Nature & Purpose of the Position

Pierce Conservation District is seeking a full-time Program Manager to develop and grow a new program based on Shore Friendly concepts and implementation of green shoreline practices.  More than 25% of the Puget Sound shoreline has bulkheads or other “hard armor” instead of a natural waterfront.  Much of it was erected before the risks to the shoreline environment were well understood.  As we continue to learn more about the ecological impact of hard armoring, we know that bulkheads and the like are unnecessary on most Puget Sound shorelines and can actually worsen overall erosion.  They also damage delicate habitat that is crucial to the survival of our coastal species, from insects and seabirds to salmon and orcas. The primary duties of this new team member will be to engage marine shoreline landowners through outreach and education, conduct and coordinate technical assistance, and oversee development and installation of green shoreline practices that improve the health of nearshore environments.

The ideal candidate will have experience with Shore Friendly concepts and soft armoring practices. He or she will be a strategic thinker with a proactive mindset, who is able to balance multiple projects and deadlines in a complex environment and can handle a heavy workload without dropping the ball.  The ideal candidate is goal-oriented with a commitment to quality and will have a demonstrated passion for the health of Puget Sound.

About Pierce Conservation District 

Pierce Conservation District is government that works. We work strategically and passionately to conserve and restore the natural resources of Pierce County. Our work improves both rural and urban communities to benefit the health and well-being of our citizens. We work in five core program areas: Farm Assistance, Water Quality Improvement, Habitat Restoration, Urban Agriculture, and Environmental Education. The District works for clean water, healthy soil, salmon recovery and local food access for all.  When you join the Pierce Conservation District staff, you join a team of talented and committed people who are mission-driven and care deeply about improving our environment and our community.

Primary Job Responsibilities

The Shorelines Program Manager reports to the Habitat Improvement & Environmental Education Director, and is responsible for the following:

• Develop and manage the Shore Friendly Pierce program.
• Coordinate with existing Shore Friendly programs and local green shoreline networks.
• Create and implement targeted outreach and education opportunities for marine shoreline landowners and other relevant audiences (may include workshops, tours, etc.).
• Conduct site visits and provide information and recommendations as appropriate.
• Provide (or arrange for) technical assistance to advance shore friendly practices.
• Develop list of willing landowners and effective projects to improve shoreline habitats.
• Manage green shoreline projects through the initial assessment, funding, project design, permitting, construction, and monitoring phases.
• Develop a Pierce County-specific green shoreline how-to guide for landowners.
• Represent and advocate for the Pierce Conservation District at groups such as the West Sound Watershed Council and other regional partnerships to advance the work of marine shoreline conservation and salmon recovery efforts.
• Develop and maintain Shore Friendly Pierce website.
• Lead or assist with grant writing and other funding opportunities.
• Accurately track project budget(s).

• Contribute to all-staff activities such as staff/program meetings, Pierce Conservation District annual meeting, reporting, newsletter/annual report content, etc.
• Participate in and assist with cross-program teams.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position will have a strong knowledge base of marine shoreline processes and green shoreline techniques.  We are looking for someone who is self-starting and able to work independently.  They will be emotionally intelligent and good at working with others.  They will have successful coalition-building and collaboration experience, and an ability to work with landowners and partners with integrity and nuance.  They must be a detail-oriented and a strategic thinker.  The person in this position should also have:

• A Bachelor’s degree and/or previous work experience in marine science, restoration and/or shoreline ecology, geology, environmental science, or other relevant topics.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work productively with landowners and partners.
• Project development and management experience.
• Experience with GIS.
• Excellent time management and task prioritization abilities.
• Commitment to and passion for locally-led conservation and Puget Sound recovery.
• Ability to clearly communicate in writing and orally.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Office 365 suite of software programs.

Desired Skills

• Post-Bachelor’s degree and/or previous work experience in marine science, restoration and/or shoreline ecology, geology, environmental science, or other relevant topics.
• Advanced level of GIS competency.
• Experience with permitting processes and regulatory requirements for marine shoreline projects.
• Experience with construction project management.
• Relevant engineering or geotechnical experience.
• Familiarity with social marketing concepts, and experience developing education and outreach materials.
• Familiarity with current sea level rise science and implications to shoreline environments.
• Website design.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

The Shorelines Program Manager will work in both office and outdoor environments, with frequent travel to site visits, meetings, and project locations.  Conducting field work may expose the person in this position to typical hazards associated with various types of shoreline and outdoor environments.  This is a full-time, non-exempt position consisting of 40 hours/week.  Position will occasionally require some work on weekends or after regularly scheduled work hours.

Licenses, Certificates & Other Requirements

Valid Washington State driver’s license at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter, or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Compensation & Benefits

This position will pay a monthly salary between $5,080 – $5,375 depending on qualifications and experience.  This is a full-time, non-exempt position.  Benefits include retirement, 100% of premiums paid for medical/dental/vision for you and your dependents as well as accrued paid sick leave, annual leave, 10 paid holidays per year, an ORCA card, and a training budget.

To Apply:

APPLY NOW – CLICK HERE 
Fill out the form attaching both a cover letter and resume. Include three (3) professional references in the resume.

Applications open until: 11:59 PM, May 30, 2019

Projected Start Date: July 15, 2019

Contact Information:

Jayme Gordon
Habitat Improvement & Environmental Education Program Director
(253) 845-9770 ext. 102
jaymeg@piercecd.org