Habitat Restoration Project Manager Job Announcement

The Columbia River Estuary Study Taskforce (CREST) is a council of governments serving communities in the Columbia Pacific region of Oregon and Washington. CREST is seeking an individual to serve as Habitat Restoration Project Manager. This position is responsible for the development and implementation of habitat restoration projects that focus on recovering juvenile salmon rearing habitat through reconnection of historic tidal floodplain to the Columbia River Estuary. Project types may include culvert removals, dike breaches, tidegate retrofits, wetland channel enhancement, and levee setbacks.

This position works under the supervision of the CREST Habitat Restoration Program Manager and collaborates with other CREST project managers to investigate, develop and implement projects at specific sites. Key responsibilities include restoration project management actions such as project development, landowner outreach, funding acquisition, permitting, subcontracting, construction oversight, data management and reporting, and communications with partner organizations and agencies.

This position is to be based in either Astoria or Portland, with preference being Astoria. CREST staff are working in remote or hybrid positions and the Project Manager can either work from their home office or CREST office space in Astoria can be provided. This position requires frequent field work across the Columbia River Estuary and variable work hours to oversee project implementation as well as occasional evening meetings with project partners throughout the lower Columbia River and estuary region

Required Experience:

This position requires a broad range of skills relating to designing, permitting, and implementing habitat restoration projects. The applicant must have a deep understanding of ecology specifically wetland and riverine floodplain restoration related to fish passage. Acquiring grant funding is a key component of the job. The following is a mandatory list of experience required for the position:

• Minimum of three (3) years’ direct experience developing and implementing on-the-ground habitat restoration projects.
• Position will be partially grant funded and requires a person experienced with applying for and securing grant funding. Minimum of three (3) years’ experience applying and receiving grant funding.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience applying for and receiving regulatory permits from local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.

Position Details

This is a full-time (40 hours per week), salaried/exempt position requiring ability to communicate clearly in technical writing and public speaking to diverse audiences and ability to manage multiple projects within deadlines. The position requires travel throughout the lower Columbia River and estuary region for regional coordination meetings and field work conducted in all weather conditions. It requires occasionally working long days (greater than 8 hours) and evenings. CREST offers a competitive salary, $54,000 – $68,000 depending on qualifications and an excellent benefit package (medical, dental, vision, deferred compensation).

To Apply

All applicants must submit a CREST Job Application form available on our website, a cover letter detailing why you want the position and how your background and experience meet the skills and qualification requirements, and resume to Paula Gerttula at pgerttula@columbiaestuary.org.

CREST will begin reviewing applications on March 13, 2023.

For more information on the position, please view the official job announcement- CREST Project Manager Job Listing