Job Type
Full-time
Description
Trout Unlimited is a national organization with 300,000 members and supporters organized into over 400 chapters and councils nationwide. These dedicated grassroots volunteers are matched by a respected staff of organizers, lawyers, policy experts, and scientists, who work out of more than 25 offices across the country. Our mission is to bring together diverse interests to care for and recover rivers and streams, so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon.
Position Summary
TU is hiring a motivated and highly capable person to lead and manage our Klamath Restoration Program. This is an in-person position based in the Klamath Falls, Oregon office. This position will oversee 3-4 project managers and cover a geography from the headwaters of Upper Klamath Lake downstream to the former Iron Gate Dam.
An ideal candidate will have prior experience leading and implementing aquatic restoration projects and managing a team, and will conduct work in a collaborative, professional, and effective manner. The Klamath Restoration Director will report directly to the Oregon State Director and will be required to travel frequently to project sites and to partner meetings throughout the Klamath Basin.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead, manage, and guide priorities for TU’s Klamath Restoration Program, which includes supervision of 3-4 staff, a portfolio of over 70 active grants, and a budget of $2-4m per year
- In coordination with the State Director and Klamath Program staff, identify and secure project funding from government, corporate, and philanthropic sources, which entails writing grant proposals and communicating directly with funders
- Establish and maintain productive and strategic relationships with decision makers and partners, such as key elected officials, policymakers, members of the media, resource managers, property owners, donors, and conservation and sportfishing organizations
- Manage habitat restoration projects from start to finish, including project planning, funding, permitting, design, implementation, and monitoring
- Retain contractors through competitive bid processes, develop contractor scopes of work, and supervise contractors (engineers, construction contractors, etc.)
- Prepare grant and permit reports summarizing activities, deliverables, and ensuring regulatory compliance
- Develop and maintain accurate budgets, manage projects within budgets, and assist staff with annual budgeting. Work closely with the state grant accountant to track spending, invoice funders, and manage cash flow
- Cultivate successful partnerships to implement restoration projects
- Build and maintain strong relationships with TU’s members and grassroots leaders. Work collaboratively and coordinate with TU’s volunteer engagement staff on strategies and sharing of best practices
Background check will be required prior to employment. This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.
Requirements
- The ideal candidate will have 5+ years’ experience in at least one of the following fields: leading an interdisciplinary team within the conservation sector, private lands restoration, fisheries biology, or watershed science and restoration. Candidates with other similar or relevant experience not listed are encouraged to apply and explain their experience in their cover letter
- Experience working in the Klamath Basin and knowledge of existing conservation issues, partners, and projects is highly preferred but not required
- Understanding and experience in the following fields: aquatic restoration practices, watershed function, conservation/restoration with private landowners (especially agricultural), and anadromous and non-anadromous fisheries conservation.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a field related to conservation highly preferred
- Demonstrated success in building, leading, and managing interdisciplinary teams
- Proven ability to fundraise and manage budgets
- Experience managing contracts and funding agreements
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences
- Ability to work with multiple and diverse partners in a highly collaborative and inclusive manner, even on contentious issues
- Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently
- Understanding of the political context in which TU’s conservation work is executed to enable the informed selection of goals, strategies, and tactics
- A personal vehicle for work-related travel. Travel costs are reimbursed at IRS rates
- Passion for the outdoors and Trout Unlimited’s mission
- Ability to conduct work outside in the field, which may include site visits, collection of monitoring data, and construction supervision
Salary and Benefits
Staff and leadership at TU understand that life outside of work is important to personal health, and we strive to create a healthy and family-friendly atmosphere. This is a full-time position with a generous benefits package.
At TU, we value a diverse representation of staff, and we actively seek candidates for this position who come from communities that have been historically under-represented in conservation and those who have been most impacted by degraded rivers and streams. We are committed to inclusion of all people to participate in our work to care for trout and salmon and clean our shared waters.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome you to read more about TU’s equity practice and values https://www.tu.org/equity/.
How to Apply
Please provide a resume, cover letter, and list of three references to Trout Unlimited via our online job application system by February 10, 2026
Salary Description
$75,000 – $90,000 DOE
