Project Manager, Stream Flow Restoration

~ Washington Water Trust is a nonprofit organization working statewide to preserve and restore rivers and streams throughout Washington. ~

Position Overview

Washington Water Trust (WWT), a nonprofit leader in river and stream flow restoration throughout Washington, seeks an experienced professional to join our talented team as Project Manager in our Ellensburg office.

This full-time position, working with landowners and partnering agencies will develop programs and projects to preserve and restore stream flows in critical basins primarily in Eastern Washington. Washington Water Trust has offices in both Seattle and Ellensburg.

The applicant joins a talented team with over four decades of conservation experience specializing in water rights and water law consulting for landowners, tribes, conservation districts, land trusts, local, state and federal agencies to lay the groundwork for successful collaboration. Using market-based approaches, we develop water management alternatives that produce environmental, economic and social benefits for local communities.

This position requires strong project management skills, including: critical thinking, creative problem solving, ingenuity, resourcefulness, clear writing ability, strong communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, self-motivation, ability to work independently and build collaborative efforts among diverse stakeholders.

Working knowledge of water rights law, agricultural practices, hydrology, watershed restoration, water markets/banking, real estate acquisition and negotiating expertise are desired in this position. 

Responsibilities  

• Develop effective working relationships with local watershed groups, conservation districts, public agency staff, water right holders and others facilitating stream restoration in WWT's targeted basins. 
• Cultivate and manage acquisition opportunities with water right holders.
• Research and prepare ecological, economic, financial, legal and political information to evaluate water acquisition projects.
• Negotiate water right acquisition agreements and complete all necessary due diligence to complete the deal.
• Prepare and submit trust water applications and coordinate transfer of acquired rights through the Washington Department of Ecology's Water Trust Program.
• Perform flow monitoring and/or oversee monitoring efforts by partners and volunteers, to insure that WWT's instream acquisitions are consistent with their contract requirements and priority date.
• Help develop new funding opportunities for organization's priorities.
• Represent and support WWT interests through presentation opportunities at meetings and conferences.
• Support WWT board and Executive Director to advocate and influence policies promoting instream flow strategies.
• Manage project files, databases, and all supporting scientific and economic information.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

Skills and Experience 

• Four years of experience negotiating real estate or water right acquisition agreements for conservation purposes, or equivalent experience, desired.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. 
• Excellent communication/interpersonal skills and ability to negotiate successfully. 
• Working knowledge of natural resources, agriculture and water policy issues.
• Understanding of local communities in rural Washington highly valued.
• Knowledge of fisheries and stream hydrology desired.
• Field experience with evaluation and monitoring of biological systems preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (ESRI ArcGIS 10.1 or equivalent GIS software a plus).
• Willingness to travel frequently throughout the state. 

Compensation: This is a full-time position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include paid time off, healthcare and dental, and retirement contribution. 

To Apply 

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email (or mail) your resume and cover letter as soon as possible to:

Washington Water Trust
1530 Westlake Ave N, Ste 400,
Seattle, WA 98109 

Note: Applications will be accepted until July 28, or until position is filled.

~ We are an equal opportunity employer. ~