Salmon Habitat/Fish Passage Project Manager

Position Summary:

We are seeking a motivated, positive, and collaborative person to identify and implement new stream restoration projects from start to completion in the Snohomish and Stillaguamish River Watersheds and the South Island County Watershed. This person will manage projects such as fish passage assessment, barrier removal and construction, and mainstream, side-channel, and riparian restoration projects. The selected candidate will be responsible for carrying out all aspects of habitat restoration by identifying new opportunities, writing grants and permit applications, supervising technicians, coordinating the procurement of materials, equipment, and contractors, and monitoring and reporting as well as overseeing some existing riparian projects.

Project Manager Duties & Responsibilities:

• Identify, develop, and pursue funding for fish passage barrier removal projects and salmon habitat restoration projects through networking and grant writing.
• Develop scopes of work, conduct competitive bid processes, execute contracts, and supervise subcontractors (engineers, construction contractors, etc.).
• Oversee construction management and inspection.
• Acquire all necessary regulatory permits, landowner agreements, utility access, etc.
• Manage the design of restoration projects – coordinate with stakeholders, regulatory personnel, engineers, and other technical disciplines. Review designs and ensure compliance with stakeholder and resource objectives.
• Implement the techniques and principles of Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration whenever possible.
• Develop and manage project timelines and budgets in cooperation with the Executive Director, staff, and Board. Ensure projects are on schedule and within budget.
• Manage grants and do required reporting.
• Supervise culvert assessment technicians, restoration technicians, interns, and volunteers.
• Coordinate (gather agenda items, set meeting dates, take notes) facilitate, and attend meetings of partners and stakeholders.

Administrative Duties & Responsibilities:

• Track billable hours, miles traveled, purchases, and other items and report regularly to the finance manager and funding entities.
• Assist the Financial Manager by providing grant reporting required for invoicing.
• Participate in Staff meetings and outreach events. Participate in board meetings as needed.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of the riverine environment as it relates to native fish and their habitat requirements.
• Experience with techniques and principles of fish habitat restoration and Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration.
• Experience with oversight of fish passage barrier removal projects including contracting, design, permitting, and construction.
• Experience collecting and evaluating ground and surface water information.
• Experience writing and managing salmon habitat restoration grants.
• Experience with ArcGIS Pro.
• Ability to effectively communicate and cooperate with stakeholders including private landowners.
• Experience managing professional service, construction, and associated contracts.
• Ability to develop and track project budgets and schedules.
• Experience with local, state, and federal permitting processes.
• Proficiency in written and oral communication with diverse audiences.
• Ability to work effectively alone and in a collaborative environment.

Education/Experience Required:

A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, natural resources, construction management, hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, engineering, or a similar degree, and a minimum of two years of work experience that closely resembles the duties and responsibilities of this position, particularly fish passage barrier removals.

Special Requirements:

A valid Washington State driver’s license. A valid First Aid and CPR Certification is preferred and is required if supervising interns or volunteers. (We will arrange class and testing if needed.) A Washington State Patrol background check is required for all personnel working directly with children.

Working Conditions:

Sound Salmon Solutions’ main office is in downtown Mukilteo, WA; however, staff may work hybrid. This position is expected to meet frequently with Sound Salmon Solutions staff, project partners, and landowners in our service area. Much of the work is spent on the computer and phone coordinating stakeholders and resources necessary to advance habitat restoration and fish passage barrier removal projects. Some work is performed outdoors, in inclement weather, and around dangerous construction equipment. Some projects are in remote and rugged terrain with limited to no cell phone service. This position is expected to be capable of walking small streams and doing physical labor associated with restoration activities.