Upper Clark Fork Project Manager

ABOUT TROUT UNLIMITED

Trout Unlimited (TU) brings together diverse interests to care for and recover the rivers and streams on which we all depend. We are a national nonprofit organization with 300,000 members and supporters organized into over 400 chapters and councils nationwide. Our dedicated grassroots volunteers are matched by a respected staff of restoration professionals, organizers, lawyers, policy experts, and scientists, who work out of more than 45 offices across the country.

Trout Unlimited has been engaged in advocacy and restoration in the Clark Fork Basin of western Montana for more than two decades. Trout Unlimited project staff are focused on restoration work to benefit trout populations and their habitats in the Clark Fork watershed from the headwaters near Butte, MT downstream more than 250 miles to Thompson Falls.

POSITION SUMMARY

Trout Unlimited’s field staff hold unique and diverse roles within the conservation community. The shortest description of the job is to “make things happen.” In that spirit, TU is hiring a self-motivated and highly capable person to advance TU’s restoration efforts in the headwaters of the Clark Fork River.  The Upper Clark Fork Project Manager prioritizes, plans, and implements projects to improve fish passage, benefit streamflow, restore habitat, and improve water quality in a watershed heavily impacted by historical mining, smelting, and land use practices. TU has been engaged in project work to restore Upper Clark Fork fisheries since 2010 and the Project Manager will transition into leading this effort into the future. The initial focus for the position will be to implement a suite of irrigation infrastructure and fish passage improvement projects with multiple funding partners intended to fully reconnect the headwaters of the Upper Clark Fork River and the Warm Springs Creek tributary watershed.

Competitive candidates for this position must demonstrate strong project management skills. Preference will be given to candidates with background and experience in construction management, stream restoration, natural sciences, and partnership building in our watersheds and on our working lands in Montana. The Project Manager will work closely with federal and state agencies, local governments, watershed groups, consultants, TU chapters, and landowners on projects that mutually benefit stream health, fish populations and watershed resiliency. Candidates must demonstrate a strong ability to work cooperatively with diverse project partners and stakeholders. The ability to effectively advocate for desirable outcomes for cold water fisheries is also required.

The position will be based within the Upper Clark Fork watershed with proximity to the Butte/Anaconda area preferred.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the design, permitting, and construction of $1-2M annually in fish passage infrastructure improvements over the next three years. Work closely with landowners, water users, contractors, state and federal agencies, and other project partners to ensure successful outcomes for project stakeholders.
• Maintain and strengthen existing partnerships with landowners, agencies, and nonprofit organizations in the Upper Clark Fork watershed. Prioritize, develop, and implement future projects that benefit aquatic resources and fish populations.
• Work with the George Grant Chapter TU, Montana TU, and other chapters to assist with community outreach events, engage volunteers in project implementation, support grassroots fundraising, and coordinate restoration strategies.
• Work with TU staff and volunteers to raise funds as necessary to design and construct projects.
• Manage complex budgets with multiple funding sources.
• Write grant proposals to local, state, and federal agencies, as well as foundations and manage grant reporting requirements.
• Manage project procurement, contracting, invoicing, budgeting, and grant reporting. Develop and manage contracts with engineering consultants and contractors to design and construct restoration projects.
• Monitor and maintain completed TU projects to ensure their long-term success.

This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of five years of applied experience in construction management, stream restoration, fluvial geomorphology, fisheries biology, restoration ecology, water resource engineering or a related field. Experience implementing irrigation infrastructure improvements including fish passage and screening preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse partners in a highly collaborative and inclusive manner, even on contentious issues.
• Professional experience working with federal and state resource managers, tribal governments, and other interested parties in a collaborative setting.
• Experience and proficiency with permitting and coordinating environmental compliance for stream restoration projects.
• Familiarity with regenerative agriculture practices including water conservation and ability to implement these strategies in collaboration with private landowners.
• Demonstrated performance in grant writing and other fundraising activities.
• Experience managing budgets.
• Comfort with procurement and contracting for design and construction services.
• Strong analytical skills. Ability to develop and execute strategies at multiple scales.
• Ability to problem solve and think creatively to achieve a conservation mission.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills. Ability to work independently while managing complex projects. The job requires the ability to prioritize workload, to be highly motivated and self-directed.
• Ability and willingness to travel and conduct field work in a rural setting. Valid driver’s license and vehicle are required.
• Passion for rivers, streams, and the fisheries they support. Knowledge and experience in the Clark Fork Basin a plus.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

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. The salary range is $55,000 – $65,000 for project managers and $65,000 – $75,000 for senior project managers depending on experience. Title and compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s qualifications and experience level, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

We are committed to building space for all people to participate in our work to care for trout, salmon and our shared waters. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome you to read more about TU’s equity practice and values.