New Mexico Project Manager or Engineer I

Trout Unlimited; United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading conservation organization as a Project Manager or Engineer-I to enhance water quality and restore habitats in New Mexico and Arizona. This role involves managing projects, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and securing funding for conservation efforts. Ideal candidates will have experience in fisheries and project management, with opportunities for fieldwork and travel.

Qualifications

• Experience in fisheries and managing contaminated sites.
• Technical experience with habitat restoration projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate AML reclamation and construction projects.
• Develop RFPs and evaluate proposals for projects.
• Conduct monitoring activities and interpret results.

Skills

Fisheries

Water Resources

Project Management

Job 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, working 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 historic hard-rock mining degradation. TU is hiring a self-motivated and highly capable Project Manager or Engineer-I to facilitate and execute habitat and stream restoration projects, as well as develop 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 involves both fieldwork and office work across New Mexico and Arizona, supporting native Rio Grande cutthroat, Gila trout, and Apache trout species.

This role will support existing habitat restoration projects (60%) and expand the southwestern AML program (40%). TU seeks a well-rounded candidate with experience in fisheries, water resources, and managing contaminated sites. Collaboration is essential, given the diverse stakeholders involved, including USFS, BLM, FWS, NMED, ADEQ, industry, and NGOs. The position will also expand TU’s partnerships with private and public entities. Internally, the role will work closely with the Southwest Program Director, Western AML Program Director, and teams from New Mexico and Arizona to advance conservation efforts within Priority Waters.

Funding has been secured for two years; the successful candidate will work with TU staff and stakeholders to secure additional funding for ongoing activities. The preferred location is the greater Albuquerque area, with travel across New Mexico and Arizona, and occasional travel outside the state. During the field season (May-December), travel may exceed 60%.

Since 2004, TU’s AML Reclamation Program has addressed issues facing 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, overseeing construction and verifying design specifications.
• Develop RFPs, evaluate proposals, and solicit bids for projects with varying scopes and budgets.
• Coordinate and implement water, soil, and macroinvertebrate monitoring activities; interpret results to support decision-making.
• Manage engineering or outside consultants to complete designs meeting project needs.
• Conduct desktop conceptual engineering designs for TU-led projects.
• Collaborate with partners and TU staff to fundraise, draft grants, and build relationships with funders.
• Prepare watershed-based plans, post-project reports, and concept papers.
• Travel to TU functions and chapter meetings across the state for outreach.
• Engage private landowners and government representatives across ownership boundaries.
• Serve as a technical resource for TU projects and initiatives.
• Perform administrative duties, including contracting, grant reporting, invoicing, and budgeting.