PFAS Fund Management Specialist (Public Service Coordinator I) - 1044 - Limited Period (Anticipated Vacancy)

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

PFAS FUND MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

(PUBLIC SERVICE COORDINATOR I)

-ANTICIPATED VACANCY-

Opening Date:

January 17, 2025

Closing Date:

February 03, 2025

Location:

Augusta*

Position #:

00500-1044

Position Type:

Full Time (Limited Period)

Class Code:

CA26

Grade/Salary:

Grade 26 (Confidential) - $62,129.60 - $87,817.60 Per Year

*This position is located in Augusta, with remote work options available subject to management approval.

Join Maine DACF as it leads the nation in responding to PFAS contamination in agriculture. The Public Service Coordinator I will play an instrumental role in deploying the legislatively-created $60 million PFAS Fund that will assist commercial farmers and other eligible individuals to respond to contamination of their soil and/or water by “forever chemicals.” 

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This limited period professional position will assist the PFAS Fund Director with the development, implementation, and ongoing oversight of the PFAS Fund to provide direct support to impacted commercial farmers; fund research to support on-farm decision-making; purchase and manage PFAS-contaminated agricultural land; and support health-related initiatives (e.g., access to blood testing and mental health services). The work will be guided by the PFAS Fund Implementation Plan and rules 01-001 C.M.R. ch. 400-408 (2024).

The PFAS Fund Management Specialist will be responsible for refining and implementing strategies to advance and share scientific research that will help farmers determine their best options for maintaining and enhancing viability despite the presence of PFAS on their property. Tasks include managing Major and Targeted research grant programs, facilitating connections between researchers and producers impacted by PFAS, fostering communication among researchers, and cataloging and dispersing research results. Other duties may include developing rules, policies, and procedures; facilitating advisory panel meetings; contracting with successful grant applicants; monitoring project milestones; preparing reports to external funders; and assisting with the establishment of a research station. The PFAS Fund Management Specialist will also assist with the administration of the PFAS Fund’s health-related initiatives.

The ideal candidate will be scientifically literate, curious, highly organized, and able to communicate clearly and accurately with diverse audiences.

For questions specific to the position, please contact Beth Valentine at (207) 313-0962.

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

PREFERENCES:

• An ability to appreciate the merits and future application of research proposals from a variety of disciplines, including soil science, plant and animal physiology, and analytical chemistry. 
• Knowledge of PFAS and potential impacts to farming operations.
• Project management experience. 
• Familiarity with research grant solicitation, review, and procurement processes.
• Experience translating scientific information for non-technical audiences.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "APPLY" button below along with uploading a Cover Letter and a current Resume. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you can't apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter and Resume, before the closing date, to: Natural Resour