NewsBefore applying to this position please read the instructions for applying to understand the implications of the dual job posting and ensure you are applying to the right position (Project Manager and Project Coordinator)
We’re looking for a Habitat Restoration Project Coordinator to join the TEP 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 Trout Unlimited’s Salmon SuperHwy partnership, riparian enhancements (large wood placement, beaver dam analogs, native plant buffers), and more. Come help us make transformational change along the Oregon Coast.
More information is provided below regarding TEP, the job description, and how to apply.
General Job Description
The Habitat Restoration Project Coordinator position is an integral part of Tillamook Estuaries Partnership’s high-performing team. 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.
How does this role support TEP’s mission?
The Habitat Restoration Project Coordinator’s 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, riverine, wetland, stream complexity / large wood, riparian / large-scale planting or similar, and headwaters and forested habitats
- Enhance health of salmonid, shellfish, and other native species habitats
What is this role accountable for?
- Management of existing habitat restoration projects including grant writing, contracting, managing project budgets, on-the-ground oversight, reporting and permitting assistance
- Management 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
- 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).
- Development of a diverse portfolio of projects to improve habitat quality and better sustain wildlife populations that depend on these habitats (as per the CCMP).
- Strengthened relationships with partner organizations and expansion of partnerships with new organizations
- 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 Coordinator 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)
- Work with partners to coordinate the implementation of large wood projects, secure landowner agreements, obtain project estimates, obtain permits, select contractors and execute agreements, conduct daily on-site project oversight, manage budgets, submit project reports, and provide outreach content
- Assist the Program Manager with grant writing and fundraising for small-to-medium projects. These could be for riparian planting, large wood, or fish passage projects
- Participate in TEP’s Coho Strategic Action Plan (SAP) Implementation Team to implement small-scale, priority restoration projects such as large wood 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, and provide outreach content
- Help TEP Staff create ArcGIS maps of past and current TEP restoration projects, monitoring locations, etc., as needed
- Assist TEP Staff with water quality and ecosystem monitoring to learn techniques and applicability for establishing pre-restoration baselines and post-project effectiveness
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, educators, volunteers, and special interest groups
- Represent TEP at meetings, committees, conferences, workshops, and events as needed
- Support TEP- and partner-led water quality, monitoring, nursery, 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
Qualifications for New Hires into Position
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 the Habitat Restoration Project Manager job description prior to holding a similar 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 Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in restoration ecology/engineering, environmental/biological sciences or related discipline
- Work harmoniously with others and effectively complete tasks in an open office environment
- Ability to prioritize tasks to manage multiple projects, adapting as needed to changing priorities, deadlines, and instructions
- Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Adobe or other similar 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
- Working knowledge of federal and state policies and regulations as they pertain to land use and the management of water quality and salmonid habitat
- Familiarity with GIS software, interest in further skills development
- 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
- 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, logistics, report/grant writing 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 can condense that knowledge into forms that are easily understood by partners and the general public
Working Conditions
Work Location (Where & Getting There)
Work shall be performed primarily at TEP’s main office located at 613 Commercial St, Garibaldi, OR 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. (Tillamook County is a small, rural community with bus services, but without Uber or Lyft, and extremely limited taxi service.)
Field Locations – Work spaces in the field may be 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. The Habitat Restoration Project Coordinator may sometimes drive on unpaved, logging roads outside of cellular service, for certain restoration 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.
Nursery – Project work may occasionally be required at TEP’s Native Plant Nursery, located in the Port of Tillamook, adjacent to the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) Camp Tillamook, a minimum-security youth detention facility.
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 Habitat Restoration Project Coordinator may be eligible to work an alternative schedule in order to accommodate personal/family needs. Options include (i) an alternate four 10-hour workdays per week, Tues-Fri; and (ii) an alternate five 8-hour workdays per week, Mon-Fri.
This position is eligible to work a hybrid schedule in accordance with TEP’s Workplace Policies and may 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 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.
Project work at TEP’s Native Plant Nursery, which is located adjacent to a minimum-security youth detention facility, may include engaging with at-risk, incarcerated youth who are under guarded supervision by the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA).
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.
The Habitat Restoration Project Coordinator is expected to follow OYA safety, security, and COVID-19 requirements when at TEP’s native plant nursery. Additional background checks and other safety and security protocols may be required by OYA for projects conducted at the nursery.
Work Travel
Travel during work hours for this position will usually be less than 100 miles per month. TEP currently has only one vehicle, which is typically unavailable for this position.
- TEP reimburses those employees who are pre-approved to drive their personal vehicles during company-related travel, excluding commuting to and from work, at the IRS standard mileage rate.
Reasonable accommodation will be made for employees who do not drive or 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 $58,656 – $69,900 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: $1,250 per year
Application Process
To apply, please submit the following documents as either .pdf or Word files.by email:
- A resume. Applicant’s contact information must include mailing address, phone number, and email address.
- 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. Examples of relevant experience include developing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), contractor selection, permit development, contract/contractor management, restoration project implementation, budget development and tracking, grant writing and reporting, landowner contacts and agreements, etc.
- 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 let us know where you saw the job posting to help us improve our communications.
Please email application materials to info@tbnep.org. Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm (Pacific Time), Friday, December 20, 2024. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
TEP will review applications by early January. 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 February, 2025; 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
