Local recruitment: Riverscape Restoration Project Manager

The Big Thompson Watershed Coalition is hiring a Riverscape Restoration Project Manager

Overview:

The Big Thompson Watershed Coalition (BTWC) seeks a highly organized, experienced, and motivated self-starter for BTWC’s riverscape restoration program to assist with delivering natural resource planning, project implementation, water quality monitoring, and community outreach programs. Under the general direction of the Program Manager, the Riverscape Restoration Project Manager works with landowners and partners to restore river function and riparian habitat, improve water quality, adaptively manage & monitor stream projects, and build watershed resilience to climate change and other disturbances. The position will participate in and lead riverscape restoration project identification, planning, contractor oversight for implementation, coordination, management, and monitoring efforts. This position will be a combination of remote, office based, and field work, depending on project type and season. Additional responsibilities associated with BTWC’s other programmatic areas such as forest health, disaster recovery, and education and outreach engagement may be assigned depending on funding and resource allocation.

Our ideal candidate will have professional working experience with these tasks in the fields of watershed science, process-based restoration, water quality monitoring, will have strong project management and communication skills, and will enjoy working with people. Additional training and experience in the following topics will be highly applicable to the job: collaborative planning, stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, contractor oversight, and western water resource ownership and management. Local knowledge of the Big Thompson River and its diverse water use needs are beneficial to this position. Our ideal start date is April 1^st, 2026.

The Coalition:

The BTWC was formed as a 501(c)3 to help private and public landowners collaborate 2013 post-flood recovery efforts of the Big Thompson watershed. BTWC is a leader in stakeholder-centered planning and implementation of multi-objective resource management projects that serve diverse needs for the watershed. BTWC maintains an array of partners with shared dedication to stewardship, restoration, outreach, and watershed science. Our fundamental programs focus on Stream and Water Resource Function, Forest Management, and Disaster Recovery. BTWC works across public and private lands and contributes to both local and landscape-scale initiatives to support private landowners, water utilities, local to federal governments, fire districts, special interest groups, research institutes, university programs, the public, and more. We work with affiliated Coalitions in Larimer and Boulder Counties to enhance watershed stewardship across Colorado.

Essential Job Functions:

Project Planning, Management, and Implementation (55%)

• Organize stakeholder meetings (landowners, partners, and contractors) to collaboratively develop science-based, technical stream enhancement project plans, including:
  • Build productive relationships with landowners, partners, and contractors, addressing concerns while fostering trust
  • Communicate ecological health and function, including best practices for stream and wetland management, native plant recommendations, and water quality improvements
  • Develop site-appropriate stream restoration and/or management projects that balance ecological goals, property conditions, and project stakeholder needs
• Create and implement project plans:
  • Assist with estimating project costs, resource needs, timelines
  • Acquire necessary permitting, ensure projects follow local, state, and federal rules, regulations, policies, and standard operating procedures
  • Use GIS and mapping tools for project planning, monitoring, and outreach
• Project management:
  • Perform stream assessments
  • Coordinate and supervise monitoring, engineering, and construction contractors
  • Ensure timely completion of projects while staying within scope and budget
  • Assist with grant deliverables, reporting and compliance requirements. Ensuring project metrics are tracked and documented for funders and partners.
  • Troubleshoot, resolve, or deescalate operational problems and minimize delays

Project Monitoring and Data Management (20%)

• Implement pre- and post-project monitoring, as needed, and long-term monitoring programs (i.e. water quality grab samples, vegetation identification, sediment stake measurements)
• Develop, organize, and maintain databases to analyze quantitative/qualitative data for monitoring activities, adaptive management, and engagement outcomes
• Upload water quality project data from the sampling sites to the EPA WQX in compliance with grant requirements

Partner and Community Relationship Building and Outreach (15%)

• Advance partnerships with federal, state, and local land management agencies, non-profits, landowners, and other stakeholders that expand landscape-scale restoration, move projects forward to completion, and enhance BTWC’s mission
• Engage with partners through meetings and collaborative initiatives to advance BTWC’s mission.
• Co-organize and lead community engagement opportunities such as volunteer workdays, project tours, project monitoring, and community workshops
• Present project updates and outcomes to various stakeholders, the public, and BTWC’s Board of Directors
• Support Communications and Development Program Manager in developing outreach materials for newsletters and social media
• Assist with training and supervising seasonal RiverCorps member

Organizational Administration and Development (10%):

• Perform other duties as assigned to support and advance BTWC’s mission
• Provide cross-departmental administrative support as needed to ensure the successful execution of organization-wide initiatives
• Participate in professional development, staff meetings, and organizational planning sessions to stay aligned with nonprofit best practices

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience required:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and 1-2 years of experience working in a natural resource/environmental field related to habitat restoration, watershed science, aquatic ecosystems, hydrology, or restoration project management
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including experience in field-based restoration projects
• Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts, both verbally and in writing, with a diversity of people including state, federal, and non-governmental resource professionals, private landowners, industry professionals and other community representatives
• Comfort working in remote field settings and independently troubleshooting challenges
• Ability to express compassion in addressing resident/landowner issues and respect requests in relation to property access, monitoring, weed management, sharing digital media, etc.
• Ability to effectively multitask and prioritize tasks
• Ability to resolve challenges or conflicts that may arise in the field and with project partners
• Proficiency in the use Microsoft Office and GIS tools (spatial analysis ability desired)
• Ability to pass a background check and must have a valid driver’s license and reliable, insured personal transportation. Mileage and time will be reimbursed. A work truck is available for most field-site visits, but personal vehicles will be necessary for meetings and other work-related activities

Additional desired qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related field OR equivalent professional or seasonal field experience
• Experience managing restoration projects, including permitting and contractor oversight, with familiarity in fire recovery and process-based restoration techniques
• Knowledge of riparian ecology, stream function, and western water resource management
• Familiarity with data collection methodologies for water quality and habitat assessments (water quality grab sampling, sediment staking, digital elevation modeling (DEMs), wetland delineation, etc)
• Experience with community outreach, stakeholder engagement, and volunteer coordination
• Certifications in relevant technical skills (e.g., sawyer certification, wetland delineation, GIS analysis, or ecological monitoring techniques)
• Experience working with private landowners
• Ability to interpret technical site plans and landscape designs
• Understand group process, group dynamics, meeting facilitation, negotiation, mediation, and group problem solving principles and techniques

Working Conditions:

The physical demands and working conditions described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Ability to work remotely from home with minimal distraction
• Ability to work in a standard office environment, including prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and working at a computer
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends to support community meetings, volunteer events, and field activities, as needed
• Ability to travel locally and regionally within the watershed, including driving on unpaved or remote roads under varying conditions
  • Field work may require driving up to approximately 1.5 hours one-way to project sites, up to 3–4 days per week during peak implementation periods; travel time is considered paid work time
  • A work truck is available for field use however use of employee’s personal vehicle may be necessary (with mileage and reimbursement provided)
• Ability to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds of project equipment on a frequent basis
• Ability to stand, walk, and hike for extended periods outdoors under varying and occasionally adverse weather conditions
• Ability to work independently in remote locations where hazardous conditions may be present, including exposure to the elements, construction site conditions, steep or unstable terrain, proximity to fast-moving water, and proximity to highway traffic typical of foothills and plains environments in the Rocky Mountain region
• Willingness to follow individual landowner safety protocols and property access requirements
• Ability to troubleshoot and respond independently to common field challenges (e.g., flat tires, locked or gated access, livestock presence)

Equal Opportunity Employer:

BTWC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any otherwise-qualified individual on the basis of race, color, religion or religious affiliation, gender, gender identity, familial status, age, genetics, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or national origin in any phase of employment for this position.

We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification, as relevant experience, transferable skills, and demonstrated ability to learn are also valued.

BTWC recognizes the historical and ongoing stewardship of Indigenous peoples in the Big Thompson watershed and is committed to inclusive, equitable restoration practices.

To Apply:

Position is Open Until Filled with preferred application submission by Friday, February 27, 2026.

Please email one PDF with a cover letter and full resume (both in one file) to the Riverscape Restoration Program Manager at marin.oschmann@bigthompson.co. Save the file according to this format: “Last Name – BTWC 2026 Riverscape Restoration Project Manager”

Include as the subject of the email: “Last Name – BTWC 2026 Riverscape Restoration Project Manager”

Files emailed as separate PDFs or in formats other than PDF may be rejected. The cover letter should clearly demonstrate the applicants’ ability to fulfill the stated duties and demonstrate knowledge of the field work in no more than 1 page.