Watershed Department Manager

Closing Date: Open until filled.

We seek an experienced, collaborative, and capable natural resources leader to be our next Watershed Department Manager. This role provides management of the organization’s portfolio of watershed restoration programs and is responsible for leading the implementation of Wy-Kan- Ush-Mi Wa-Kish-Wit, the Tribal Salmon Restoration Plan.

This is a highly visible and highly collaborative role, promoting partnerships and public relations for tribal watershed restoration. This role coordinates with the four CRITFC member tribes to secure funding and provide technical support to their watershed restoration and salmon production projects. The position requires experience in project management, public relations, grant writing and legislative advocacy in natural resources, climate change, or fisheries. Team leadership experience is also required, as this position manages a department of nine staff.

Position Details

Department: Watershed

Classification: Regular, Full-time, Exempt

Salary: $124,335 – $131,649 (GS 14, steps 5-7)

Location: Portland, Oregon

Closing Date: Open until filled, applicants are encouraged to apply early. Application review begins immediately and will continue until position is filled. Contact Laura Gephart, Interim Watershed Department Manager, if you wish to have an informal conversation in advance of a formal application.

Responsibilities

• Serve as team leader for nine staff, including direct supervision of five staff.
• Report to the Executive Director and serve as a member of CRITFC’s management team.
• In collaboration with partners, draft the department’s work plan and budget.
• Coordinate efforts among member tribes, federal, state, and local officials in identifying, planning, and implementing watershed restoration projects.
• Finalize the Lessons Learned Report of Wy Kan Ush Mi Wa Kish Wit – 25 Years Later and distribute widely. Manage the development and production of the next Tribal Salmon Restoration Plan.
• Establish strong collaborations with community groups, funders, agencies, elected officials, and other organizations and leverage these relationships to influence salmon recovery efforts.
• Manage the Coastal Margin Observation and Prediction (CMOP) Program. Enhance the program by expanding partnerships and funding to deepen CRITFC’s presence in estuary and ocean observation, data collection, and monitoring.
• Increase public exposure through outreach at events (targeting elected officials, tribal membership, and the general public) on the nature of treaty rights, sovereignty, tribal culture and values, and CRITFC priorities.
• Advocate for tribal salmon restoration efforts on issues related to harvest, production, habitat and hydrosystem mitigation.
• Establish a cohesive tribal strategy to help prepare for, mitigate, and adapt to the effects of climate change within the Columbia Basin, including the estuary and ocean.
• Take a leadership role with the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s (NPCC) Fish and Wildlife Program.
• Assist tribes in their implementation of plans to improve fish health and water quality, to enforce tribal, state, and federal water standards, and to reduce sources of pollution in watersheds.
• Implement a Tribal Workforce Development Program, in cooperation with the tribes, to increase interest among tribal members in professional careers protecting natural resources.

Qualifications

• Five year’s work experience in natural resources management, climate change, or advocacy.
• Three year’s experience directly supervising staff and the portfolio of their projects.
• Lived experience as a member of a tribe or strong learning of the culture and governance of tribes of the Columbia River basin.
• Formal training or education in watershed science, hydrology, or related field. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required.
• Exceptional project management skills. A track record of setting timelines and meeting milestones.
• Strong experience writing plans, proposals, and grants. Ability to manage one’s writing procrastination and meet writing commitments on time.
• Strong experience speaking in front of groups. Ability to compose compelling presentations.
• Strong experience facilitating groups and developing shared goals. A collaborative leadership style that respects and honors partners while at the same time, moves the group towards consensus.
• Self-awareness. Ability to listen well and center others.

Supervision

Supervision received: This role reports to the Executive Director.

Supervision given: This role serves as team leader for nine Watershed department staff members, including direct supervision of five staff.

Working Conditions

Primarily sedentary work in an office setting, however day or overnight travel is required approximately monthly, to meet with member tribes and other stakeholders.

CRITFC Motor Vehicle Policy

This job frequently requires driving a CRITFC vehicle or your own vehicle for business (mileage compensated), and therefore you must be able to meet the terms of the CRITFC Motor Vehicle policy. Per the policy, applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record for the past three years. This includes a three-year record clear of the following:

• Reckless Driving
• Driving Under the Influence
• Suspension or revoked license
• No more than two at-fault accidents
• No more than one major violation or two minor violations