Northern Front Range Project Manager (Remote)

Trout Unlimited seeks to hire a self-motivated and competent person to identify, plan, and implement projects to benefit wild and native fish populations in Colorado’s Northern Front Range. The position will primarily support post-fire watershed restoration efforts in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. The position will also develop and implement other restoration projects across the Northern Front Range. Projects will include the removal of barriers for fish and aquatic organisms, infrastructure improvements, water quality assessments, and implementing form and process-based stream restoration at a watershed scale. The project manager will work cooperatively with partners of 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 produce positive outcomes for coldwater fisheries.

Competitive candidates for this position must demonstrate strong project management skills. Preference will be given to candidates with an understanding of fluvial restoration and morphology, hydrology and ecology, environmental engineering, and Northern Front Range watersheds and partnerships. This position will work directly with the U.S. Forest Service, municipalities and utilities, watershed coalitions and collaboratives, engineering firms, Trout Unlimited grassroots volunteers, and local stakeholder groups 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 on Colorado’s Front Range.

Requirements

• Develop post-fire restoration projects in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, concentrating on the Cameron Peak, East Troublesome, and Williams Fork fires;
• Conduct analytical field sampling to guide project approach and quantify project outcomes;
• Develop relationships with water users, as well as local, state, and federal agency staff;
• Work closely with partners to implement projects that benefit aquatic resources and fish populations;
• Partner with local TU Chapter to implement diversion infrastructure updates at up to seven major headings along South Boulder Creek;
• Partner with local TU Chapter to conduct necessary state and federal compliance permitting steps to update aging agricultural infrastructure;
• Write grant proposals to local, state, and federal agencies, as well as foundations and manage grant reporting requirements. Successful grants will fund design and construction projects to advance post-fire watershed recovery and infrastructure updates at major agricultural headings;
• Develop and manage contracts with engineering consultants and contractors to design and construct restoration projects;
• Manage complex budgets with multiple funding sources;
• Represent Trout Unlimited staff on local committees or stakeholder groups;
• Attend Trout Unlimited chapter and council functions;
• Advocate for resilient and multi-use water management.

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

Desired Qualifications

• Minimum of a graduate degree in biology, ecology, hydrology, engineering, or a related field, or five years of relevant experience in watershed restoration, fluvial geomorphology or hydrology, fisheries biology, or a related field;
• Experience working in post-fire landscapes and implementing projects to reduce impacts from wildfires;
• Familiarity with state and federal permitting requirements;
• Experience with the utility and function of agricultural diversions, their potential impact on in-stream flows, and engineering BMPs to mitigate resource impacts;
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills;
• Professional experience working with federal and state resource managers and other interested parties in a collaborative setting;
• 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. A valid driver’s license and vehicle are required. 4×4 vehicles are beneficial for accessing remote project sites.