POSITION PURPOSE/SUMMARY
Grays Harbor Conservation District (District) seeks a Watershed Restoration Project Manager to manage and implement instream and riparian habitat restoration projects and deliver natural resource planning throughout Grays Harbor County. Project work may involve travel to counties adjoining Grays Harbor, especially Pacific County. The Watershed Restoration Project Manager is an integral member of the Watershed Restoration Program team, a program within the District that includes habitat restoration, engineering and outreach staff as well as a field crew.

The Watershed Restoration Program works with private landowners and partners to restore watershed function and aquatic habitat, improve water quality, build resilience to climate change for communities in floodplains, and educate the community on natural resource concerns within the District boundary. This position will focus on implementation of watershed restoration projects on public and private land, building and maintaining relationships with landowners and local partners, and delivering natural resources technical assistance to a diverse set of landowners to improve fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, and resiliency of our local communities.

This position will manage a project portfolio including 3-5 existing grants (projects) with funding ranging from $10,000 – $400,000. The District is seeking a Project Manager who is passionate about collaborative natural resource conservation and supporting landowners and stakeholders in watershed restoration. A successful candidate will have strong project management skills, knowledge of conservation districts and their mission and be able to work well independently and collaboratively with excellent communication skills. This position will report to the Watershed Restoration Program Manager.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Natural Resource Technical Assistance

• Provide site visits and technical assistance to landowners about topics such as noxious weed management, stream and wetland best management practices, erosion management, native plant recommendations, wetland and stream habitat, local codes and regulations, and water quality best management practices.
• Connect landowners with other natural resources specialists, agencies and programs that furnish technical/financial assistance, provide public / private partnership funding and offer other incentive programs.

Project Financial Assistance & Grant Management

• Work with support from the Watershed Program Manager to acquire funding for all phases of watershed restoration projects.
• Negotiate grant agreements and complete project deliverables as required by grant funding guidelines.
• Develop planting plans, invasive species treatment plans, and habitat restoration project maps.
• Write grant proposals in collaboration with the District team and advocate for proposed projects during the selection process to secure funding for priority conservation projects.

Project Implementation

• Implement and manage all phases of multi-year, technically complex watershed restoration projects, including but not limited to: grant writing, design/engineering, permitting, bidding/procurement, budget management, and reporting.
• Accomplish project milestones, reporting requirements, and other required deliverables.
• Develop, create and implement project management plans, risk assessments and critical path analyses to ensure projects meet milestones and objectives.
• Write applications for environmental and construction permits to implement restoration projects.
• Use Microsoft, Smartsheet, ArcGIS or related software to manage projects, collaborate with teams, produce project maps and prepare reports.
• Develop and maintain amicable, professional relationships with partners and contractors during project planning, construction and inspections.
• Lead on-site construction management during project implementation, which includes but is not limited to: construction inspection, facilitation between the project engineer and contractor, and acting as the project’s contract representative.
• Interpret hydraulic and tidal conditions as they relate to project implementation feasibility and permitting requirements.

District Collaboration and Outreach

• Promote strong integration across the District’s Watershed Restoration, Forestry, Agricultural, and Outreach Programs when providing technical assistance to landowners and supporting habitat restoration project implementation.
• Contribute to the development of fact sheets, articles, and other print or web publications related to streams, wetlands, riparian reforestation, and other watershed restoration topics.
• Participate in workshops, tours and educational opportunities as needed.
• Perform work with the highest ethical standards, in accordance with RCWs 42.23.020-070, 42.17, 42.52 and the District personnel policies, providing courteous service.
• Other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in natural resource management, or related fields.
• Minimum three (3) years professional natural resources experience, including demonstrated success in managing conservation programs or projects.
• Demonstrated ability to be an effective member and/or leader of a team.
• Must be a self‐driven and resourceful team player with the proven ability to solve problems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‐paced environment, and work independently.
• Experience managing budgets for large projects or organizations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven successful grant writer.
• Successfully pass a Washington State Patrol background check.
• Ability to work under physically demanding conditions, including cold and wet weather.
• A valid Washington State driver’s license is required.

DESIRED SKILLS

• The capacity to work with diverse individuals and groups and the ability to establish and maintain effective communication among all project partners.
• Experience working directly with rural communities and private landowners.
• Knowledge and experience in environmental construction activities, such as: heavy earthmoving, remedial excavation, habitat restoration, bridges and culverts, access roads, remediation systems, stormwater management, etc.
• Knowledge of the processes required to assess, plan, monitor and report on natural resource best management practice (BMP) implementation.
• Knowledge of natural resource conditions, agricultural practices, and critical area resources in Pacific & Grays Harbor Counties and ecological restoration experience in the Pacific Northwest.
• Knowledge and experience with the Washington State salmon recovery framework including funding sources, policies, networks, and plans.
• Experience managing public works projects and contracts.
• Experience with on-site construction management/inspection.
• Demonstrated ability in coordinating, conducting, and facilitating meetings.
• Strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills.
• Experience with project management software such as Smartsheet.
• High level of literacy in all MS Office applications (Word, Excel are essential).
• Experience using ArcGIS.
• Experience developing, writing, and administering grant applications and projects.
• Knowledge of and experience working with conservation districts is beneficial.

SALARY/BENEFITS

• Starting at *$25.00 – $32.00/hour Depending upon experience. *Based on average of the Washington State Conservation Commission 2019 salary & benefits data spreadsheet
• Paid vacation, holiday and sick leave.
• Grays Harbor Conservation District offers comprehensive health and retirement benefits
  ○ State of Washington Department of Retirement System
  ○ Health Care Authority Public Employees Benefits Board

HOW TO APPLY
Email dmarcell@pacificcd.org with a resume and cover letter before 4:00 pm on May 12th 2023.