Piscataquis River Project Manager

Overview: The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF), in close partnership with The Nature Conservancy in Maine (TNC) and the Penobscot River Restoration Trust (PRRT), is seeking a Piscataquis River Project Manager to oversee and manage the development and implementation of complex river and stream restoration projects within the Piscataquis River watershed in central Maine. The position will report to the Vice President of U.S. Operations at ASF and will work closely with other ASF staff in both the U.S. and Canada, as well as with TNC and PRRT. The position will ideally be based out of a home-based office located within the Penobscot River watershed and within proximity to the Piscataquis River. The position will also have office space available at the ASF and TNC offices in Brunswick, Maine. This is a full-time, grant-funded contract position with funding available for three years.

Essential Functions: The Piscataquis River Project Manager will manage all facets of habitat restoration and fish passage projects from project identification and development through construction and monitoring. The right candidate will have demonstrated construction management and project management experience with large, complex projects, as well as a successful history of community engagement and group facilitation. The position will work in close collaboration with other ASF staff, TNC, and PRRT and will engage and coordinate with a broad range of public and private partners to manage the development and implementation of priority river restoration projects that address barriers to aquatic organism passage and community needs, such as flood-risk and resilience. These projects will be focused on mainstem dam removal, but may also include road-stream crossings, nature-like fishways, and floodplain restoration. 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.

Responsibilities & Scope

• Provide construction management and oversight.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously in varying stages and timelines.
• Be a visible and respected presence in the Piscataquis River watershed and a regular presence at stakeholder meetings that may occur days, nights, and weekends.
• Solicit, secure, and manage contracts with consultants, engineers, and construction companies.
• Work with local, state, and federal permitting authorities to secure and comply with required permits.
• Manage a budget to complete projects, negotiate and contract with vendors, and assist with budget development.
• Support grant writing and reporting.
• Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
• Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Be ready to safely work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

Required Qualifications Skills, and Abilities

BA/BS degree and at least 8 years of experience in project management, construction management, civil or environmental engineering, or environmental and natural resources management. The ability to be innovative, flexible, and empathetic, with a strong desire to do what it takes to get the job done.

Experience in the following areas:

• Construction management and ability to work with engineers, contractors, and construction firms.
• Management and details of constructed habitat restoration projects.
• Facilitating community meetings and addressing community needs/concerns.
• Environmental permitting, regulations, and compliance.
• Designing, negotiating, and managing contractual agreements.
• Coordination of multiple projects with several variables, setting realistic deadlines, managing timeframes, and completing tasks.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• 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).

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, aquatic ecosystem restoration and conservation, fisheries, and environmental and natural resources management, as well as understanding of the biology and ecology of Atlantic salmon and other sea-run fish species.
• Specialization in freshwater aquatic habitat restoration, freshwater ecology, and/or fisheries restoration.
• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.