JOB: Habitat Restoration Project Manager
Jan. 28th, 2023 - Feb. 28th, 2023
Join our Habitat Restoration Team in Garibaldi, OR
Tillamook Estuaries Partnership (TEP) is seeking a qualified person to implement our tidal wetlands restoration projects, fish passage barrier removals through the Salmon SuperHwy partnership, riparian enhancements (large wood placement, beaver dam analogs, native plant buffers), and more. We have funding in place for several projects with a lot more to come over the next 5-6 years thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. Come help us make transformational change along the Oregon Coast.
Scroll down to read more about the job, the type of person we need to fill the position, and find out how to apply.
Job Description
The Habitat Restoration Project Manager is such an important position; we have two people in this role. The high-level objectives of these positions are:
- Assess, conserve, and restore watershed habitats including estuarine, non-estuarine wetland, in-stream, riparian, and upland habitats
- Enhance health of salmonid, shellfish, other aquatic species, and non-aquatic species
Job-specific responsibilities for TEP’s Habitat Restoration Project Managers 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).
- Manage all aspects of habitat restoration projects including landowner contacts, partnership building, project development, permitting, budgets, workplans, timelines, data management, reporting, and equipment maintenance. This position will likely inherit the Sitka Sedge project (~68 acre wetlands reconnection) and an ongoing Salmon SuperHwy fish passage barrier removal (culvert upgrade) project, while working to develop new projects.
- Develop 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
- Support and/or conduct pre- and post-project monitoring
- Collaborate with TEP communication staff on stakeholder engagement (e.g. community meetings, project websites, outreach materials)
- Participate on TEP Coho Strategic Action Plan (SAP) Team to implement priority restoration projects such as Large Woody Debris (LWDs) placements, Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs), etc. within the Tillamook Bay Watershed: scope projects, implement landowner agreements, conduct pre- and post-project monitoring, submit grants (fundraising), manage awarded contracts and grants, provide outreach content/
- Participate in TEP- and partner-led technical advisory committees and working groups (e.g. Hebo Stewardship Working Group, OR Central Coast Estuary Collaborative, Pacific Marine & Estuarine Partnership)
In order to contribute to the success of TEP as an organization, Habitat Restoration Project Managers will have the following general responsibilities:
- 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 restoration achievements through reports, quarterly newsletters, website content, and social media postings
- Participate in TEP fundraising efforts
- Any other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications/Requirements (Job Specific)
- Five 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 Experience (Job Specific)
- Demonstrated success in grant writing
- Experience related to culvert replacements, riparian restoration, or tidegate 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
Preferred Attributes (General)
- Work harmoniously with others and effectively complete tasks in an open office environment
- Interact with staff, Board Members, and public with a high level of professionalism
- Effective communications (e.g. respectful and courteous in all verbal and non-verbal communications)
- Creative and self-motivated
- Willing to carry out tasks and respond to situations as they arise with minimal supervision
- Demonstrates a concern for effectiveness (e.g. proactively analyze current procedures and offer suggestions for possible improvements)
- Works in an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable manner
- Displays a positive attitude toward and enthusiasm for functioning as a part of a high-performance team
Work Environment
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.
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 Habitat Restoration Project Manager 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. The hybrid option will be discussed with the successful candidate upon hire.
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 Manager 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.
TEP’s office is located in the Port of Garibaldi. If you rely on public transportation, note that buses do not come directly into the Port of Garibaldi and that walking to the TEP office from the nearest stop through the Port and over railroad tracks is required.
Travel during work hours will frequently be >100 miles per month. TEP currently has only one vehicle, which is located at its nursery and is typically reserved for nursery-related transportation. Employees must use their personal vehicles for most other company-related travel. 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.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $45,000 - $58,600. 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 by email:
- A resume,
- A statement of qualifications and interest, and
- Three professional references.
The statement of qualifications should describe the applicant’s relevant experience and interest in the position. The statement should not exceed two full, single spaced pages. Applicant contact information must include mailing address, phone number, and email address. Professional references must include names, email addresses, and phone numbers.
Please email application materials to Dr. Kristi Foster, Executive Director at kristi@tbnep.org. Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm (Pacific Time), Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
TEP will review applications in early March. 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. We hope to make our selection and offer of employment by the end of March. The preferred start date for this position is May 1, 2023; 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 race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex in administration of its programs or activities, and, TEP does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in actions protected, or oppose action prohibited, by State of Oregon and Federal civil rights and non-discrimination laws, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights.