Fisheries Restoration Project Manager

South Yuba River Citizens League

South Yuba River Citizens League

Operations

Nevada City, CA, USA

USD 31.5-36 / hour

Posted on May 15, 2026

SYRCL seeks an experienced Fisheries Restoration Project Manager. We are looking for someone with a passion for the environment, who enjoys a combination of field and office work, takes initiative, and likes working as part of a team.


The Fisheries Restoration Project Manager works within the Yuba River watershed to plan and implement SYRCL’s river restoration projects, conduct scientific monitoring, and work collaboratively with federal, state, and local agencies and contractors. In addition, the Fisheries Restoration Project Manager works as a key team member on SYRCL’s Interdisciplinary Watershed Science Team.


SYRCL’s Strategic Action Plan identifies ecosystem restoration and scientific monitoring projects as key aspects of SYRCL’s mission. SYRCL has a sustained program of planning and implementing projects focused on meadows, floodplain, and salmon habitat restoration.


This position will focus on floodplain and spawning habitat restoration and conservation projects in the lower, anadromous portion of the Yuba River. Specifically, this position will coordinate and help with long-term monitoring of salmon habitat in the lower Yuba River across restoration projects. It will include management of the Upper Long Bar restoration project, Upper Rose Bar project, and Lower Deer Creek project. In addition, this position will be responsible for maintaining and building complex partner relationships and identifying and developing new project opportunities. This position is focused on the lower watershed and requires an understanding of larger river systems with a focus on fish biology, ecology, botany, geomorphology, hydrology, or a related field. This person will work with large collaborative teams to plan and implement projects in the lower Yuba River.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:


Manage and provide scientific support for multiple new and existing grant-funded projects overseen by the Watershed Science Director and in coordination with science staff:

  • Provide support and leadership for restoration projects in the lower Yuba River. This includes planning and implementation of restoration projects. Conduct monitoring that answers scientific questions with project partners, data collection and analysis, and reporting.
  • Assist and maintain project plans, schedules, budgets, accounting, invoicing, manage grantor and partner relationships, supervise staff and contractors, and ensure all reporting and deliverables are completed per agreements for a subset of projects.
  • Participate in the Yuba River Management Team, a team of federal, state, and local agency and non-profit partners working in collaboration to monitor and restore the lower Yuba River under the Yuba Accord.
  • Participate in the Yuba Reintroduction Working Group technical committee, a team of federal, state, and local agency and non-profit partners working in collaboration to reintroduce spring-run Chinook salmon to the North Yuba River above New Bullard Bar.
  • Write various plans and reports, including but not limited to grant and project reports, pamphlets, manuscripts for publication, web copy, e-news posts, etc.
  • Prepare grant proposals to federal and state funding agencies to support planning and implementation projects.
  • Other duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master’s (M.S.) Degree in a related field or related equivalent experience required. Work experience in natural resources is a plus.
  • Demonstrated work experience managing multiple, complex grant-funded projects (3+ years). Experience managing state and/or federal grants is a plus.
  • Experience developing and implementing restoration projects (including design, permitting, etc.).
  • An understanding of CEQA and NEPA processes and permitting.
  • Expertise in riparian and aquatic ecology, fish biology, hydrology, or geomorphology.
  • Experience performing ecological field data collection, including fisheries monitoring techniques such as snorkel surveys, stranding surveys, redd surveys, and seine surveys is required.
  • Knowledge and experience with GPS/GIS use and data management.
  • Data analysis skills are required (R platform is preferred).
  • Proven grants management experience including prospecting for and vetting grant opportunities, preparing applications, and ensuring that awarded grants are tracked to ensure completion of deliverables, reporting, billing, invoicing, etc.
  • Expert project management skills including planning, time management, organizational, contractor oversight, and attention to detail.
  • Effective communication skills necessary to develop and maintain lasting partnerships with government, agency, and community representatives, and keep partners informed and engaged.
  • Computer skills required including proficiency with Word, Excel, R, and Access. GIS experience is required.
  • Possession of a properly registered and insured personal vehicle, and possession of or willingness to obtain a valid California Driver’s License required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Able to work on a computer, including sitting at a desk for extended periods; to read a computer screen; and manual dexterity to operate a keyboard.
  • Able to speak clearly on the phone and in person and be understood by others.
  • Able to occasionally lift objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
  • Able to safely wade through moving water.
  • Able to work in field conditions in the Central Valley for extended periods throughout the year.


COMPENSATION:

The range for this position is $31.50- $36/ hour depending on experience. We also provide benefits, including 100% paid health, dental, and vision insurance for full-time employees and generous holiday, sick, and paid time off (PTO).


APPLICATION INFORMATION:

This position is open until filled. Apply now at: https://syrcl.bamboohr.com/careers/106

SYRCL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

See more open positions at South Yuba River Citizens League