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POSITION DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT: Colorado Conservation – Western Water and Habitat Program

REPORTS TO:  Colorado Restoration Manager

POSITION TYPE/HOURS:  full time/40 hours per week

DATE POSTED:  07/30/2024

POSITION SUMMARY

Trout Unlimited seeks to hire a self-motivated and competent person to identify, plan, and implement projects to benefit aquatic resources and native and wild fish population in the headwaters of the Colorado River.  Approximately 60% of the position will support post-fire watershed restoration efforts in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. The position will also develop and implement other projects in the Colorado headwaters including removal of fish barriers, irrigation improvements, water rights transactions, water conservation efforts, stream restoration, and other cooperative measures that protect or restore fish habitat.  The project manager will work cooperatively with partners with diverse backgrounds and interests.  The project manager will be expected to secure grants and raise funds to cover project costs.  Duties will also include active and effective participation in stakeholder groups to advocate for positive outcomes for coldwater fisheries. 

Competitive candidates for this position will need to demonstrate strong project management skills. Preference will be given to candidates with  experience and an understanding of fluvial restoration and morphology, hydrology, ecology, water rights, working agriculture and partnership-building.  This position will work with the U.S. Forest Service, state agencies, municipalities and utilities, watershed coalitions and collaboratives, engineering firms, local stakeholder groups, and private landowners on projects that mutually benefit stream health and watershed resiliency. Candidate must demonstrate a strong ability to work cooperatively with diverse project partners and stakeholders. The ability to effectively advocate for desirable outcomes for cold water fisheries is also required.

The position will be based in the headwaters of the Colorado River (Summit or Grant County)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop post-fire restoration projects in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, concentrating on the Cameron Peak, East Troublesome, and Williams Fork fires;

• Develop relationships with water users, the agricultural community, and agency staff. 

• Work closely with partners to implement projects that benefit aquatic resources and fish populations.

• Promote and implement farming and ranching practices that enrich soils, enhance biodiversity, restore watershed health, and improve overall ecosystem function.

• Raise funds as necessary to design and construct projects.

• Manage grant application and reporting requirements.   

• Manage complex budgets with multiple funding sources.

• Contract with engineering consultants and contractors to design and construct restoration projects.

• Write grant proposals to local, state, and federal agencies, as well as foundations.

• Monitor project results to quantify project outcomes.

• Represent Trout Unlimited staff on local committees or stakeholder groups.

• Attend Trout Unlimited chapter and council functions where appropriate.

• Advocate for fish-friendly water management. 

This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A B.S or M.S. degree in biology, ecology, hydrology, engineering, or a related field.

• Four years of relevant experience in watershed restoration, fisheries biology, environmental policy, or similar field.

• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.

• Experience working in post-fire landscapes and implementing projects to reduce impacts from wildfires;

• Professional experience working with federal and state resource managers, landowners, and other interested parties in a collaborative setting.

• Familiarity with regenerative agriculture principles and practices and ability to implement these strategies in coordination with partners.

• Experience with grant writing.

• Strong analytical skills.

• Ability to problem solve and think creatively to achieve a conservation mission.

• Strong time-management and organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail.

• Ability and willingness to travel.  Valid driver’s license and vehicle are required.  4x4 vehicle is beneficial.    

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Staff and leadership at TU understand that life outside of work is important to personal health, and we strive to create a healthy and family-friendly atmosphere. This is a full-time position with a generous benefits package. The salary range is $60,000 – $75,000 annually.

At TU, we value diversity, and we actively seek candidates for this position who come from communities that have been historically under-represented in conservation and those who have been most impacted by degraded rivers and streams. We are committed to building space for all people to participate in our work to care for trout and salmon and clean our shared waters.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome you to read more about TU’s equity practice and values https://www.tu.org/equity/.

HOW TO APPLY

Please provide a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and list of three references to Trout Unlimited via our online job application system. We will begin reviewing applications on August 15th, 2024. The position will be open until filled.