environmental
conflict resolution. The U.S. Institute's internship is designed for former Udall Scholars and Congressional Interns to work closely
with Institute staff on selected work assignments. Interns will contribute to an array of projects related to ECR cases, outreach and/or
evaluation. All interested current or former Udall Scholars and Congressional Interns are encouraged to apply. We are looking for Udall
Alumni with a strong interest in ECR and related academic or professional experience. The successful candidate will be paid a stipend
of $500 per week. Living and other expenses will be the responsibility of the participant.
Please email cover letter and resume directly to Lynne Gillette, U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, Director of
Operations at gillette@ecr.gov. The cover letter should describe your interest in ECR and the
applicable skills that you possess. Please send in your materials three months before you’d like to begin your internship if possible.
More...