Southeast Parks & Stewardship Project Manager

The Open Space Institute (OSI) protects scenic, natural, and historic landscapes to ensure public enjoyment, conserve habitats, and sustain community character. OSI achieves its goals through land acquisition, conservation easements, special loan programs, creative partnerships, community engagement and analytical research.  

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Vice Presidents for Parks & Stewardship and Southeast Land, the Southeast Parks & Stewardship Project Manager will oversee OSI’s growing portfolio of parks and trails projects in the southeastern US. Responsibilities include executing a broad and dynamic range of planning, design, construction oversight, and stewardship functions to advance and implement identified projects.

Primary / Essential Responsibilities & Duties

Parks (representing 85% of time)

• Act in a client capacity to procure and develop OSI’s parks improvement projects including development and review of hiring of professional consultants (landscape architects, engineers, planners, and others), prepared concepts, design documents, construction plans, specifications, contract documents, technical reports, project schedules, and cost estimates.
• Prepare and manage project budgets, reviews progress of, and payments to, consultants and contractors.
• Oversee project compliance with applicable codes, laws, regulation, rules, standards, policies and procedures, and safety procedures.
• Coordinate with project partners, agencies, other organizations, and interested parties toward the timely completion of projects.
• Coordinate process for bidding and contracting of services, prepares Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for services, prepare bid packages; conduct pre‐bid and pre‐construction meetings as necessary, field requests for information, issue addendums to clarify questionable issues; participate in negotiation of scope of services and fees for professional services agreements, make recommendations regarding selection of vendors and awarding of contracts, and compiles contract language.
• Ensure that all service, capital construction, and/or equipment procurement is performed in accordance with guidelines and regulations of governmental and private grant programs, as applicable.
• Manage and review the quality and completeness of the work performed by professional consultants and contractors.
• Conduct regular field checks of proposed and ongoing projects, conducts inspections, monitors work to ensure compliance to plans, and interprets specifications and contracts.
• Prepare written and oral reports on OSI’s project portfolio issues including presentations to board committees, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Work cooperatively with the larger SE team on project logistics, communications, public outreach, and community support.

Stewardship (representing 15% of time)

• Annual monitoring of assigned fee lands ensuring that monitoring reports are complete, and the VP for Parks & Stewardship is advised about any violations or concerns.
• Support SE Land program in the physical stewardship of current land portfolio including structure demolition, access improvements, active forestry & agriculture, building and grounds maintenance, and other tasks of value on properties scheduled for disposition.

Required Skills / Core Competencies

Knowledge of and/or experience with the following:

• Land design and project management process.
• Construction management.
• Interpret and apply related laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to work independently and creatively, organize and prioritize work, and communicate clearly and concisely.
• Exercise initiative, use sound judgment, and make recommendations to management.
• Establishing effective and positive working relationships in the course of work.
• Communicate effectively with people from various socioeconomic, ethnic, and culturally diverse backgrounds.

Desirable Skills / Competencies (not required, but preferable)

Knowledge of and/or experience with the following, especially in South Carolina:

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in landscape architecture, civil engineering, construction management, or closely related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of professional level design, land management, and/or construction management experience having responsibility for coordinating phases of design and construction OR an equivalent combination of closely related training and experience.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, schedule, and manage multiple projects efficiently and cost effectively.

Work Environment

• Work will be divided equally between OSI’s Charleston office, remote office, and project work sites with occasional visits to OSI’s New York City and Albany (NY) office locations.
• Job requires access to a vehicle as work will require travel throughout the southeast to attend meetings, inspect sites, manage projects, and perform job duties. 
• Travel will be primarily in South Carolina with mileage reimbursement.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent use of a computer with long periods of sitting.
• Frequent speaking, reading, and writing.
• Frequent travel, mostly same‐day trips.
• Frequent walking and/or hiking on and off trail and in remote areas.
• Attend occasional events outside of standard office hours.

Note: This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position.  There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned.

Compensation

• Expected salary range for this position is $70K - $80K, commensurate with experience. 
• Excellent Benefits and Paid Time Off package. 

To Apply

Please click "Apply on Company Website" below to submit your application through our Career Center. Include your cover letter, resume, and salary expectations. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

OSI is an equal opportunity employer and is actively recruiting a diverse workforce. Land conservation benefits all people. Our mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all genders, diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.