Habitat Restoration and Land Trust Director

~ For thirty-five years, The Downeast Salmon Federation (DSF) has been working to restore the Atlantic salmon and other sea-run fish to the rivers and streams of eastern Maine. ~

DSF has coordinated numerous in-stream and buffer restoration projects and it was instrumental in removing dams on the Pleasant and East Machias Rivers. In 2000, we established a land trust to protect riparian lands that were essential to salmon habitat and watershed health. To date, DSF has protected 2,900 acres and 23 miles of lake and river frontage in Washington County.

Position Overview

The Downeast Salmon Federation, based in Columbia Falls, Maine, is seeking a director for its Habitat Restoration and Land Trust programs. This position will report to DSF’s executive director.

The director will manage DSF’s habitat restoration projects. These projects generally last from one to two years and involve coordinating with state and federal agencies, scientists, land owners, and other stakeholders; writing permits; managing contractors and construction personnel; performing in-stream monitoring of water quality, fish health and populations, and other scientific measures; and reporting to DSF’s board and funders.

As director of DSF’s Land Trust, the position is responsible for completing our 35 Mile Campaign to protect 35 miles of riparian corridors on regional rivers; completing the Land Trust Accreditation process; and overseeing the Land Trust Coordinator who manages all activities related to the stewardship and monitoring of DSF’s lands and easements.

DSF is looking for someone with energy, enthusiasm, and a relentless drive to make big things happen.

Location: Washington County, ME. We have two offices, one located in Columbia Falls and the other in East Machias.

Start date: ASAP

Responsibilities

• Oversee and support DSF’s fish habitat restoration program
• Identify and prioritize fish habitat restoration projects, focusing on projects that support our Parr Project
• Work with state and federal agencies and private individuals and organizations to align them with our habitat restoration projects
• Support DSF staff in raising the necessary funding
• Project manager overseeing restoration projects and implementation
• Complete DSF’s campaign to protect an additional 35 miles of lake and river frontage over the next 2 years
• Achieve accreditation: DSF has begun the accreditation process, the director will be responsible for completing it
• Build DSF’s Land Trust as a program so that it becomes self-sustaining
• The director will also coordinate the maintenance and upkeep of all DSF camp holdings

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to land and river conservation
• Degree in fisheries or an environmental science
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to cultivate and develop constructive and effective relationships
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Experience with diverse conservation transactions, including easements, conservation developments, and acquisitions
• Experience in management, fundraising, outreach, and marketing
• Experience in directing, preparing, presenting and/or participating in negotiations of project proposals with landowners, governmental agencies, and other partners
• Experience working with elected officials and state and federal agencies
• Knowledgeable about freshwater and sea-run fish and aquatic ecosystems
• A team player with the ability to productively work with staff, volunteers, and the board—and the ability to work independently
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area

Compensation: Full time, with competitive salary and benefits based on experience and qualifications.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter, resume and three references. Position is open until filled. Only those candidates we interview will be notified.