Stream Restoration Project Manager

Piscataquis County Soil & Water Conservation District
Job Title: Stream Restoration Project Manager
Salary: $42,654/year
Benefits: Health insurance, paid vacation, paid holidays
Location: Office based in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine with regional (day) fieldwork
Job Structure: Full-time, 5-year position with possible extension

Job Summary:
The Project Manager will assist with the implementation of stream restoration and aquatic organism passage projects through the Resilient Infrastructure and Free-Flowing Streams (RIFFLS) initiative, which is made possible through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The goal of RIFFLS is to restore aquatic organism passage to road-stream crossings on private lands. The project is funded through the RCPP, a program of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), with The Nature Conservancy as the lead partner organization for the project. The position is funded for five years, with potential for extension depending on available funds. The Project Manager will be an employee of the Piscataquis County Soil & Water Conservation District and will report to the Executive Director and will be based in the USDA-NRCS Service Center in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. This position is expected to be 50/50 office/field time.

Essential Functions:
The project manager (PM) will work closely with NRCS, project partners and private landowners on Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) projects; primarily culvert upgrades to “Stream Smart” structures, and possibly low-head dam removal and fishways. The PM will be responsible for developing and assisting applications to the NRCS RCPP funding pools, working with landowners and partners, and helping to oversee contract completion of RCPP AOP projects around the State.

Responsibilities & Scope:

• Develop and maintain good working relationships with NRCS, other project partners and landowners to accomplish program goals while representing Piscataquis County Soil & Water Conservation District.
• Conduct road-stream crossing assessments and draft reports of site visits.
• Coordinate project applications with the local NRCS field office(s) and landowner(s).
• Assist NRCS engineers with completing stream surveys.
• Assist NRCS with completion of planning activities including but not limited to required environmental mapping, consultations, and documentation.
• Assist certain elements of project construction such as fish removal, monitoring endangered species compliance, and monitoring erosion and water control.
• Maintain organized photographs and files to document a portfolio of completed projects.
• Assist with planning and implementation of education/outreach activities to the community related to freshwater ecosystems and stream restoration, including aquatic organism passage projects being completed. Coordinate this work with Conservation Districts within project areas.
• Assist the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District Executive Director with interim and final reporting for the Subaward agreement.
• Ability to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in natural resource management, water resources, environmental science, or other science-related fields.
• Experience and/or course work in ecology, natural resource management, and restoration of freshwater ecosystems, and of the current trends and practices in conservation.
• Experience communicating effectively with diverse audiences.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects with several variables, setting realistic deadlines, managing timeframes, and completing tasks independently.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Experience using common software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Web Browsers. Experience with GIS software applications and GPS units a plus.
• Proficiency with interpreting maps and aerial photographs to navigate.
• Experience performing physical work in an outdoor setting.
• Valid driver’s license.