North Carolina Project Manager

Trout Unlimited•Asheville, NC

3d•$50,825 - $73,055•Remote

About The Position

Trout Unlimited's Southern Appalachian program is expanding its conservation efforts in Western North Carolina, focusing on native and wild trout conservation projects within Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. This role will support various projects including road-stream crossing replacements, watershed restoration, runoff reduction, riparian vegetation restoration, and habitat enhancement. The North Carolina Project Manager will be instrumental in identifying, planning, and implementing projects to improve fish passage, streamflow, habitat, and water quality in watersheds affected by historical forestry and modern land-use issues. This position offers opportunities to collaborate with experienced professionals, enhancing project management and stream restoration skills. The role involves a mix of field and office duties, including data collection, volunteer coordination, project oversight, financial management, grant writing, reporting, and attending partnership meetings. The position requires close collaboration with a diverse range of partners at federal, state, non-profit, consulting, contracting, and volunteer levels. Strong project management skills, experience in construction management, stream restoration, natural sciences, and partnership building are highly valued. The ability to work cooperatively with diverse partners and advocate for coldwater fisheries is essential. The role involves frequent local travel and occasional overnight stays, with potential to assist conservation efforts in adjacent states. This is a remote position, ideally located within one hour of Asheville, NC, reporting to the Southern Appalachians Program Director.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in conservation project management.
A working knowledge of principles and practices of fisheries, aquatic resource management, geomorphology, or restoration design and engineering.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Outstanding interpersonal and written communication skills.
Familiarity with federal and state laws and regulations as they pertain to instream and riparian work.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while also being a proactive team player committed to achieving conservation goals.
Self-motivated with the ability to solve problems and think critically and creatively.
Experience with grant writing, grant management or other fundraising activities.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
Ability and willingness to travel.
Willingness to work at project sites in remote areas.
Valid driver’s license required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a related field.
Experience using survey equipment (e.g., total stations and survey rods).
Knowledge of principles that guide aquatic organism passage projects.
Experience with various aspects of stream restoration (e.g., road-stream crossing replacements, road decommissioning, streambank stabilization, and habitat enhancement).
Understanding of the procurement process to hire outside consultants and contractors.
Experience interpreting engineering design plans and specifications.
Construction oversight experience (e.g., being on site during active construction/implementation, familiarity with typical phases of construction, and communication with construction contractors).
Experience with GIS software.
Inquisitive mindset and a willingness to seek out answers to both improve projects and their own skillset.

Responsibilities

Collaborate closely with partners, including federal, state and local government agencies, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and volunteer groups.
With additional staff oversight, identify, develop, and implement restoration projects, focusing on the rehabilitation and enhancement of habitat for native Brook Trout and other aquatic species.
Take part in identifying funding sources, preparing budgets and proposals, and obtaining funding for habitat restoration projects.
Assist with permitting.
Assist with geomorphic surveys to collect data for road-stream crossing replacement and habitat restoration projects.
Communicate project information and successes to a variety of audiences.
Work with TU chapters and other volunteer groups to engage them in project work.
Follow all TU policies regarding federal and state grant compliance, including procurement processes.
Serve as a TU representative for state-based, professional groups and partnerships.
Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.