Habitat Restoration Project Manager

Overview: The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) is seeking a Habitat Restoration Project Manager to oversee and manage the development and implementation of aquatic habitat restoration and fish passage projects in Maine’s Atlantic salmon rivers. The position will report to the Vice President of U.S. Operations at ASF and will work closely with other ASF staff in the U.S. and Canada. This is a full-time position that will be based in ASF’s U.S. office in Brunswick, Maine. ASF is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to conserving and restoring wild Atlantic salmon and their ecosystems.

Essential Functions: The Habitat Restoration Project Manager will be responsible for advancing fish passage and habitat restoration projects for the benefit of Atlantic salmon and other sea-run fish species. The right candidate will have demonstrated community engagement and outreach experience and a track record of working successfully with a broad range of public and private partners to advance river restoration and fisheries conservation projects. The position will work with other ASF staff and our partners to identify, develop, and implement priority river restoration projects that address barriers to aquatic organism passage and community needs, such as flood-risk and climate resilience. These projects will include dam removal, nature-like and technical fishway construction, and road-stream crossings replacements. This position will employ a full range of restoration, social, and management expertise to implement complex construction projects in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. They will be the face of ASF in local communities across Maine and they will be innovative, flexible, and empathetic, with a strong desire to do what it takes to get the job done. The position will also work closely with other ASF staff in the U.S. and Canada and will help to secure funding for projects, prepare progress reports to funders, help develop communications materials, and support ASF’s other conservation, science, and advocacy initiatives.

Responsibilities & Scope

• Management of all aspects of habitat restoration projects from feasibility to post-construction monitoring.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously in varying stages and timelines.
• Be a visible and respectful presence in local communities and attend/facilitate meetings that often occur in the evenings and on weekends.
• Build successful partnerships with local municipalities, private landowners, state and federal agencies, tribal governments, and other NGOs.
• Engage with partners and ASF members and affiliate organizations.
• Negotiate agreements with municipalities, companies, and individuals.
• Solicit, secure, and manage contracts and relationships with consultants, engineers, and construction companies.
• Work with local, state, and federal permitting authorities to secure and comply with all required project permits.
• Develop and manage project budgets and support grant writing, management, and reporting.
• Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Perform field work and construction management and oversight in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Oversee volunteers, interns, or temporary staff.
• Be an integral part of the ASF team participating in meetings and interfacing with other departments in the U.S. and Canada.

Required Qualifications Skills, and Abilities

• At least 5 years of professional experience in environmental conservation, ecological restoration, engineering, project management, or a field related to the responsibilities of this position.
• BA/BS degree in biological or natural sciences, civil or environmental engineering and/or natural resource management.
• Experience in the management and details of complex habitat restoration projects.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects with several variables, setting realistic deadlines, managing timeframes, and completing tasks.
• Experience in working with engineering firms and construction contractors.
• Excellent listening and oral and written communications skills
• Experience facilitating community meetings and addressing community needs/concerns.
• Effective communication with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, municipalities, non-profits, private industry, landowners, tribal partners, and the public.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively with partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to work in various environments (virtual, in office, and in the field).
• Experience with grant writing and reporting.

Desired Assets

• Advanced degree in environmental management or science, civil or environmental engineering, construction management, or related field.
• Project Management certification.
• Experience with current trends and practices in ecological restoration and conservation and/or course work in ecology, freshwater ecosystem restoration and conservation, fisheries, and environmental and natural resources management
• Understanding of the biology and ecology of Atlantic salmon and other sea-run fish species.
• Experience negotiating and managing contractual agreements.
• Experience with local, state, and federal environmental permitting and compliance.
• Ability to explain complex technical and scientific information to diverse audiences

To learn more about ASF Visit  our website:

https://asf.ca