Habitat Restoration Project Manager

General Job Description

The Habitat Restoration Project Manager is integral to Tillamook Estuaries Partnership’s high-performing team, and its primary objective is to develop and implement the habitat restoration strategies for the organization.

The Habitat Restoration Project Manager’s role accomplishes this objective by executing habitat restoration projects that improve the health and long-term resiliency of the diverse set of habitats, organisms, and ecological processes throughout Tillamook County’s watersheds

How does this role support TEP’s mission?

Job responsibilities center around achieving TEP’s vision and mission. Primary activities shall align with TEP’s habitat restoration overarching goal: Conserve and restore ecological functions of Tillamook County’s estuaries and watersheds to benefit native aquatic and terrestrial species and the communities that depend on them.

The objectives of this position include the following:

• Assess, Conserve, and Restore Watershed Habitats including Estuarine, Non-Estuarine Wetland, In-Stream, Riparian, and to a lesser extent Upland Habitats
• Enhance Health of Salmonid, Shellfish, Other Aquatic Species, and Non-Aquatic Species Stocks

What is the role accountable for?

• Management of existing habitat restoration projects including grant writing, contracting, managing project budgets, on-the-ground oversight, reporting, and permitting assistance
• Development of emerging habitat restoration projects including grant writing, contracting, managing project budgets, on-the-ground oversight, reporting, and permitting assistance
• Strategic planning and program development of Backyard Planting Program
• Strategic planning and program development of Key Native Species Program
• Project communication and outreach with landowners, funders, agencies, local, state, and federal legislators
• Representing TEP on technical teams, partner collaborations, and regional initiatives

How do we measure success?

• Measurable implementation of ecologically sound, science-based restoration solutions that align with TEP’s mission and are directed by the “Key Habitat” Action Plan included in TEP’s (Comprehensive Conservation & Management Plan (CCMP)
• Consistent development of new projects to ensure that TEP is actively involved in habitat improvement that sustains wildlife (CCMP)
• Maintain and strengthen collaboration with existing partner organizations and active development of new partnerships
• Annual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are reviewed by TEP leadership, and all job-related goals are being met
• Annual TEP Workplans are submitted to EPA and all organizational goals are achieved

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• To be effective in this position, job-specific responsibilities of the Habitat Restoration Project Manager may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Work as part of TEP’s team to implement our habitat restoration and water quality improvement programs and, by extension, support TEP’s Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP)
• Implement a variety of project types, which may include large wood placements, riparian plantings, tidal and non-tidal wetland restoration, beaver-focused restoration, fish passage projects, and others
• Manage all aspects of habitat restoration projects including landowner contacts, partnership building, project development, permitting, budgets, workplans, timelines, data management, quality assurance programs, reporting, equipment maintenance, and providing outreach content
• Develop and submit grant applications and manage awarded grants to fund habitat restoration projects
• Develop subcontractor scopes of services and requests for proposals for habitat restoration projects, conduct reviews and selections of proposals, and manage awarded contracts
• Work with monitoring team to develop monitoring needs and support pre- and post-project monitoring
• Collaborate with TEP communication staff on stakeholder engagement (e.g. community meetings, project websites, outreach materials)
• Participate in TEP- and partner-led Strategic Planning processes, technical advisory committees, and working groups (e.g. Tillamook Bay Coho Strategic Action Plan, Hebo Stewardship Working Group, OR Central Coast Estuary Collaborative, Pacific Marine & Estuarine Partnership)

General Responsibilities

In order to contribute to the success of TEP as an organization, the Habitat Restoration Project Manager will need to do the following:

• Support TEP staff, Board of Directors, and partners in the development and implementation of CCMP, 5-year strategies, and annual work plans. Track accomplishments
• Maintain close working relationships with local, state, and federal partners, scientists, and special interest groups
• Represent TEP at meetings, committees, conferences, workshops, and events as needed
• Support TEP- and partner-led water quality, monitoring, education, and engagement programs
• Communicate TEP’s achievements through reports, quarterly newsletters, website content, and social media postings
• Participate in TEP fundraising efforts
• Any other duties as assigned

EMPLOYEE CORE COMPETENCIES

• Technical/Functional Expertise
• Teamwork
• Concern for Accuracy
• Effective Communications
• Concern for Effectiveness
• Accountability

MANAGERIAL CORE COMPETENCIES

Not applicable for this position, though mentoring and team leadership may be required at times

ATTRIBUTES AND REQUIREMENTS

Equity and Diversity – The Right Fit, Rather than a Perfect Fit

Studies have shown that underrepresented people often do not apply for technical jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification or requirement listed in a job description. Conversely, people with identities overrepresented in these fields often do not hesitate to apply for jobs even if they do not meet all stated qualifications. TEP does not expect one person to perfectly fit this job description prior to holding the position for several years. TEP wants the right fit, for both the employee and for TEP. Prior experience may be transferable, even if it is outside what is described herein. Training and professional development is available to TEP employees to help improve skills. Passionate and interested people with the core competencies listed above are encouraged to apply.

Minimum Required

• 3-5 years of post-baccalaureate experience related to habitat enhancement and restoration projects (master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience)
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in restoration ecology/engineering, environmental/biological sciences, civil engineering, or related discipline
• Ability to prioritize tasks to manage multiple projects, adapting as needed to changing priorities, deadlines, and instructions
• Demonstrates a concern for accuracy (e.g. regularly produce accurate, thorough, professional work)
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe or other similar software.
• Familiarity with GIS software
• Reliable transportation to/from TEP’s office (located in the Port of Garibaldi) that does not interfere with the hours required for this position.
• Proof of valid driver’s license and current auto liability insurance required (i) prior to driving any TEP-owned vehicle and (ii) prior to driving any vehicle, including personal vehicle, for TEP-related business during work hours.

Preferred

• Demonstrated success in grant writing
• Experience related to culvert replacements, riparian restoration, and/or tide gate removals
• Familiarity with Pacific Northwest species of flora and fauna
• Familiarity with federal and state policies and regulations as they pertain to land use and the management of water quality and salmonid habitat
• Understands and continuously learns about a broad range of issues related to habitat restoration and living resources and is able to condense that knowledge into forms that are easily understood by partners and the general public
• Experience working with diverse populations, rural communities, and private landowners

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES THROUGHOUT TENURE IN THIS POSITION

• Strong collaboration skills, ability to motivate others, build consensus, and follow-through with group decisions
• Prioritizes tasks to manage projects, adapting as needed to changing priorities, deadlines, and instructions
• Self-motivated and able to carry out tasks and respond to situations as they arise with minimal supervision
• Comfortably works with all age groups and abilities: professionals, incarcerated youth, community members
• Demonstrates a concern for accuracy (e.g. high attention to detail during unit cost analyses, plant pricing, plant allocations and distribution logistics, invoicing, data entry and spreadsheet management)
• Demonstrates a concern for effectiveness (e.g. proactively analyzes current procedures and adapts to changing needs in a timely fashion)
• Effective communications (e.g. respectful and courteous in all verbal and non-verbal communications; considers
• messaging through DEIJ lens)
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior
• Works in an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable manner
• Displays a positive attitude toward and enthusiasm for participating on high-performance teams
• Understands and continuously learns about a broad range of issues related to habitat restoration and living resources and is able to condense that knowledge into forms that are easily understood by partners and the general public

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position is subject to all TEP policies including, but not limited to, those provided in the Employee Handbook,
• Fiscal Policy, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). This position may be subject to periodic background checks during employment.
• Work shall be performed in office and outdoor environments. Work assignments may require walking or standing most of a given day, sitting, keyboarding, bending, pulling, reaching, stooping, climbing, crawling, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and contending with adverse weather conditions requiring special clothing and safety precautions. Walking/hiking may be on uneven surfaces and through rough terrain.
• Some work assignments may require working independently in a remote field setting. The Habitat Restoration Project Manager shall be expected to follow field safety protocols.
• Project work may occasionally be required at TEP’s Native Plant Nursery, which is located adjacent to a minimum-security youth detention facility. The Habitat Restoration Project Coordinator may engage with at-risk, incarcerated youth who are under guarded supervision by the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA). Background checks and other safety and security protocols may be required by OYA.

This document is not intended to be an exhaustive description of this position. TEP management reserves the right to amend and change the content to meet business and organizational needs as necessary

Working Conditions

Work Location (Where & Getting There)

Work shall be performed in office environments and in the field at many different locations (e.g. TEP’s nursery and project sites, schools, restaurants, outdoor education facilities, tabling events, Explore Nature sites, etc.).  Office work will occur at TEP’s main office in Garibaldi, located at 613 Commercial St. Garibaldi, Oregon, 97118.

TEP’s Main Office – Located in the Port of Garibaldi.  Public transportation buses do not come directly into the Port of Garibaldi.  Getting between the TEP office and the nearest stop requires moving approx. 0.4 miles through the Port (some sections of roadway do not have sidewalks) and over railroad tracks.  Traffic can be heavy at times with lumber trucks, recreational fishing boats on trailers, passenger vehicles, and the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad train.

Field Locations –  Work spaces in the field may be indoors, outside under tents, or almost entirely open to the elements.  Must be comfortable working in all weather conditions, year-round throughout Tillamook County, and ready to make adaptive plans for adverse weather. This position may sometimes drive on unpaved, logging roads outside of cellular service, for certain Explore Nature activities.  Will have access to emergency satellite communications and emergency supplies in case of breakdown, but must be prepared and self-reliant to handle these situations.

Work Hours (When)

TEP’s full-time staff typically work four 10-hour days each week, 7:00am – 5:30pm, Mondays through Thursdays.  Evening and weekend work may be required occasionally to support TEP.  The position may be eligible to work an alternative schedule in order to accommodate personal/family needs.  Options include (i) an alternate four 10-hour days workweek, Tues-Fri; and (ii) an alternate five 8-hour days workweek, Mon-Fri.

The position is eligible to work a hybrid schedule in accordance with TEP’s Workplace Policies:  work up to half of the regularly scheduled work hours remotely from a home office.

An alternative work schedule and the hybrid option are each contingent upon workload and job performance, and is at TEP management’s discretion.

Work Environment

Work assignments may require sitting, recording and entering data, typing, bending, stooping, kneeling, pulling, reaching, driving, walking/moving along uneven surfaces and in rough terrain, lifting up to 30 pounds, and occasionally contending with adverse weather conditions requiring special clothing and safety precautions.

Work Rules

This position is subject to all TEP policies including, but not limited to, those provided in the Employee Handbook, Fiscal Policy, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). This position is subject to pre-employment background checks and periodic background checks during employment.

Work Travel

Travel during work hours for this position will usually be <100 miles per month.  TEP currently has only two vehicles, which are typically unavailable for this position.

• TEP reimburses its employees for their personal vehicle usage during company-related travel, excluding commuting to and from work, at the IRS standard mileage rate.
• This position needs to show proof of a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance at the time of hire, and maintain a valid license and insurance for the duration of employment with TEP.

Reasonable accommodation will be made for employees who do not have a personal vehicle, but are required to travel during work hours for TEP-related business.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $51,800 – $69,300 per year, based on a 40-hr week work schedule.   Actual offer of compensation shall be dependent upon experience.  TEP processes payroll on a monthly basis.

This position is eligible for enrollment in TEP’s comprehensive benefits package. Details on benefits can be provided to candidates during the interview process.     An overview of TEP’s current benefits package for full-time employees includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Health Insurance (TEP pays 100% for employee, 80% for spouse and dependent children)
• Retirement Program – TEP contributes an additional 7% of the employee’s salary into a 401k, with tiered vesting structure based on years of employment with TEP; employee may also contribute to 401k)
• Holidays – 10 federal holidays plus 2 floating holidays
• Vacation – Approx 10.5 days per year (accrual system to be explained upon hire)
• Professional development/training budget: $1250 per year

Application Process:

To apply, please submit the following documents as either .pdf or Word files.by email:

1. A resume.  Applicant’s contact information must include mailing address, phone number, and email address.
2. A statement of qualifications and interest.  The statement of qualifications should describe the applicant’s relevant experience and interest in the position and should not exceed two full, single spaced pages.
3. Three professional references.  Each reference must include the person’s name, email address, phone number (if within this United States), and the person’s affiliation (how you know the person, based on your resume).

Please email application materials to the Hiring Commite at info@tbnep.org. Please put “Habitat Restoration Project Manager Application Materials” as your email subject line and include how you heard about the job in your email.

Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm (Pacific Time), Thursday, August 29, 2024.   Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

TEP will review applications in early September.  All applicants will be contacted by email and advised whether or not they are proceeding to the interview phase of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted in person or via Zoom, depending on the applicant’s location.  The preferred start date for this position is about November 1, 2024; the exact date shall be agreed upon by the successful candidate and TEP.

Tillamook Estuaries Partnership is an equal opportunity employer.  TEP does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, creed, color, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran or military status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, application for workers’ compensation benefits, use of statutory protected leave, or any other characteristic or status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws in the administration of its programs or activities.  TEP does not harass, intimidate, or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in actions protected, or oppose actions prohibited, by State of Oregon and Federal civil rights and non-discrimination laws, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights