North Carolina Project Manager

Trout Unlimited’s Southern Appalachian program continues to expand its impact in Western North Carolina. Work there supports native and wild trout conservation projects, primarily within Pisgah National Forest and Nantahala National Forest. As a key partner, Trout Unlimited staff are overseeing several projects across the state. These include multiple road-stream crossing replacements, implementation of Watershed Restoration Action Plans, reducing road runoff impacts, restoring riparian vegetation, and strategic wood loading for habitat enhancement. 

To advance and grow this work, TU is hiring a North Carolina Project Manager. This person will assist in identifying, prioritizing, planning and implementing projects to improve fish passage, benefit streamflow, restore habitat, and improve water quality in watersheds heavily impacted by historical forestry practices and modern land-use issues. This position will have the opportunity to work directly with regional Project Managers and Stream Restoration Specialists to enhance their stream restoration knowledge and project management skillset. Time will be split between field and office duties. Field work may include collecting data, working with volunteers and project implementation oversight. Office tasks may include financial management, grant writing, reporting, and attendance of partnership meetings. Regional projects are carried out in close collaboration with federal, state, non-profit, consulting, contracting and volunteer partners. Competitive candidates for the Project Manger role must demonstrate strong project management skills. Preference will be given to candidates with background and experience in construction management, stream restoration, natural sciences, and/or partnership building. Candidates must demonstrate a strong ability to work cooperatively with diverse project partners and stakeholders. The ability to effectively advocate for desirable outcomes for coldwater fisheries is also required.

Work requires frequent local and occasional overnight travel for meetings and field work, and as part of TU’s Southern Appalachians team, there will be opportunities to assist TU conservation efforts in adjacent states. This position will be based remotely but ideally, within one hour of Asheville, NC. The North Carolina Project Manager will report directly to the Southern Appalachians Program Director.

 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.

• 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. 

Desired Qualifications 

• 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.

Work may at times be physically demanding. May require walking and maintaining balance on slippery surfaces and sloping, highly uneven stream banks, and in conditions of moderate streamflow. It also may require lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying field equipment over long distances.

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 position is within TU’s Restoration career track. Applicants will be considered for Project Manager I or II classification, and the salary range is $50,825–73,055. Title and compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s qualifications and experience level, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

We are committed to building space for all people to participate in our work to care for trout, salmon and 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.