Habitat Restoration Manager

Join a growing team that is planning and implementing habitat restoration projects at Riverkeeper, New York’s premiere champion of the Hudson River and its watershed. This opportunity is a hands-on position that will work on impactful habitat restoration projects in the Hudson Valley with a focus on riparian, riverine and estuarine restoration.

Background

Established in 1966, Riverkeeper protects and restores the Hudson River and the creatures that depend upon it from source to sea and safeguards drinking water supplies, through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science and law. For more information, visit www.riverkeeper.org

Duties & Responsibilities

We are seeking a Habitat Restoration Manager that will partner with the Senior Habitat Restoration Manager in initiating, planning, and restoring aquatic habitat throughout the Hudson River Valley. Part of this work will include managing active dam removal projects. This work includes identifying project opportunities, reaching out to stakeholders, educating communities on restoration benefits, securing funding and managing the various stages of each restoration project. Additionally, there are a range of other activities that include research, planning, sampling design, field sampling, field monitoring, outreach, data presentation, and other activities related to improving habitat.

Specific duties and responsibilities include:

• Help envision, build, and implement strategies focused on removing dams restoring fish passage and furthering habitat restoration opportunities;
• Conduct competent field assessments, monitoring, data collection, and habitat evaluation;
• Build and maintain key relationships with NYSDEC, local governments, engineers and vendors, dam owners, and other stakeholders;
• Create community awareness and generate support for the removal of obsolete dams throughout the Hudson watershed;
• Map unlisted dams/barriers into database;
• Work with the NYSDEC and other partners to restore tributary connectivity and improved fish passage;
• Organize tree plantings, invasive plant removals, and other habitat restoration activities;
• Assist in relicensing active and newly proposed hydropower projects to reduce harmful ecological impacts;
• Create, develop, and enhance methodology to collect field data;
• Conduct scientific research, analyze data, present results, and write reports as needed;
• Communicate successful restoration activities to a wide range of audiences;
• Manage projects from conception through completion, including: scout new opportunities, collaborate with the Development team on fundraising proposals, identify and work with vendors, partners and other key stakeholders, manage project budgets and report on key outcomes;
• Attend and speak at meetings pertaining to habitat restoration and fisheries
• Attend related conferences as needed;
• Work with Senior Habitat Restoration Manager on annual department budget, in consultation with Vice President of Boat and Patrol.

The listed responsibilities are intended to describe the essential functions of the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.

Qualifications

Research shows that people from underrepresented groups and women often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Please know that few people ever meet 100% of the qualifications. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply. This might be the right next role for you if you have:

• A minimum of 3 years of related experience;
• Master of Science (or equivalent work experience) in one of the following academic disciplines: aquatic ecology, fisheries, ichthyology, fisheries management, fluvial geomorphology, diadromous fishes, freshwater dependent organisms, evolution, environmental policy, etc.;
• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to present to and engage large audiences;
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a record of publications preferred;
• Strong comprehension of aquatic ecosystems, familiarity with fish passage and knowledge of diadromous species;
• Advanced background in the collection of field data and data storage applications;
• Excellent computer and technical skills including the use of spatial mapping software (like ArcGIS) and statistical software, preferably with RTM;
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups of people;
• Ability to be entrepreneurial, self-motivated, results oriented, able to manage multiple projects at once, change gears at a moment’s notice, and prioritize projects;
• Willingness to learn and expand skill set;
• Interest in outdoor activities and conservation-related issues;
• A strong commitment to the mission, vision, values and goals of Riverkeeper, and a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and justice;
• Familiarity with the Hudson Valley and ability to travel throughout (i.e. will need access to a car);
• Willingness to work outside in the field, at times in difficult and physically demanding conditions;
• Fully vaccinated for Covid-19.

Location

Riverkeeper is based in Ossining, New York, with an additional office in Kingston, NY. This position will be located in the Ossining office, but will have a lot of flexibility to have a hybrid (in the field, in-office and work from home) schedule.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a band 6 position. Compensation is commensurate with experience ranging from $65-75K. This position is full time (40 hours/week) and must be flexible to work some nights and occasional weekends. Riverkeeper offers health, dental, vision, life and disability coverage, retirement match, vacation, sick, personal days, as well as parental leave and other benefits.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter via email to humanresources@riverkeeper.org. Please write ‘Habitat Restoration Manager in the subject line. The position will be open until filled.

Riverkeeper is an AA/EEO employer. Riverkeeper is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and enables each of us to realize our potential. Our work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law. People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.