Massachusetts Project Manager

ABOUT TROUT UNLIMITED 

Trout Unlimited (TU) takes care of the rivers and clean water that trout and communities around the country depend on. We believe the most complex and seemingly insurmountable challenges can be solved when people come together and get to work. We are a nationwide network of advocates, outdoor-enthusiasts, volunteers, anglers and staff dedicated to protecting places where trout and salmon thrive and recovering rivers and fisheries that need help and making our water resources more resilient to climate change. We want to make sure healthy rivers and fisheries are available for all people to use and enjoy. TU staff and grassroots work collaboratively to implement?TU’s Priority Waters initiative. The project manager joins a team of more than 20 TU staff members across the Northeast Coldwater Habitat Program.? 

POSITION SUMMARY 

This is an exciting opportunity to join Trout Unlimited’s growing program in New England. Through a number of partnerships with towns, county and state agencies, and other non-profit organizations, our staff is managing multiple dam removal, culvert replacement, in-stream habitat, and bank erosion projects in western Massachusetts. 

To continue to manage this work and grow our program in Massachusetts Priority Waters, TU is hiring a project manager. The project manager will be responsible for working cooperatively with partners to develop new and carry-forth ongoing restoration projects. The position requires an individual who is well organized, action-oriented, and capable of working well with a team with diverse backgrounds and personalities. This person will identify, prioritize, plan, and implement projects to improve fish passage, benefit streamflow, restore habitat, and improve water quality in watersheds heavily impacted by historical forestry practices and modern land-use issues. Field work will include collecting data, working with volunteers, and project planning and construction oversight. Office tasks will include grant writing, grant reporting and management, attendance and facilitation of partnership meetings.  

Competitive candidates for the project manager role must demonstrate strong project management skills. Preference will be given to candidates with background and experience in grant writing, grant management, all stages of project implementation, stream restoration, and partnership building. Candidates must demonstrate a strong ability to work cooperatively with diverse project partners and stakeholders. The ability to effectively advocate for desirable outcomes for coldwater fisheries is also required. Work requires frequent local and occasional overnight travel for meetings and field work. This position will be based remotely, ideally in Berkshire County or western Massachusetts. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Collaborate closely with partners, including federal, state and local government agencies, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and volunteer groups. 
• Identify, develop, and implement restoration projects, focusing on the rehabilitation and enhancement of habitat for native brook trout and other aquatic species. 
• Identify funding sources, prepare budgets and proposals, and obtain funding for coldwater habitat reconnection and restoration projects. 
• Communicate with state and federal regulatory agencies to complete permitting. 
• Assist with geomorphic surveys, topographic surveys, and in-stream habitat surveys to collect data for road-stream crossing replacement, dam removal, and habitat restoration projects. 
• Communicate project information and successes to a variety of audiences. 
• Work with TU chapters and other volunteer groups to engage them in project work. 
• Follow all TU policies regarding federal and state grant compliance, including procurement processes. 
• Serve as TU’s representative for state-based, professional groups, and partnerships. 
• Additional duties may be assigned as necessary. 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field. 
• A working knowledge of principles and practices of fisheries, aquatic resource management, geomorphology, or restoration design and engineering. 
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. 
• Outstanding interpersonal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while also being a proactive team player committed to achieving conservation goals. 
• Self-motivated with the ability to problem solve and think critically and creatively. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and experience using GIS software strongly preferred. 
• Ability and willingness to travel, often in remote areas. Valid driver’s license required. 
• Ability to work within the active stream channel on uneven and slippery terrain in moderate streamflow conditions. 
• A minimum of three years relevant professional experience in conservation project management. 
• Experience with grant writing, grant management or other fundraising activities. 
• Familiarity with federal and state laws and regulations as they pertain to instream and riparian work. 
• Have a passion for fisheries conservation and for protecting and restoring rivers and streams 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience using survey equipment, like total stations and survey rods. 
• Experience with wetland delineation. 
• Experience with construction management. 
• Knowledge of principles that guide aquatic organism passage projects. 
• Experience with various aspects of stream restoration such as road-stream crossing replacements, dam removal, streambank stabilization, and in-stream habitat enhancement. 
• Understanding of the procurement process used to hire consultants and contractors. 

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 for Project Manager is $60,000 - $68,000, 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 encouraging all to participate in our work to care for trout, salmon and our shared waters. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.