BTNEP Deputy Program Director

Background And General Requirements

The Barataria‑Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) is a unique and complex program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Louisiana’s Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON). Established by Congress in 1987 in Section 320 of the Clean Water Act, BTNEP is one of 28 national estuary programs.

Robust collaboration with and participation of other state and federal agencies, local governments, university scientists, educators, other stakeholders and the citizenry who live in the Barataria‑Terrebonne estuarine complex is essential to BTNEP’s success.

To be effective, BTNEP personnel require a unique blend of talents and training. Each staff member is expected to serve as a central coordinator of efforts within their area of responsibility.

• Be knowledgeable on a broad range of topics.
• Have in-depth knowledge of their specific area of job responsibility.
• Be aware of the activities and positions of other agencies and groups related to their assigned responsibilities with BTNEP.
• Be effective at facilitating groups of scientists, educators, resource managers, and public representatives.
• Possess an ability to guide these groups to consensus‑based decisions.
• Have strong interpersonal skills and a high degree of awareness and knowledge related to the responsibilities and position assigned by the Program Director.

Deputy Program Director

BTNEP

Thibodaux, LA – the position will be based at the BTNEP office on the campus of Nicholls State University.

Application should include a cover letter and resume. For additional information regarding this announcement, please contact Nicole Babin via email nicole.

The incumbent serves under the supervision of the Director and will act as an advisor on fiscal, technical, and personnel matters. In the absence of the Director the Deputy Program Director will have signatory authority on all contracts and invoices for BTNEP.

The role requires establishing and maintaining working relationships with all stakeholders, local, state, and federal agencies, coastal agencies, scientists, institutions, and special interest groups connected to the estuary. The Deputy Director will assist in monitoring individual projects, inform staff about remaining funding, support grant and contract management, and serve as the primary liaison between EPA and LUMCON fiscal staff.

Key tasks include gathering project updates, conducting annual grant reviews, preparing the Section 320 Grant application, coordinating the annual work plan, developing reporting for EPA, GPRA, and NEPORT, and completing leveraging reports.

• Provide technical support to the Program Director, Program Staff, and BTNEP Management Conference.
• Work closely with Director staff to provide recommendations and oversight of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan.
• Assist the Program Director with personnel decisions, job interviews, and employee performance evaluations.
• Consult with the Director on program fiscal matters including grant proposals and management.
• Maintain the BTNEP annual work plan project chart and liaise with LUMCON’s section.
• Collaborate with the Management Conference, Director, Senior Scientist, and other staff to draft the BTNEP Annual Workplan and the Section 320 Grant Application.
• Serve as the primary compliance liaison with EPA on compliance and required reporting.
• Prepare final drafts of all project contracts in consultation with BTNEP staff and project managers.
• Assist Director and Senior Scientist in supporting appropriate project action plan teams.
• Coordinate the development of proposed BTNEP annual work plan projects and Technical Grant Applications relevant to assigned action plans.
• Develop contract scopes of services and request for proposals for technical and scientific studies relevant to assigned action plans.
• Conduct review and selection of technical proposals.
• Assist in reviewing, monitoring, and recommending project deliverables to the Action Plan Teams and Director.
• Participate in on‑the‑ground restoration efforts, including field work and data gathering…