Associate Restoration Project Manager

Coquille Watershed Association; Coquille (OR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local environmental nonprofit is seeking an Associate Restoration Project Manager to oversee and deliver restoration projects in the Coquille Watershed. The ideal candidate will manage multiple projects, collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, and secure funding through grant writing. This full-time role requires a strong educational background in natural resources and relevant practical experience. Excellent communication skills and a team-oriented approach are essential. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent 4 years of experience.
• Knowledge of herbicide application and plant identification.
• Three years of relevant work experience in restoration or natural resource management.

Responsibilities

• Manage restoration projects from planning to reporting.
• Build relationships with landowners and partners.
• Handle grant writing and funding procurement.
• Conduct field surveys and manage crews during projects.

Skills

Project management

Grant writing

Communication skills

Plant identification

Herbicide application

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, natural resources, or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

The Associate Restoration Project Manager (APM) supports CoqWA’s restoration program by planning and delivering projects related to noxious weeds, riparian, working lands, and native plants throughout the Coquille Watershed. This role manages multiple projects simultaneously—from permitting and contracting to implementation, monitoring, and reporting—while helping to develop new initiatives and secure funding. The APM reports to the CoqWA Restoration Program Coordinator and works closely with project managers, landowners, and agency partners to advance restoration goals. A collaborative, partnership-driven approach and familiarity with watershed councils and natural resource agencies are required. The APM must be able to work independently and as part of a team, bringing strong communication, diplomacy, and organizational skills to balance multiple priorities and deadlines. Knowledge of local watershed issues—including noxious weed management, livestock exclusion fencing, and riparian restoration—and the ability to share this knowledge with diverse audiences is highly valued.

Essential Functions of the Position

• Associate Restoration Project Management
• Development and oversight of work plans, timelines, budgets, contracting, permitting, implementation, and deliverables for riparian, native plant restoration, noxious weeds and working lands projects in partnership with the project managers.
• Coordination and communication of work plans with CoqWA staff and timelines with landowners, technical specialists, contractors, volunteers and agency partners.
• Host productive and efficient meetings with project partners and the Project Steering Committee on an as needed basis.
• Management of monitoring completed projects including site visits, maintenance of projects, vegetation monitoring, photo point documentation, and grant reporting.
• Grant writing and funding for restoration projects, identifying funding sources and developing relationships with funding partners; preparing grant applications and proposals.
• Build collaborative and diplomatic relationships with landowners, funding entities, local/state/federal agencies and other organizations to accomplish watershed restoration objectives.
• Assist with providing natural resources technical assistance to landowners throughout the service area.
• Manage watershed technician(s), seasonal staff or contracted crews when they are assisting on restoration project work.
• Survey, inventory, and map noxious weed infestations; surveys may be done on foot, boat, or by vehicle. Perform herbicide, mechanical, and manual treatments on noxious weeds in the field as required.
• Maintain mapping information, treatment records, and monitoring data using field data sheets (paper) and programs such as FieldMaps and Survey123.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of records, timesheets, spray records, field notes, and information. Perform data analysis and reports.
• Restoration and Riparian Program duties: create planting and noxious weeds treatment plans for restoration program projects; riparian vegetation planting, long-term maintenance, collection of photo points and survival surveys; source plants, organize staging and mapping of riparian projects; assist with fish salvage projects.
• As requested, provide input or review on strategic planning and engagement efforts.
• Willingness to participate in CoqWA work not related to immediate duties as your work plan allows.
• Use hand tools; operate and maintain small power tools such as brush-cutters and planting augers.
• Experience driving a truck and towing a trailer.
• Support the Coquille Watershed Restoration Program through tracking work progress, updating project records, contributing to program and project reports, processing expense documentation; and assisting with grant activity documentation, billings and close-outs.

Qualifications

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field (biology, natural resources, botany, education, or other relevant field) is preferred. However, we will also consider 4 years of related experience.
• Required skills: knowledge of plant identification, herbicide application, and mixing herbicides; possessing or willingness to possess herbicide applicators license.

Professional Experience

• Three years of work experience in riparian and/or vegetation restoration, natural resource ecology, conservation planning, restoration project development, noxious weed control and/or working lands experience.
• Experience with restoration techniques using native plants to enhance Pacific Northwest riparian and upland habitats and invasive species identification and best management practices to control common invasive species.
• Ability to manage projects with a variety of partners and to meet deadlines.
• Experience coordinating the activities of work crews.
• Ability or willingness to learn working lands best management practices such as livestock exclusion fence building and developing off-channel watering sources.
• Willingness to obtain an herbicide spray license and manage an herbicide spray crew.
• Knowledge of PNW riparian vegetation communities and restoration practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience with grant writing, writing scientific reports or papers, and writing for a general, non-science audience is a plus.
• Project management skills, including setting and implementing goals, problem-solving, time management, contract and grant management, collaboration, and reporting.
• Navigating local, state and federal regulations to seek common ground with diverse interests.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the people, values, and current conservation issues of agricultural landscapes and associated habitats.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS and ESRI products (Survey123, FieldMaps, etc).
• Attention to detail, especially with data entry.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with small engine troubleshooting and repair is preferred.
• Ability to engage in strenuous outdoor activity, carry field equipment (40 lbs) and endure outdoor field conditions including cold and wet winter weather and extreme heat.
• Paddling skills are preferred but not required; at a minimum, the APM must be comfortable in small water crafts for 8+ hours/day (a boating safety course will be completed with Association staff prior to boating).

General Requirements

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• A positive attitude with a flexible approach to work and willingness to take on new projects or tasks as needed.
• Willingness to conduct in-state travel, occasional out-of-state travel and be comfortable with working evenings and weekends as job responsibilities demand.
• Valid driver’s license and use of personal vehicle for travel. Mileage will be reimbursed at the state approved rate.

How to apply

Submit a cover letter (include start date availability), resumé, and contact information for three references to [e-mail] with the subject line: “[LAST NAME] Associate Restoration Project Manager Application.” In your cover letter, please include examples of how your previous experience relates to this role. Application deadline: Sunday, September 7th, by 11pm. Interviews: First interviews will be scheduled to take place virtually on Monday, September 15th. Second interviews will be scheduled to take place virtually on Thursday, September 18th. Third (Final) interviews will be held in person on Tuesday, September 23rd. The expected start date is Thursday, October 9th. We will keep you apprised of your status as a candidate and whether you are advancing to the next round of interviews. To demonstrate skill, a writing sample will be requested after the 1st interview (grant application, restoration plan, etc.).

Equal Opportunity

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time