Coastal Restoration and Stewardship Project Manager

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Summary of Position:

As a core member of the MRT Coastal Conservation Team, the Coastal Restoration and Stewardship Project Manager leads all aspects of planning and implementation of restoration projects on MRT-owned properties located throughout our coastal service area between Reedsport and Lincoln City. These projects are carried out across a wide variety of geographic locations and habitats, including in-stream, riparian forest, wetland, grassland, upland forest, and coastal/tidal estuary. The Coastal Restoration and Stewardship Project Manager will also work with partner organizations on collaborative restoration projects, including on MRT-held conservation easement sites, partner projects on private lands, publicly managed lands, and Tribal lands.

The Coastal Restoration and Stewardship Project Manager will also engage in general stewardship duties, including the day-to-day management of Trust properties, monitoring conservation easements, assisting with the stewardship evaluation of new projects for the Trust, and public outreach about our work.

This position will simultaneously manage complex multi-million-dollar budgets and permits for multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment. The ideal candidate will have experience implementing large-scale in-stream and floodplain restoration projects; a broad knowledge of native vegetation, fluvial geomorphology, fisheries, and community ecology; strong financial management skills including contracting, and experience with risk management. The percentage of time between restoration and stewardship duties will shift from year to year, depending on the land portfolio’s needs.

Application Instructions

Please prepare a resume and cover letter describing your interest addressed to Eli Tome, Director of Conservation. Send your letter and resume, combined into one PDF no longer than 3 pages total, via email to jobs@mckenzieriver.org with Coastal Restoration and Stewardship Projects Manager in the subject line of your email. Applicants’ materials are redacted for personal information to reduce the potential of bias by hiring managers.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. McKenzie River Trust is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Hiring Timeline and Process

This position will be open until filled, initially posted on February 24, 2023. The first review of applicants will begin on March 17, 2023; a second review will begin on April 5, 2023. MRT typically conducts a remote interview first via zoom, a potential second interview, a writing exercise, and then a final meet and greet with the Conservation Team staff in person, before a formal offer is given. The MRT hiring process can take up to two months, the Operations Manager will keep applicants informed of the process throughout.

Position Title: Coastal Restoration and Stewardship Projects Manager

Location: Florence, OR area

Reports to: Director of Conservation

Status: Full-time, exempt

Compensation: Annual Salary of $55,000-$60,000/year DOE

Benefits: health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance. MRT offers a competitive PTO package starting at 3 weeks paid vacation, 2 weeks of paid sick leave, and 10 floating holidays per year. MRT offers a Simple IRA retirement benefit with up to a 3% employer match contribution.

Organizational Background:

Since 1989, the McKenzie River Trust (MRT) has helped people protect and care for the lands and rivers they cherish in western Oregon. From the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, MRT envisions a future in which conservation lands are at the core of community efforts to sustain clean water, abundant fish and wildlife, and diverse natural resource economies. We work at the intersection of ecological systems and human community needs to ensure the health of both in the face of changes in climate and land use. MRT protects over 7,000 acres of land through purchase and conservation easement. Grounded in science, we work collaboratively to heal, restore, and enhance regionally important natural systems, and connect people to places they care about. MRT is based in Eugene, and in 2021 we opened our first field office in Newport on the central Oregon coast.

Key Responsibilities:

RESTORATION PROJECT MANAGEMENT (45% FTE)

Works collaboratively with Trust partners throughout our coastal service area to design, plan and implement large-scale restoration projects. Restoration efforts include upland forest, tidal marsh, floodplain, and instream approaches, including valley-scale, process-based (Stage 0 – 8) project types.
Collaborates with tribal partners in the implementation of regional projects.
Supervises construction of restoration projects and special projects of the Trust, sometimes including recreation infrastructure (boat ramps, trails, etc.)
Develops and manages multi-year project budgets and scopes of work.
Creates project plans identifying restoration and conservation alternatives, including timelines, project budgets, and approaches to procurement.
Secures funding and partners for restoration projects by writing grants, developing contracts, and working closely with fundraising staff
Prepares reports for funding and permitting agencies.
Prepares contract requests (scopes of work); schedules and coordinates contractors and work crews; secures necessary permits for restoration projects; and ensures satisfactory completion of contractor deliverables.
Oversees field staff, volunteers and contractors for site prep, vegetation planting and maintenance, weed management, earth work, and other techniques to restore and enhance fish and wildlife habitats.
Participates in tours, workshops, and presentations for diverse groups including funders, partners, donors, board members, students, and the general public.
Operates, maintains, and trains others on equipment owned by the Trust, including but not limited to an 85hp tractor, 200 series Bobcat, 1-ton pick-up truck, ATV, drift boat, herbicide spray trailer, chainsaw, weed eaters and other tools commonly used in restoration projects in the field in inclement weather

LAND AND EASEMENT STEWARDSHIP (20% FTE)

Manages stewardship and property maintenance needs for MRT-owned properties.
Mechanical control of non-native plant species (using various methods: weed-eater, hand tools, tractor, mower, etc.).
Chemical control of invasive plant species: applying herbicides safely and effectively, according to labels, laws, and best practices to achieve restoration objectives.
Safely operates and maintains any Stewardship machinery (ATV, spray trailer, weed-eater, chainsaw, tractor, and skid-steer), hand tools, data-gathering technology, and other equipment.
Assists MRT staff by overseeing volunteers, interns, work crews, contractors, and seasonal staff as delegated.
Manages public access facilities as assigned.
When possible, plans for, provides or develops access to MRT properties for cultural access and restoration.
Monitors conditions of lands protected with conservation easements, provides landowner assistance, and facilitates positive landowner relations.
Records information from monitoring visits in Salesforce LOCATE app on mobile phone or tablet from the field.

INTERNAL ORGANIZATION SUPPORT AND EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (20% FTE)

Accurately records and enters relevant data into Salesforce LOCATE Database.
Supports MRT’s community outreach events and natural history tours.
Collects field observations and high-quality photos for reporting, communications, and member outreach.
Follows MRT’s policies and procedures and supports and participates in MRT’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) training and efforts.
Participates in organizational planning efforts including strategic planning and work plans.
Supports community engagement programs by providing oversight to volunteers, interns, work crews, contractors, and seasonal staff as delegated.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITIES (15% FTE)

Completes expense reports; collects, reviews, and submits invoices for payment; records and accurately codes working hours and mileage reports.
Actively participates in teams, all-staff meetings and trainings, and participates in MRT staff committees as directed.
Manages budgets and work plans for properties and projects in collaboration with Director of Conservation and Director of Finance and Operations.
Collaborates in grant writing and fundraising efforts as directed for projects.
Engages in risk management for the restoration program with MRT’s management team through contracting policies and procedures.
Accepts other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Working knowledge of the flora, fauna, and hydrology of the region, with the ability to inventory and assess fish, wildlife and plant communities, treat invasive species, and develop restoration and management plan recommendations.
Experience in land management practices, floodplain restoration and reforestation techniques, and the ability to work with a diverse set of partners (e.g. farmers, engineers, construction workers, and researchers). Management of publicly accessible sites a plus.
A working knowledge of state and federal habitat conservation programs, policies, and laws. Demonstrated experience with various state and federal regulatory requirements as they relate to habitat restoration and enhancement.
Experience managing multiple, complex projects simultaneously.
Project management skills including knowledge of and experience with contract development and oversight, project planning, budgeting, and permitting.
Experience with the application of herbicides safely and effectively, according to labels, laws, and best practices.
Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends
Ability to lift 50 lbs. and work in a bent-over/kneeling/sitting position for long periods of time.
Ability to walk a minimum of one mile over rough terrain, navigate in remote areas, and work independently under physically demanding conditions, including inclement weather.
Competent with standard computer software, including MS Word, MS Excel, ESRI ArcView, internet and email.
Valid insurable driver’s license.
Sufficient skills in GPS, Collector or Survey 123, and GIS (ArcMap) to record documents and illustrate the information.
Experience working with field-based monitoring and data management techniques.
Solid technical writing ability.
Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Ability and experience managing federal funding contracts.
Knowledge of the Stream Evolution Model and Stage Based Restoration

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

The Coastal Restoration and Stewardship Project Manager will work across field sites in western (coastal) Lane County, Lincoln County, and Douglas County and from an office based in the vicinity of Florence, Oregon, and/or an office based in Newport, Oregon. Many tasks will require significant physical exertion, being outdoors in all weather conditions and on difficult and sometimes hazardous terrain. Some occasional weekend and/or evening work will be necessary. MRT’s coastal service area includes the lands west of the Coast Range summit, throughout our coastal service area in Lincoln, Lane, and Douglas Counties (between Reedsport and Lincoln City). Travel throughout this service area will be a regular course of business, and regular, but less frequent trips to MRT’s Eugene headquarters will be required. MRT offers mileage reimbursement at State Government rates for personal vehicle use and has a small fleet of vehicles that at times may be available. This position will be required to tow large equipment on MRT trailers on occasion, transporting skid steer and other large equipment between MRT-managed properties (training will be provided).

The McKenzie River Trust is committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and providing equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the organization. The McKenzie River Trust maintains its status as an at-will employer.

On Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice:

For over 30 years, the McKenzie River Trust (MRT) has pursued our mission by focusing on habitat diversity and health, river dynamism, and wild landscapes. But we need to more explicitly acknowledge that people and communities have been and continue to be part of these ecosystems, and that the helping people part of our mission compels us to ensure that our work benefits and engages all people, not just some. Bringing DEIJ values to bear in our work will support us in maintaining the landscape-scale vision required to address climate resilience and community resilience as we work to maintain the ecological integrity of western Oregon’s landscapes. In March 2022 MRT created a DEIJ Action Plan (2022-2025) as one of many steppingstones along our organization’s journey. We have work to do. We encourage all candidates, particularly those with diverse backgrounds in culture, education, and professional experience, to apply for this position and help us with that work.