This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the health of Alaska’s fisheries and watersheds while helping to grow Trout Unlimited’s restoration program in Alaska. This position will be responsible for implementing a variety of habitat restoration projects that will benefit coldwater fishes and their habitat in southeast Alaska’s Tongass National Forest working in close partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and other community and agency partners. The Restoration Project Manager will identify, plan, and implement projects that reconnect and restore coldwater habitat for wild trout and salmon. The position works closely with the US Forest Service to develop a pipeline of projects and may share an office in a USFS facility and use both a TU and USFS computer and software to meet regularly with USFS staff ensuring projects are coordinated meet USFS standards. The position may also require specialized training provided by the US Forest Service for use of Forest Service vehicles, ATVs, boats, firearms, and other equipment. Specific projects may include prioritizing, developing and coordinating culvert designs and replacements, streambank stabilizations and revegetation, instream habitat and riparian restoration, and other stream and fisheries related restoration or conservation projects. The position also works closely with engineering, design, and construction contractors, as well as community and industry leaders, conservation groups and other local community partners and federal and state agencies. This is a full-time position based in southeast Alaska ( Juneau, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Wrangell or Sitka preferred).
Since we undertake our restoration projects in partnership with federal or state agencies, private industry, and other non-governmental organizations, this position will need to coordinate regularly with our valued partners. The work at times may be physically demanding and involve travel to remote areas. Overnight travel within Alaska is required, especially during the field season that generally runs from April to September. The position may occasionally require engagement in meetings or projects during evenings and weekends, especially when working with community partners and volunteer groups. The salary is commensurate with experience. This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree with coursework or experience in fisheries or wildlife biology, hydrology, geomorphology, civil engineering, environmental sciences, or related discipline, and at least 2 years of practical restoration experience, including project management, project development or design, or similar if combined with the minimum education requirements. OR:
- At least 5 years of practical experience in building and maintaining partnerships, project management related to fish passage or stream restoration, or similar construction or project management experience if a candidate does not meet the minimum education criteria.
- In-depth knowledge of fisheries biology, ecology, hydrology, and stream restoration principles and practices.
- Experience managing projects in rural Alaska.
- Experience working with, leading, or coordinating partnerships with tribes and other community partners.
- Experience reading or interpreting engineering design plans for stream restoration or fish passage crossings, and standard contracting practices, including but not limited to writing and reviewing requests for proposals, managing contracts and contractors, reviewing invoices and tracking budgets, and managing construction projects.
- Working with fish passage projects, including assisting or leading surveys, designs, design reviews, and construction.
- Willing to work long days or irregular hours in challenging, often remote, environments. 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.
- A valid state driver’s license and a personal vehicle.
- A background check may be required prior to employment.
Preferred qualifications:
- Master’s degree or 3+ years’ experience in a related field is preferred.
- Budgeting and managing federal grants and other funding agreements.
- Ability to work with multiple and diverse partners in a highly collaborative and inclusive manner, as well as independently, to successfully plan and complete projects in remote locations.
- Knowledge and experience with ESRI ArcGIS and/or CAD software programs.
- Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Excellent time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- A strong passion for Alaska’s native fishes and the watersheds upon which they rely.
- Willingness to travel in small aircraft to remote job locations.
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 position with a generous benefits package. 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. Salary Description $68,000 to $82,000 (equivalent to a GS-9 or 11 in the US Forest Service, and commensurate with experience)
To apply please send a resume and cover letter via the job application link. We will begin reviewing applications in mid-November and encourage candidates to get their materials in as soon as possible.