Nonprofit Professionals Now (NPN)的动态

Opportunities

On December 29 I walked out of the IDNR Springfield Office for the last time as Assistant Director, a decision I had made some months ago. Simply stated, it was time. With nearly 40 years in the natural resource conservation business behind me, it feels like a career. Even so, saying goodbye is hard, especially when a career represents not just what you do, but who you are. I’ve been so blessed to have had such a long run in public service, work that has been both vocation and avocation for me. It all started opportunistically with my first paid professional gig as a summer Youth Conservation Corps crew leader, working for the Illinois Department of Conservation at Mississippi Palisades State Park while in graduate school.?I couldn't have known then that I would have bookended my career at the same agency, known now as the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, after stints with two federal agencies. My time at IDNR has been the privilege of a lifetime, and I have cherished every minute of it, even the missing years of the pandemic.?What I found at IDNR was dedication and a passion for the mission that I, too, shared.?We care about what we do, and that makes all the difference. Public service is in my DNA. A quote attributed to American diplomat Jacob Lew goes like this: "I think there is no higher calling in terms of a career than public service, which is a chance to make a difference in people's lives and improve the world". With this I could not agree more. I call this the spiritual paycheck that accompanies the modest monetary rewards. I also had the good fortune to work side by side with public servants who held to the highest standards of integrity and honesty, character traits prevalent throughout the public sector but which rarely end up as front page news. Right now at IDNR, there is a lot to feel good about.?The director’s office leadership team is close-knit and focused on problem solving, starting at the top with Director Natalie Phelps Finnie.?Our budget and headcount are both trending in the right direction.?I sense that staff morale is on the upswing.?We have the full support of the Governor’s Office.?In my eight-plus years at IDNR, I have never felt the stars were so well-aligned as they are now. For those of you starting a career in natural resources or looking for new opportunities, there will be plenty of job postings at IDNR in the coming months. Meanwhile, I'll be spending more time afield, remembering why I got into this business all those years ago.

For those with talents getting green in support of going green =-).

Opportunity

Opportunity

Discover an easy and impactful solution for your brownfield inventory needs with our newly released "Neighborhood Brownfield Inventory Toolkit: Unlocking Free Mapping Software." Building a resident-led brownfield inventory enables community members to address environmental concerns, advocate for remediation efforts, and contribute to sustainable community development. Designed for residents, community-based organizations, and local government entities, this toolkit utilizes free Google tools for an efficient and user-friendly brownfield inventory process. Ready to check it out? Access it here: https://lnkd.in/gwj4vXfa or download it now. ?? #BrownfieldInventory #Brownfields #ResourceSharing

?? Why Public Service Matters in City and Town Management ?? As municipal managers, we are driven by a shared commitment to public service—a dedication to making a positive impact on the communities we serve. Here are a few reasons why public service is at the heart of city and town management: 1?? Mission-Driven Leadership: Our work is guided by a clear mission to enhance the quality of life for residents, promote economic prosperity, and ensure the efficient delivery of essential services. 2?? Community Engagement: Public service involves engaging with community members, understanding their needs and priorities, and working collaboratively to address challenges and achieve shared goals. 3?? Innovation and Problem-Solving: City and town management require innovative thinking and strategic problem-solving to find creative solutions to complex issues, from infrastructure development to public safety and environmental sustainability. 4?? Ethical Leadership: Public service demands integrity, transparency, and ethical leadership to build trust with residents, uphold accountability, and maintain public confidence in government institutions. 5?? Legacy of Impact: Through our work in public service, we have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy of positive change, progress, and community resilience for future generations. Join us in celebrating the meaningful impact of public service in city and town management. Together, we can continue to make a difference and build stronger, more vibrant communities across Pennsylvania. #PublicService #LocalGovernment #MunicipalManagement #CommunityImpact #EthicalLeadership

NEW ?? Careers at Council has launched a new section on the website about 'Emergency Management & Community Resilience' career pathways. The page aims to showcase the importance of building resilience for long-term sustainability and outlines the various roles within local government that are dedicated to a career in this field along with the qualifications required. More info below ?? #CareersatCouncil #CouncilsDo #CommunityResilience #EmergencyManagement

Come work with me! This is truly an amazing place to work. This is our PACT. ? Purpose: Using our strengths passionately to contribute to our mission. ? Accountability: Choosing to rise above one’s circumstances and demonstrating ownership to achieve results. See it. Own it. Solve it. Do it. ? Courage: Standing up for what’s right and taking action. ? Transparency: Doing things openly and honestly

Local governments are where it’s at. Such an underutilized leverage point from which to spur climate-oriented policy change. Check out these opportunities from USDN.