Large Project Coordinator

State Of Alaska - Anchorage, AK

Full-time - Mid Level

Anchorage, AK

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Office of Project Management and Permitting (OPMP) within the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a Large Project Coordinator to lead and facilitate the permitting process for significant resource development and infrastructure projects in Alaska. This role is crucial in ensuring that the permitting process is timely, efficient, and transparent, thereby promoting major investments and economic activity within the state. The position is based in Anchorage, Alaska, but other in-state locations may be considered for the right candidate. The OPMP is responsible for coordinating complex natural resource development projects, including hard rock mining, oil and gas development, transportation infrastructure, and renewable energy projects. The role is expanding to include broadband projects and a new Alaska carbon offset program, with a primary focus on mining projects. As a Large Project Coordinator, you will engage with federal, state, and local government agencies to ensure effective intergovernmental coordination, which leads to improved communication and informed regulatory decisions. You will organize and lead diverse project teams composed of subject matter experts and regulatory staff from multiple state agencies, although you will not directly supervise staff. Your responsibilities will include developing annual budgets for assigned projects and managing Reimbursable Service Agreements (RSAs) with state regulatory agencies involved in the permitting process. The position requires a self-starting initiative and entrepreneurial thinking, along with knowledge of project coordination principles, state and federal laws related to natural resource development, and current developments in mining, oil and gas, and infrastructure. You will be responsible for facilitating interdisciplinary agency teams, coordinating site visits, managing MOUs and funding agreements, and representing the state during federal environmental reviews. The role also involves resolving project-related disputes and presenting technical information to various audiences.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal point-of-contact to regulatory agencies, project applicants, and citizens for assigned projects.
• Organize and facilitate interdisciplinary agency teams that review permit applications and supporting technical documents.
• Coordinate multi-agency site visits and inspections of permitted projects.
• Manage established Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and annual funding agreements between OPMP and project applicants.
• Facilitate interagency meetings and discussions on regulatory and natural resource management issues.
• Coordinate joint agency public notices and solicit formal written comments in response to federal and state public notices.
• Represent the State as a cooperating agency during federal environmental reviews under NEPA.
• Resolve project-related disputes and elevate unresolved disputes to appropriate agency line officers.
• Present technical, regulatory, and project-related information publicly to various audiences.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree is required; Master's or other advanced degree is preferred.
• Experience in industrial and economic development, natural resources management, project management, and environmental science is preferred.
• Knowledge of principles and practices related to project or program coordination, administration, and management.
• Understanding of state and federal laws, rules, and policies applicable to natural resource development activities.
• Familiarity with current developments in mining, oil and gas, hydroelectric power generation, or major transportation/infrastructure.

Nice-to-haves

• Self-starting initiative and entrepreneurial thinking.
• Skills in problem solving and engaging a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Professional writing and communication skills to convey complex information effectively.

Benefits

• Health insurance, including employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental.
• Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available.
• Long-term and short-term disability insurance.
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS).
• Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program for new employees.
• Paid personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served.
• Twelve (12) paid holidays a year.