Job Summary
The Fisheries Project Manager provides program-level leadership and technical expertise for fisheries and aquatic resource management in support of U.S. federal agency/agencies disaster recovery, restoration, and resiliency projects. This role oversees planning, budgeting, environmental compliance, and implementation of fisheries programs, while serving as a key advisor and liaison to stakeholders.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes
Job Classification: Full-Time
Duty Station: Ashville, NC (Hybrid, 2 days minimum onsite)
Travel: Travel up to 75% (Travel required throughout the National Forest in North Carolina)
Duties/Responsibilities
- Lead and manage fisheries and aquatic resource programs, including planning and implementation
- Provide technical guidance on fish habitat management, restoration, and protection
- Develop and oversee program budgets, funding allocations, and annual work plans
- Integrate ESA requirements, recovery plans, and habitat needs into Forest programs and decisions
- Prepare and review NEPA and ESA documentation, including Biological Assessments and Evaluations
- Analyze impacts of forest management activities on fisheries and aquatic ecosystems
- Develop management strategies, mitigation measures, and restoration solutions
- Coordinate with Forest Service staff, contractors, partners, and regulatory agencies
- Lead interdisciplinary team participation for environmental planning and analysis
- Monitor and evaluate fisheries habitat improvement and restoration projects
- Direct collection, analysis, and interpretation of fisheries and habitat data
- Provide input to Forest Plan development, monitoring, and program direction
- Support responses to administrative reviews, appeals, and litigation
- Maintain program documentation, reporting systems, and data management
- Represent the Forest Service in meetings, partnerships, and stakeholder coordination
- This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Required Skills/Abilities
- Required: Advanced knowledge of fisheries biology, aquatic ecosystems, and habitat management
- Required: Strong experience with NEPA and ESA compliance and environmental analysis
- Required: Ability to lead programs, manage budgets, and coordinate interdisciplinary teams
- Required: Excellent technical writing, analytical, and communication skills
- Preferred: Experience managing fisheries or aquatic programs for federal land management agencies
- Preferred: Familiarity with Southern Appalachian aquatic species and ecosystems
- Preferred: Experience developing programmatic Biological Assessments (ESA Section 7)
- Preferred: Experience with GIS tools and aquatic data systems
Education and Experience
- Required: Bachelor's degree in Fisheries Management, Aquatic Biology, or related field
- Required: Minimum 10 years of experience as a fisheries biologist or natural resources professional
- Required: Demonstrated experience in program management, habitat analysis, and environmental compliance
- Preferred: Master's degree in related field
- Preferred: Experience in the Southern Appalachian region or similar ecosystems
Physical Requirements
- Ability to conduct field visits and work in aquatic and forested environments
- Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods
- Ability to work in extreme weather, noise, dust, and field conditions
- Ability to travel frequently to project sites and meetings
Benefits
Eligible employees receive the following benefits:
- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Pre-employment Requirements
Due to the nature of Chloeta's services, this position is contingent upon completing with a satisfactory outcome some or all of the following pre-employment background screenings: government security clearance, federal and state criminal background checks, drug test (urinalysis), Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review, educational history, employment history, and/or credit check. In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), pre-employment background screenings will require the employee's written authorization and will occur after acceptance of an offer of employment and prior to commencing work. Additionally, employees are required to complete the federal I-9/E-Verify process.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy
Employees may be subject to undergoing additional drug screens and/or alcohol testing at any time during the period of employment, including without prior notice.
