TITLE: Southwest Colorado Project Manager
DEPARTMENT: Colorado Conservation
REPORTS TO: Colorado Restoration Program Manager
POSITION TYPE/HOURS: full time/40 hours per week
DATE POSTED: 11/28/2023
Trout Unlimited seeks to hire a self-motivated and highly capable person to identify, plan, and implement projects to benefit aquatic resources and native and wild fish populations in Southwest Colorado. Projects may include removal of fish barriers, irrigation infrastructure improvements, water rights transactions, water conservation efforts, stream restoration, reclamation of abandoned mines, and other cooperative measures that protect or restore fish habitat. The project manager will work cooperatively with partners of diverse backgrounds and interests. The project manager will be expected to secure grants and raise funds to cover project costs. Duties will also include active and effective participation in stakeholder groups to advocate for positive outcomes for coldwater fisheries.
Competitive candidates for this position will need to demonstrate strong project management skills, and an understanding of river restoration, water rights, hydrology, ecology, working agriculture, and partnership-building. This position involves frequent work with agricultural water users on projects that provide mutual benefit to stream health and agricultural operations, and the ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong ability to work cooperatively with agricultural producers. The position also involves working cooperatively with water managers, state and federal land managers, and tribal entities. The ability to effectively advocate for desirable outcomes for cold water fisheries is also required.
The position will be based in or near Durango, Colorado.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Develop relationships with water users, the agricultural community, and local, state, and federal agency staff.
• Work closely with partners to implement projects that benefit aquatic resources and fish populations.
• Promote and implement farming and ranching practices that enrich soils, enhance biodiversity, restore watershed health, and improve overall ecosystem function.
• Raise funds as necessary to design and construct projects. Manage complex budgets with multiple funding sources.
• Develop and manage contracts with engineering consultants and contractors to design and construct restoration projects.
• Write grant proposals to local, state, and federal agencies, as well as foundations.
• Manage grant application and reporting requirements.
• Monitor project results, including water quality changes and fish usage of improved habitats
• Represent Trout Unlimited staff on local committees or stakeholder groups.
• Attend Trout Unlimited chapter and council functions where appropriate.
• Advocate for fish-friendly water management.
This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Minimum of an undergraduate degree in biology, ecology, hydrology, engineering, or a related field.
• Four years of relevant experience in watershed restoration, fisheries biology, environmental policy, or similar field.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Professional experience working with landowners, resource managers, and other interested parties in a collaborative setting.
• Familiarity with regenerative agriculture principles and practices and ability to implement these strategies in coordination with partners.
• Experience with grant writing.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to problem solve and think creatively to achieve a conservation mission.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability and willingness to travel. Valid driver’s license and vehicle are required. 4x4 vehicle is beneficial.
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 to $63,000 annually.
At TU, we value diversity, and we actively seek candidates for this position who come from communities that have been historically under-represented in conservation and those who have been most impacted by degraded rivers and streams. We are committed to building space for all people to participate in our work to care for trout and salmon and clean 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 https://www.tu.org/equity/.
HOW TO APPLY
Please provide a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and list of three references to Trout Unlimited via our online job application system. We will begin reviewing applications on January 8, 2024. The position will be open until filled.
TO APPLY CLICK HERE