Local recruitment: Watershed Restoration Manager

Reports to: MWA Executive Director 

Employment Classification: Full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible 

Job Purpose 

The Watershed Restoration Manager (WRM) is a full-time Musconetcong Watershed Association employee who leads the organization’s watershed restoration activities. The WRM collaborates with other MWA staff and partner organization staff to implement, document, and disseminate the results of specific projects. The WRM regularly engages with a variety of stakeholders, including government agency representatives and local elected officials, coalition and advisory group members, consultants and contractors, citizens and volunteers to develop support and capacity to achieve restoration goals. He/she analyzes results and reports to funders and other stakeholders.  The WRM actively engages in efforts to educate and involve community residents, adults and children alike, in watershed protection issues and activities.  

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Restoration Project Management 
  • Provide leadership and oversight for planning, implementation, and reporting for MWA’s restoration projects.  
  • Concurrently manage a variety of restoration projects, including dam removals, stream assessments, bank stabilization, riparian buffer installations, bioretention basins/rain gardens, etc. 
  • Develop bid packages and hire and oversee project consultants. 
  • Develop programs to achieve restoration and protection goals based on stream quality, land use, and input from partner organizations, individuals and local, state and federal agencies.  

• Watershed Management Plans
  • Collaborate with MWA staff in developing adaptive watershed management plans through the collection and analysis of land use, water quality and resource information, identification and clarification of stakeholder concerns, and establishment of goals and strategies.   
  • Share technical information among local, state, and federal resource agencies and with various watershed community groups. 
  • Work closely with municipalities throughout the watershed to address non-point source pollution/stormwater management concerns.  
  • Develop effective working relationships among partner organizations, stakeholders, and government representatives at all levels to build support for adoption of watershed protection/restoration best management practices.  
  • Develop grant proposals and budgets to attract new sources of support for restoration and management projects. 
• Community Engagement 
  • Collaborate with staff to develop educational materials and customized plans to improve riparian buffers at specific sites along the river, taking into consideration various conditions and goals. Oversee execution of such plans for willing property owners. 
• Other duties as may be assigned. 

Knowledge and Skills Required 

• A combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully manage the duties assigned.  Bachelor’s degree in science and/or engineering preferred.
• Strong project management skills; capable of retaining and providing oversight of consultants on restoration planning and implementation projects. 
• Prior experience in dam removal projects.
• Ability to develop Watershed Restoration and Protection Plans that meet the requirements of Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act for non-point source pollution management.  
• Knowledge of river/stream restoration techniques, including instream and riparian best practices, water quality indicators and native and invasive species.  
• Familiarity with federal, state (NJ) and local regulations and permitting requirements. 
• Demonstrated success in building relationships with individuals, organizations, local and state government representatives.  
• Experience developing and making educational presentations for children and youth.  
• Strong listening, speaking and writing skills  
• Able to manage time effectively and meet deadlines; work independently and coordinate with other MWA staff as appropriate. 
• Project professionalism in the field. 
• Cultural sensitivity and commitment to principles of justice, diversity, equity and inclusion.  
• Proficiency with MS Office, Internet and email; ArcGIS and other modeling and statistical software tools used in water quality assessment and watershed management activities.    
• Valid driver’s license.
• First Aid and CPR certifications desired.  

Special Requirements 

• Flexible schedule; weekend and some evening work required. 
• Requires use of personal cell phone and vehicle with minimal travel required; job-related mileage reimbursed. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervise volunteers as needed. 

Salary Range: $55,000 – $70,000 

Health and dental benefits. Generous personal time off policy. 

Email your resume and cover letter to info@musconetcong.org or mail to Musconetcong Watershed Association, 10 Maple Avenue, PO Box 113, Asbury, NJ 08802.