Restoration Project Manager

ORGANIZATION
Plumas Audubon Society (PAS) promotes the understanding, appreciation, and protection of the biodiversity of the Upper Feather River watershed through education, research, and the restoration and conservation of natural ecosystems. PAS is an independent chapter of the National Audubon Society. Based in Quincy, California, PAS has been serving the Upper Feather River Watershed since 1989.

PAS is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. PAS makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and need.

JOB SUMMARY 

PAS is seeking an experienced field biologist to oversee the Feather River Headwaters Aspen Restoration Project. The project manager will lead the implementation of the project, overseeing activities, budget, and field staff (if any) for the project. The project is a multi-year habitat restoration effort led by PAS in partnership with the Plumas National Forest and local conservation organizations. The project will restore and enhance critical habitats in the Upper Indian Creek watershed through meadow and aspen restoration. Field tasks include, but are not limited to, pre- and post-implementation wildlife, vegetation, and stream-condition index surveys.

This position will be full-time throughout the field season (late April – August) and part-time throughout the remainder of the year. The Restoration Project Manager will work with the Executive Director and Field Operations Manager to ensure that project deliverables are conducted in accordance with recommended protocols and that data is recorded, documented, and managed properly. PAS’s  Feather River Headwaters Aspen Restoration Project currently has funding through 2029. The Restoration Project Manager will be responsible for identifying and securing grant opportunities to fund their position beyond this.

Projects will be primarily on Plumas National Forest lands in California’s Sierra Nevada Range. Field work is usually completed alone. The appointee must be willing and able to carry research equipment weighing up to 45 pounds, hike off-trail, and work in inclement weather conditions that may include wind and rain.

Fieldwork will require a flexible schedule during the field season (May – August). Dates of employment will vary depending on ecological factors and survey priority. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce deliverables in advance of deadlines and within budget;
• Maintain project budget;
• Oversee field technicians (if any);
• Maintain communication with project partners and contractors;
• Conduct pre- and post-implementation stream-condition inventory, wildlife presence and abundance, point-count, vegetation, and habitat surveys;
• Identify the best placement locations for wildlife camera trapping and maintain cameras;
• Record and catalog accurate data, photo points, and GPS tracks;
• Upload data to the PAS database and GIS, with attention to data management throughout the season;
• Off-trail hiking on steep, rocky terrain to collect field data.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or four years of direct, relevant experience;
• Experience managing a project;
• At least two years of experience conducting wildlife surveys and summarizing biological data;
• GIS, Gaia, and/or Avenza experience.
• Ability to use GPS, maps, compass, and navigate off-trail;
• Ability to hike on steep terrain;
• Ability to maintain field equipment and facilities;
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently;
• Ability to effectively interact with staff at all levels and other partner agencies and organizations;
• Ability to maintain effective work relationships with co-workers and work-related contacts.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

• Experience off-roading and 4×4 driving;
• Wilderness First Aid/First Responder certification;
• Knowledge of Sierra Nevada flora & fauna;