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Salmon Habitat/Fish Passage Project Manager

Reports To: Executive Director

Direct Reports: Restoration and Culvert Assessment Technicians, Interns, Volunteers

Status: Full-time, non-exempt

Compensation: $28-$36 per hour (DOQ), plus medical, dental, vision, life insurance,

3% Retirement match, 12 holidays, and 3 weeks paid time off years 1 and 2, and 4 weeks years 3+

Work Location: Primarily Snohomish County, Occasionally South Island County and NE King

Position Summary:

We are seeking a motivated, positive, and collaborative person to identify and implement new stream restoration projects from start to completion in the Snohomish and Stillaguamish River Watersheds and the South Island County Watershed. This new position at Sound Salmon Solutions will manage projects such as fish passage assessment and construction, nutrient enhancement, and mainstream, side-channel, and riparian restoration projects. The selected candidate will be responsible for carrying out all aspects of habitat restoration by identifying new opportunities, writing grants and permit applications, supervising technicians, coordinating the procurement of materials, equipment, and contractors, and monitoring and reporting as well as overseeing some existing riparian projects.

Project Manager Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Identify, develop, and pursue funding for salmon habitat restoration projects.

  • Manage the design of restoration projects - coordinate with stakeholders, regulatory personnel, engineers, and other technical disciplines. Review designs and ensure compliance with stakeholder and resource objectives.

  • Implement the techniques and principles of Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration whenever possible.

  • Develop and manage project timelines and budgets in cooperation with the Executive Director, staff, and Board. Ensure projects are on schedule and within budget.

  • Grant management and reporting.

  • Supervision of culvert assessment technicians, restoration technicians, interns, and volunteers

  • Develop scopes of work, conduct competitive bid processes, execute contracts, and supervise subcontractors (engineers, construction contractors, etc.).

  • Construction management and inspection.

  • Acquire all necessary regulatory permits, landowner agreements, utility access, etc.

  • Coordinate fish removals and other project elements with state and federal permits.

  • Coordinate (gather agenda items, set meeting dates, take notes) facilitate, and attend meetings of partners and stakeholders.

Administrative Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Track billable hours, miles traveled, purchases, and other items and report regularly to the finance manager and funding entities.

  • Assist the Financial Manager by providing grant reporting required for invoicing.

  • Participate in Staff meetings and outreach events. Participate in board meetings as needed.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • In-depth knowledge of the riverine environment as it relates to native fish and their habitat requirements.

  • Experience with techniques and principles of fish habitat restoration and Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration.

  • Experience collecting and evaluating ground and surface water information.

  • Experience writing and managing salmon habitat restoration grants.

  • Experience with ArcGIS Pro.

  • Ability to effectively communicate and cooperate with stakeholders including private landowners.

  • Experience managing professional service, construction, and associated contracts.

  • Ability to develop and track project budgets and schedules.

  • Experience with local, state, and federal permitting processes.

  • Proficiency in written and oral communication with diverse audiences.

  • Ability to work effectively alone and in a collaborative environment.

Education/Experience Required:

A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, natural resources, construction management, hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, engineering, or a similar degree, and a minimum of two years of work experience that closely resembles the duties and responsibilities of this position.

Special Requirements:

A valid Washington State driver’s license. A valid First Aid and CPR Certification is preferred and is required if supervising interns or volunteers. (We will arrange class and testing if needed.) A Washington State Patrol background check is required for all personnel working directly with children.

Working Conditions:

Sound Salmon Solutions’ main office is in downtown Mukilteo, WA; however, staff are working hybrid. Remote work could be an option; however, this position is expected to meet frequently with Sound Salmon Solutions staff, project partners, and landowners in our service area. Much of the work is spent on the computer and phone coordinating stakeholders and resources necessary to advance habitat restoration projects. During the field season, from May to October, Project Managers are typically in the field three to five days per week. Work is performed outdoors, in inclement weather, and around dangerous construction equipment. Some projects are in remote and rugged terrain with limited to no cell phone service. This position is expected to be capable of walking small streams, planting trees, and doing physical labor associated with restoration activities.

To Apply:

Please send an electronic version of your cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Mary Brueggeman at mary@soundsalmonsolutions.org.


No phone calls or drop-ins please. 

Sound Salmon Solutions is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.