Hiring Now: Habitat Restoration Project Manager

We’re looking for a Habitat Restoration Project Manager 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 the 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 on TEP, the job description, and how to apply.

 

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 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?

The Habitat Restoration Project Manager’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, Non-Estuarine Wetland, In-Stream, Riparian, and Upland Habitats
• Enhance Health of Salmonid, Shellfish, Other Aquatic Species, and Non-Aquatic Species Stocks

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
• 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).
• Development of a diverse portfolio of projects to improve habitat quality and better sustain wildlife populations that depend on these habitats (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

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, quality assurance programs, reporting, and equipment maintenance
• 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)

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 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

• Five years of post-baccalaureate experience related to habitat enhancement and restoration project management (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 and estuarine 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, 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 is able to 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 Manager 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.  Public transportation to the Port of Tillamook is limited and may not coincide with the work hours required for this position.  Getting between the nursery and the nearest bus stop requires moving approx. 0.4 miles through the Port (most sections of roadway do not have sidewalks).  Traffic can be heavy at times with commercial semi-, delivery, and logging trucks and passenger vehicles.

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 Manager 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.

This 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 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 Manager 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 <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 $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: $1,250 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.  Examples of relevant experience include developing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), contractor selection, permitting, contract/contractor management, restoration project implementation, budget development and tracking, grant writing and reporting, landowner contacts and agreements, etc.
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).
4. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve our analytics and reach, we’d greatly appreciate it if you could share with us how you learned about this job opportunity.

Please email application materials to info@tbnep.org with the subject line, “Habitat Restoration Project Manager Application Materials.” Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm (Pacific Time), Tuesday, October 15, 2024.   Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

TEP will review applications by the end of October.  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 December 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