Description
Trout Unlimited is a national organization with 300,000 members and supporters organized into over 400 chapters and councils nationwide. These dedicated grassroots volunteers are matched by a respected staff of organizers, lawyers, policy experts, and scientists, who work out of more than 45 offices across the country. Our mission is to bring together diverse interests to care for and recover rivers and streams, so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon.
Position Summary
The Project Manager will initially focus on coldwater habitat connectivity and restoration in and around the Allegheny National Forest region. Project types include aquatic organism passage, sediment reduction, riparian restoration, and instream habitat improvements, and will occur on both private and public land. The Project Manager will be responsible for outreach to landowners, coordination with TU design staff, grant writing, ensuring environmental compliance, and overseeing implementation of restoration projects. Projects are carried out in close coordination with federal, state, and non-profit partners. This position works in collaboration with other TU staff and reports directly to the PA Coldwater Habitat Program Manager. This position can be based out of Trout Unlimited’s Lock Haven, PA office or a home office depending on location. Day trips and some overnight travel to job sites is required. This is a one-year term position with an opportunity to be extended.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Identify, develop, and coordinate aquatic organism passage and restoration projects in Pennsylvania.
- Assess or coordinate the assessment of project sites using various geomorphic and habitat survey techniques and standard surveyors’ equipment.
- Assist with identifying funding sources and the preparation of budgets and grant proposals.
- Coordinate all aspects of project implementation such as project design and permitting, budgeting, scheduling, preparation of bid packages, construction oversight, and inspections.
- Manage project implementation including budgeting, scheduling, coordination of partners, contractor selection and oversight, and reporting.
- Follow all TU policies regarding federal and state grant compliance, including procurement processes.
- Collaborate closely with partners, including federal, state and local government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
- Provide technical assistance, planning, and oversight on stream crossing installations through the Pennsylvania Dirt, Gravel, and Low-Volume Road Maintenance Program.
- Foster and maintain positive relationships with landowners, TU partners, and funders to build a comprehensive network of community, nonprofit, business, and agency partners.
- Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in hydrology, geomorphology, environmental engineering, fisheries biology, or related discipline is required.
- A working knowledge of principles and practices of fisheries and aquatic resource management with a particular emphasis on fish passage and stream habitat requirements of brook trout.
- Professional experience working with landowners, resource managers, and other stakeholders in a collaborative setting.
- Ability to work independently and manage complex projects and multiple deadlines simultaneously.
- Familiarity with federal and Pennsylvania state laws and regulations as they pertain to stream restoration.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Proficiency in GIS spatial data platforms.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
- Ability and willingness to travel. Valid driver’s license and own vehicle required.
- ·A passion for protecting and restoring trout and salmon and their watersheds.
Desired Qualifications
- Two to five years relevant professional experience.
- Expertise in natural channel design, stream simulation design, large wood addition techniques, road/stream crossing design.
- Professional experience in project management either in a lead or supporting role, including managing project budgets, contracting, procurement and project oversight.
- Experience with surveying and construction project stakeout.
- Experience in construction document development using computer aided design software such as AutoCAD Civil3D.
Work may at times be physically demanding. May require walking and maintaining balance on slippery surfaces and sloping, highly uneven stream banks, and in conditions of moderate streamflow; may require lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying of field equipment over long distances. The position will also require day travel to remote areas.
Staff and leadership at TU understand that life outside of work is important to personal health, and we strive to create a healthy and family-friendly atmosphere. This is a full-time term position with a generous benefits package. The approximate salary is $55,000.
At TU, we value a diverse representation of staff, and we actively seek candidates for this position who come from communities that have been historically under-represented in conservation and those who have been most impacted by degraded rivers and streams. We are committed to building space for all people to participate in our work to care for trout and salmon and clean our shared waters. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome you to read more about TU’s equity practice and values.
