New Mexico Project Manager or Engineer I

Jamie Plc; Arlington (VA); Remote; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Project Manager or Engineer-I to improve water quality and habitat in New Mexico and Arizona. This full-time position involves managing habitat restoration projects and requires a Bachelor's degree and relevant experience. The role offers a salary range of $65,000–$70,000 with benefits and opportunities for growth.

Benefits

Benefits

Reimbursement for travel

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree preferred.
• 1-4 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with construction oversight and complex project management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate AML reclamation and construction projects.
• Develop RFPs, evaluate proposals, and solicit bids for projects.
• Implement water, soil, and macroinvertebrate monitoring activities.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Graduate degree

Tools

Civil 3D

ArcGIS

Job description

Description

ABOUT TROUT UNLIMITED

Trout Unlimited (TU) brings together diverse interests to care for and recover the rivers and streams on which we all depend. We are a national organization with 300,000 members and supporters organized into over 400 chapters and councils nationwide. Our dedicated grassroots volunteers are matched by a respected staff of organizers, lawyers, policy experts, and scientists, who work out of more than 25 offices across the country.

Position Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join Trout Unlimited and use your talents to improve water quality, habitat, and native fisheries in New Mexico and Arizona impacted by land-use, climate change, and degradation from historic hard-rock mining. TU is hiring a self-motivated and highly capable Project Manager or Engineer-I to facilitate and execute an existing suite of habitat and stream restoration projects, while also developing abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation projects in the southwest. The role offers technical experience with existing staff and opportunities to lead projects from start to finish, including developing conceptual designs, obtaining funding, managing implementation, and completing reports. This position combines fieldwork and office work across New Mexico and Arizona, supporting native Rio Grande cutthroat, Gila trout, and Apache trout species.

The role will support existing habitat restoration projects (60%) and expand the southwestern AML program (40%). The ideal candidate will have experience in fisheries, water resources, and managing environmentally contaminated sites. Collaboration with diverse stakeholders such as USFS, BLM, FWS, NMED, ADEQ, industry, and NGOs is essential. Internally, the candidate will work closely with TU staff including the Southwest Program Director and AML Program Director.

This position is funded for two years, with potential for extension through additional funding. The preferred location is the greater Albuquerque area, with a remote work setup. Travel is expected, especially during the field season from May to December, possibly exceeding 60% of the time.

Since 2004, TU's AML Reclamation Program has addressed issues in headwater streams in the West, supported by industry partnerships and recent legislative changes. The position aims to foster these relationships and develop a pipeline of projects across the Southwest.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate AML reclamation and construction projects, including oversight and verification of design specifications.
• Develop RFPs, evaluate proposals, and solicit bids for projects.
• Implement water, soil, and macroinvertebrate monitoring activities, and interpret results to guide project decisions.
• Manage engineering consultants for design work.
• Conduct desktop conceptual engineering designs.
• Fundraise by working with partners, drafting grants, and building relationships with funders.
• Prepare watershed plans, post-project reports, and concept papers.
• Travel for outreach, stakeholder engagement, and volunteer meetings.
• Engage landowners and agencies across ownership boundaries.
• Collaborate on other TU restoration projects.
• Handle administrative duties including contracting, reporting, invoicing, and budgeting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree preferred.
• 1-4 years of relevant experience.
• Degree in science or engineering related to water resources, civil, environmental, geotechnical, geological, or mining fields preferred.
• Experience with construction oversight and complex project management preferred.
• OSHA HAZWOPER 40hr certification and 8 hr refresher are a plus.
• For engineers: EIT registration in New Mexico or willingness to take the exam is preferred.
• Experience with fisheries, water quality, or geomorphology is a plus.
• Knowledge of CERCLA and NEPA.
• Strong communication skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Proficiency with modeling programs, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, and engineering software.
• Willingness to travel; valid driver’s license and own vehicle required.
• Ability to lift over 50 pounds and hike in backcountry.
• High energy and passion for conservation.

Salary and Benefits

We value work-life balance and diversity, actively seeking candidates from underrepresented communities and those impacted by degraded waterways. The position offers a full-time role with benefits, reimbursement for travel, and a starting salary of $65,000–$70,000, with potential for growth based on experience. Application review begins mid-June 2025, and the position remains open until filled.