Riverscape Restoration Program Manager

About the Role

Cascadia Conservation District is seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to join the District in the role of Riverscape Restoration Program Manager. This permanent, part-time or full-time position (30-40 hours per week) will lead the District’s Riverscape Restoration program. This position will lead a dedicated and passionate group of staff, including resource specialist and technicians to develop, implement, maintain and monitor riverscape restoration projects to benefit salmonid species and water quality in Chelan County. This position will be responsible for overseeing the ongoing efforts, planning for the future, and making sure this program meets grant deliverables and expectations while maintaining a supportive and effective work environment. Cascadia CD is located in Chelan County, Washington with physical office space located in the city of Wenatchee. Remote work is available with the candidate expected to work out of the Wenatchee office a minimum of 1-3 days per week. Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance to the Cascadia CD office to meet workplace reporting requirements. Funding for this position is subject to the continuing availability of federal, state, and local grants and contracts. This position report directly to Cascadia CD’s Conservation Program Director.

Service Area

The quality of life in Chelan County is unsurpassed, evident by a steadily increasing population and a strong, diverse economy. The area’s natural beauty and abundance of recreational opportunities are two of the many reasons people come to Chelan County. It’s a place characterized by sparkling clear rivers, clean air, flowered hillsides, expansive views, spectacular mountains, brilliant skies, and productive orchards and farms. From the ridge tops to the valley bottoms, Chelan County is a spectacular place to live, work and play.

Typical Work

The Riverscape Restoration Program Director will oversee the Riverscape program staff while also implementing their own restoration projects. This position will include a mix of supervisory program management tasks and field tasks. A typical day in the office may include team coordination, budget check-ins, grant reporting and status updates, coordination with other Conservation District programs such as Forestry and Agriculture, conducting longer term program planning and coordinating with partners on county or statewide initiatives. A typical day in the field may include site visits to active or prospective project sites, assisting with project implementation in the field, meeting contractors and partners in the field and supporting logistics for implementation. This position will spend approximately 65% of their time in the office and 35% in the field. For a full list of duties for these positions, please see the job description posted at: Careers – Cascadia Conservation District

About Us

Cascadia Conservation District’s mission is to encourage wise stewardship and conservation of all natural resources in Chelan County by:

• Working to implement conservation best management practices on the ground.
• Being an active advocate for wise land use and water management decisions.
• Promoting a reasonable approach to environmental problems. Providing locally led, voluntary, non-regulatory solutions to local environmental problems.
• Educating both adults and youth about natural resources stewardship.

Cascadia CD consists of a small team of dedicated staff focused on providing technical assistance, cost share and building programs that serve our community and the natural resources in Chelan County. Cascadia CD is a non-regulatory political sub-division of Washington State and is governed by a 5-member volunteer Board of Supervisors.

Minimum Qualifications

A qualified candidate must have:

• Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in environmental or physical science, one of the natural sciences or closely related field and five years of professional level experience. An Associate’s Degree in environmental or physical science or technology or other closely related field may be substituted for a Bachelor’s Degree if the applicant has seven years or more of applicable experience. Please address this in your cover letter.
• Very strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt written and spoken communication to various audiences using formal and informal
• Advanced desktop computer literacy and computer software skills. Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, , and learn new technologies to perform the functions of the position.
• Experience providing technical assistance to the public, including private landowners, farm operators, and managers.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop and write competitive grant proposals for Riverscape planning, design, and implementation, including development of project budgets, cost estimation, ongoing budget monitoring, expenditure tracking and reconciliation, financial reporting, and coordination with finance staff to ensure compliance with grant requirements and internal accounting procedures.
• Experience working independently in remote locations under a variety of weather conditions, carrying field equipment to complete required job tasks.
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license or able to attain one upon employment.

Desired Qualifications

A well-qualified candidate will have some or all of the following qualifications:

• Knowledge/experience implementing Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 9 steps of conservation planning.
• Strong skills in multi-tasking and the ability to meet multiple deadlines with an exceptional standard of quality control.
• Intermediate to advanced skills in ArcGIS mapping software including ArcPro, ArcGIS Online and Field Maps.
• Experience with project management and database software systems such as Smartsheet, and Quickbase.
• 3-5 years experience with riparian restoration projects.
• Knowledge/experience working within grant deliverables and budgets.
• Demonstrated commitment to the practical application of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.
• Spoken and/or written proficiency in

Desired Attributes 

Cascadia is seeking applicants with the following attributes: 

• Pragmatic
• Open-Minded and empathetic
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and sense of humor in tough conditions
• Able to adjust to changing circumstances and innovate when conventional methods fall short
• Comfortable with dynamic situations and knowledgeable enough to apply it in creative ways
• Deeply curious and care about how all people connect with the landscapes around them.
• Works well with diverse teams with differing backgrounds and approaches
• Dedicated to serving the public in an open, ethical and efficient way
• Ability to work within established program rules and procedures in a positive manner
• Attention to Detail

Compensation

Starting pay range at $6,948.93 – $8,042.67 per month ($83,387.20 – $96,512.00 per year).

Job Classification and starting pay Depending on Qualifications and Experience 

Benefits

WA State Retirement (PERS) Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Holidays, Medical/Vision/Dental, Basic Life Insurance, Monthly VEBA Benefit, Optional Aflac, Short Term/Long Term Disability, and other optional benefits through Washington Counties Insurance Fund