Job Type: Permanent
Salary Details: $95,000 starting salary

The Executive Director will direct the functions of the Snake River Salmon Recovery Board (Board) consistent with the direction provided by the SRSRB and consistently with the Snake River Salmon Recovery Plan. This position will provide oversight of the collaborative decision making process and report on accomplishments, communicate and coordinate implementation of recovery projects and programs with myriad partners and communicate with SRSRB members and partners at local, state, federal and Tribal level. This position will also represent the Board at local, state, and federal policy and technical venues. This position will develop budgets for operations and implementation, work to maintain public support and relations, and assume new and changing responsibilities as the position and SRSRB matures and develops. This position must maintain a strong working relationship with National Marine Fisheries Service, Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office, BPA, and other county, state and federal agencies involved with fisheries operation or restoration.
 
The Snake River Salmon Recovery Board (SRSRB) was self-created pursuant to RCW 77.85.030 for the purpose of developing and implementing a salmon recovery plan. The SRSRB is structured as a committee that recommends policies, programs, and funding consistent with the regional recovery plan (2011) to those with the authority to implement the recommendations.

The SRSRB is also the Lead Entity for the Snake River Region. The Lead Entity program was authorized by HB2496 for the purpose of developing a strong, locally based effort to deliver habitat projects for salmon recovery supported by science and local communities. The mission of the Snake River Salmon Recovery Region Lead Entity Collaboratively restore sustainable populations of salmonids and other aquatic species by protecting and restoring habitat consistent with the Washington State Snake River recovery plan.
 
The SRSRB also serves as the Tucannon Habitat Programmatic (Federal Columbia River Power System 2008 Biological Opinion project) implementation lead.
 
The vision statement from Snake River Salmon Recovery Plan for SE Washington (2011) is to:
Develop and maintain a healthy ecosystem that contributes to the rebuilding of key fish populations by providing abundant, productive, and diverse populations of aquatic species that support the social, cultural, and economic well-being of the communities both within and outside the recovery region.
The vision statement includes:

  • Meeting recovery goals established by the National Marine Fisheries Service for listed populations of anadromous fish species and by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for bull trout, 
  • Achieving healthy and harvestable populations of listed species in affected sub basins, and 
  • Realizing these objectives while recognizing that local culture and economies (agriculture, urban development, logging, power production, recreation, and other activities) are beneficial to the health of the human environment within the recovery region.

Essential Functions: 
 
The duties and responsibilities listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and abilities required to meet the expectations of the position.  This position will supervise and work closely with other SRSRB staff, including the Tucannon Habitat Programmatic Coordinator, Project Funding Coordinator, and the Walla Walla Community College Business Services Office, in addition to sub-contractors.

The key responsibilities of this position are to represent the interests and vision of the SRSRB in local, regional, state and federal forums, ensure the responsibilities of the SRSRB are being met, and to facilitate technical and policy information development and exchange. The duties and responsibilities listed below are representative functions of the knowledge, skill and abilities required to meet the expectations of the Director position.

  • Manage functions and responsibilities of SRSRB 
    • Coordinate and communicate with board members, participants and public.
      • Facilitate monthly Board meetings, Executive Committee meetings, etc.
    • Coordination of budgets and contracts and billing with WWCC.
    • Ensure contract deliverables are being met to the RCO.
    • Develop financing plan for operations and implementation.
    • Develop, maintain and manage contracts from RCO and BPA.
    • Supervise staff and contractors, and coordinate with Board partners.
      • Supervise the Tucannon Habitat Programmatic Coordinator, Project Funding Coordinator, coordinate with the WWCC Business Services Office, and make recommendations to the Board for final action on all employee or contractor staff issues.
  • Represent the Board, participate in collaborative decision making processes at local, regional, state and federal level
    • Participate in Council of Regions, Washington Salmon Coalition, SRFB and their committees, Mid-Columbia Steering Committee, Columbia Basin Collaborative, Snake River ESU Committees, Northwest Power and Conservation Council, NOAA BiOp, Fish and Wildlife Commission, Walla Walla Water 2050 Initiative, Watershed Planning, and other community and legislative arenas as directed by the Board.
    • Assist with development of the bi-annual State of Salmon report, 5-year stock status assessments, BPA Expert Panel process, recovery plan updates, and reports to NOAA.
  • Coordinate and facilitate the Regional Technical Team, and provide general technical review and input for myriad processes 
    • Facilitate regional technical review and input for projects (SRFB, NWPCC, USACOE, etc.).
    • Facilitate technical review and provide input (BiOp, NWPCC, Mid-C rollup, etc.).
    • Participate in and coordinate with local technical issues (Asotin Intensively Monitored Watershed, Mill Creek Work Group, etc.).
    • Facilitate coordination of monitoring and adaptive management.
    • Assist with coordination and management of the Asotin IMW.
    • This position will also serve as the Chair of the Regional Technical Team until such time as the RTT appoints a chairperson.

Competencies

  • Strong background knowledge in natural resources management, agricultural/environmental issues, applied fluvial geomorphic process, best management practices, and conservation principles.
  • Knowledge of salmon recovery policies, programs, and maintaining working relationship with Tribes, agencies, local governments, and stakeholders.
  • Ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholder groups and to communicate effectively, work with public, private landowners, staff, and others in a professional manner.
  • Ability to present controversial and/or technically advanced concepts to a variety of audiences with professionalism and a focus on problem-solving.
  • Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing, with technical writing skills and/or experience in grant writing.
  • Knowledge of office procedures, methods and policies, including proficiency with computer programs including; word processing, spreadsheet/data management, desktop publishing, and presentation software.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule.

Qualifications: 

  • Master’s degree or equivalent work experience in natural resource management or similar discipline. 
  • Five years of applied policy-level leadership experience.  
  • Valid driver’s license required.  
  • Must have the ability to attend meetings and workshops outside of regular work hours.

HOW TO APPLY

Click this link and follow instructions to apply: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wwcc/jobs/4041191/executive-director-snake-river-salmon-recovery-board