Senior Restoration Ecologist

REPORTING TO: Habitat Restoration Director

GENERAL: The Senior Restoration Ecologist will work on a team with other technical specialists to manage salmon habitat restoration planning, design, and construction projects that advance tribal objectives for salmon recovery. Projects occur throughout the Skagit River basin and associated estuary and nearshore environments of the Whidbey basin.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Work on a team with other Habitat Restoration program staff to develop and implement scientifically sound habitat restoration projects with guidance from the Habitat Restoration Director. Project types are primarily restoration and related scoping and design work, but may also include strategic planning, data collection and analysis, acquisition/protection, and/or monitoring projects that support habitat restoration efforts.

• Coordinate project development with other SRSC programs and staff from individual member tribes
• Develop and submit grant funding proposals for high priority projects to the Salmon Recovery Funding Board, NOAA Fisheries, the Department of Ecology, Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, and other sources. Manage all grant requirements for funded projects, including reporting, schedule, project budgets, matching funds, etc.
• Coordinate needed data collection and analysis, prepare written reports, and present results of planning efforts to various audiences to support habitat project development.
• Manage design work for construction projects, either with program staff for smaller projects or with private consulting firms for larger projects
• Manage implementation of funded projects. Develop and manage project timelines, budget, staffing, and consultant needs for each project. Ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
• Coordinate and communicate with a broad range of stakeholders, project partners, public agencies, and community members individually and in various public forums as needed for project development.
• Coordinate and attend technical meetings for projects, including design team meetings and others needed for project development.
• Develop permit packages, implement archaeology investigations, and acquire all necessary environmental permits, landowner agreements, and public agency permissions for projects.
• Conduct competitive bid processes, develop contracts and supervise consulting, engineering, and construction subcontractors as needed for project implementation.
• Manage construction activities. Ensure projects remain in compliance with permit, funding, engineering, contract and other applicable requirements.
• Develop as-built materials, final reports, and long-term stewardship plans for completed projects. Conduct post-project monitoring and implement needed stewardship or adaptive management actions. Coordinate public events or field visits as needed.
• Participate in technical meetings and associated work for local watershed councils, restoration project review panels, or other restoration planning processes as assigned by the Habitat Restoration Director.
• Regularly provide project updates and make project or program recommendations to the Habitat Restoration Director. If requested, provide project updates to the SRSC Board or leadership of member tribes.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the Habitat Restoration Director.
• Supervision: The Senior Restoration Ecologist may direct employees, interns, volunteers, temporary employees, or contracted crews as assigned by the Habitat Restoration Director and will be responsible for oversight of contractors, consultants and vendors performing work related to specific projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: B.S. degree in environmental science or related field (fisheries, ecology, marine science, geomorphology, environmental engineering etc.) required. M.S. or higher education preferred.

Experience: Minimum 5 years working experience in natural resource management, fisheries science or environmental engineering is required. The following additional experience is highly desirable:

• Project management for complex habitat restoration or construction projects.
• Experience writing proposals and managing grant funds
• Experience applying for and ensuring compliance with environmental permits.
• Knowledge of the Skagit River basin, pacific salmon life histories, and salmon habitat restoration techniques.

Skills and Abilities: Strong computer skills with MS Office background; strong oral and written communication skills; strong GIS and/or CAD skill set is desirable; knowledge of local watersheds and fish species desirable; sensitivity to the Native American culture, customs and traditions; ability to thrive in a team environment; possession of valid Washington driver’s license and ability to comply with the Drug Free Workplace Act.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary Range $82,000 to $100,000 DOQ. SRSC provides employees with competitive benefits including medical/dental insurance coverage and a 401(k) program.