Request for Proposals: Qualified Environmental Professionals (QEP)

Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) In support of a Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant For SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG)

The SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) serves as the regional development organization and municipal service provider for its 11-county region in central Pennsylvania. Since the program’s inception, the SEDA-COG Brownfield Program has played a pivotal role in transforming environmentally challenged properties into valuable community assets. Leveraging funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SEDA-COG has successfully facilitated site assessments, reuse planning, and redevelopment projects throughout the region.

SEDA-COG’s Brownfield Program is a cornerstone of its regional revitalization efforts. With the 2024 EPA Brownfield Assessment Coalition Grant—the 3rd major EPA grant awarded to SEDA-COG for brownfield work—the program continues to build on its success by addressing properties impacted by hazardous materials and petroleum contamination. This latest grant focuses on Clinton, Mifflin, and Northumberland counties while extending to SEDA-COG’s full 11-county service area: Centre, Columbia, Juniata, Lycoming, Montour, Perry, Snyder, and Union counties.


The goals of the SEDA-COG Brownfield Program are as follows:

  • To assess brownfield sites to facilitate cleanup, reuse, and redevelopment;
  • To eliminate blight and health risks, particularly in disadvantaged and environmental justice communities;
  • To promote business and housing development within previously developed areas with existing infrastructure for water, wastewater, and transportation;
  • To provide clean, developable industrial and commercial sites, enabling businesses to expand, create jobs, and increase local tax revenues;
  • To preserve rural and agricultural areas by reducing the need for greenfield development; and
  • To protect natural resources, including rivers, sensitive ecosystems, and public drinking water supplies.

As the lead agency, SEDA-COG collaborates with local governments, community organizations, property owners, and private developers to implement this program. Rural communities in the region often lack the capacity to independently manage brownfield projects, making SEDA-COG’s regional approach vital to achieving these goals.

ISSUED: November 26th, 2024
WRITTEN QUESTIONS DUE: December 17th, 2024, by 4:00 PM via email bkramer@seda-cog.org
PROPOSALS DUE: January 6th, 2025, by 4:00 PM
INTERVIEWS: January 14th, 15th, 16th, 2025 (if required)
PROJECT STARTS: January 20, 2025 (tentative)

Download RFP: SEDA-COG RFP for Coalition QEP

Request For Proposals: Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Planning and Organizational Strategic Planning Services

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is soliciting Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Planning and Organizational Strategic Planning Services. The selected Consultant will provide a combined Organizational Strategic Plan and 5-year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Plan for SEDA-COG’s eleven-county region.

Proposals will be accepted through Monday, December 16, 2024. Contract award and project start date are contingent on award of grant funds and no sooner than January 1, 2025.

Hard copies are also available by sending a written request to:

ATTN: Betsy Lockwood
Director, Project Development/Grants
SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG)
201 Furnace Road
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania 17837
Email: elockwood@seda-cog.org

Quotations that are faxed to SEDA-COG cannot be accepted.

Proposals must be submitted in electronic format to the following e-mail address: elockwood@seda-cog.org.

SEDA-COG must receive proposals by 4:00PM on Monday, December 16, 2024. The email should clearly state “Organizational Strategic Plan and Update to the 5-Year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.”

Download RFP: Final SEDA_COG Consultant RFP

Job Opportunity: GIS Analyst

Salary range: $42,000 – $60,000
Excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, and paid vacation & sick leave. Remote work flexibility available.

Primary responsibilities include (but not limited to):

  • Provide GIS services to internal and external clients – mapping, database development, spatial analysis, digitizing, license maintenance, etc.
  • Create ArcGIS Online web maps, StoryMaps, Dashboards, Experiences, and Hub sites.
  • Complete field data collection for bridges, roads, bike/ped assets, HPMS samples, etc.
  • Conduct motorized traffic and bike/ped count programs and operate agency drone
  • Lead the Middle Susquehanna Active Transportation Committee and maintain the regional Active Transportation Plan.
  • Support transportation planning through Environmental Justice analysis, local bridge prioritization process, Long-Range Transportation Plan analysis, and project field views.
  • Perform analysis using traffic, land use, demographic, and socioeconomic data.
  • Supervise the work of interns or part-time employees.
  • Prepare progress reports for quarterly invoices and committee meeting updates.

Qualifications/skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Planning, GIS, Transportation Studies, Environmental Studies, Engineering, or a related field.
  • At least two years of related job experience preferred.
  • ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcMap; Esri certifications are a plus.
  • Strong data management skills.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs is a must.
  • Proficient in data collection, analysis, and research methods.
  • Experience with Adobe programs.
  • FAA Part 107 certification is desirable.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
  • Effective organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask.

Salary commensurate with experience. Applicants are expected to supply a cover letter and resume by December 11, 2024, via mail or email to:

Amanda Owens, Human Resources Director
SEDA-Council of Governments
201 Furnace Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837
aowens@seda-cog.org

SEDA-Council of Governments is a public development organization based in Lewisburg, PA, serving 11 central Pennsylvania counties. www.seda-cog.org
SEDA-COG…Building strong economies & strong communities
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Job Opportunity: Deputy Director

Starting Salary Range: $90-$100K
Excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance
and paid vacation & sick leave.

Do you take a proactive approach to problem-solving? Are you an excellent communicator and have strong analytical skills? Do you enjoy leading people and advancing innovative ideas? Are you ready to make a real difference in developing and implementing effective business strategies in the evolving world of community and economic development? If so, you have found the ideal position as SEDA-COG’s Deputy Director.

Our vision is to be the most trusted and highly regarded community and economic development agency in the Commonwealth! To do that we must deliver enhanced value to our region with an entrepreneurial spirit. This position is critical to ensuring optimal agency performance by strengthening the productivity of each department’s business operations. The ideal candidate will have experience and extensive knowledge in creating efficiencies while simplifying and modifying any potential inefficiencies of day-to-day business operations, all in alignment with the organization’s vision, mission, goals, and cultural values.

The Deputy Director reports to and works as a strategic partner with the Executive Director. The Deputy Director is the “second in command” of the organization, stepping in when the Executive Director is unavailable or unable. The position involves overseeing and improving the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of several programs and is expected to help provide organizational leadership while supporting the SEDA-COG mission.

A priority role of this position is to support Program Directors, and Division Chiefs, enabling them to achieve their program goals and to maximize their potential impact. The work of this position also includes ensuring the delivery of high-quality services and evaluating staff performance, policy adherence, and facilitating conflict resolution. An additional primary function of this position is to identify and explore opportunities for team building, efficiency, and cross-training across program areas within SEDA-COG.

The Deputy Director of Operations helps promote, support, and execute the strategic visions, goals, and directions of SEDA-COG as well as keeping the Executive Director apprised of all program issues and accomplishments.

Primary responsibilities of the position:

  • • Works as a strategic partner with the Executive Director on organizational strategic planning & management.
  • • Oversee and work with Program Directors and Division Chiefs to ensure optimum service delivery, efficient operations, compliance, and provide general guidance.
  • • Facilitate interaction, coordination, collaboration, and team building between programs, teams, divisions, and administration.
  • • Assist in identifying potential funding sources and develop applications and work plans for proposed initiatives.
  • • Work with the Executive Team to help define new and innovative business strategies that align with SEDA-COG’s mission, vision, and culture.

Required Qualifications/Skills:

  • • Practical first-hand experience handling both internal & external engagements such as networking and/or legislative events, speaking engagements, and general external affairs.
  • • Exceptional managerial and diplomacy skills.
  • • Strong relationship-building skills.
  • • Knowledge of continual improvement and process improvement strategies and approaches.
  • • Experience in navigating the complexity of federal and state programs and activities.
  • • Effective communication skills (verbal and written) including public speaking.
  • • Proven ability to implement and execute project ideas and concepts.
  • • Ability to simplify complex matters in a clear and concise approach.
  • • Strong organizational management skills, attention to detail.
  • • Continual learner demonstrating a vital interest in future trends of importance for the advancement of the organization.
  • • Proficient with Microsoft Office programs.

Education and Experience:

  • • Bachelor’s degree in organizational development, Business Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
  • • Minimum of 7 years of experience in organizational and staff management, program development.
  • • Experience in implementing successful process evaluation and improvement plans.
  • • Experience in financial management

Preferred Education and Experience:

  • • Master’s Degree in a related field
  • • Work experience in county or municipal governance
  • • A strong understanding of community and economic development.

Applicants are expected to supply a letter of application that elaborates on how their career has prepared them for this position along with a resume or curriculum vitae via mail or email to:

Amanda Owens, Human Resources Director
SEDA-Council of Governments
201 Furnace Road
Lewisburg, PA 17837
aowens@seda-cog.org.

This position will remain open until filled, and candidates will be evaluated as their application materials are received.

SEDA-Council of Governments is a public development organization based in Lewisburg, PA, serving 11 central Pennsylvania counties. www.seda-cog.org

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.