Assistant Director, Restoration
ELIZABETH RIVER PROJECT
www.elizabethriver.org
July 13, 2020

Summary
The Elizabeth River Project, one of the oldest and largest environmental nonprofits on the Chesapeake Bay, seeks a full-time Assistant Director, Restoration to assist the Deputy Director-Restoration with planning and implementing river restoration projects, with a special emphasis on planning and constructing “living shorelines.” The position includes coordinating with partners and community groups to improve water quality and habitat in the Elizabeth River watershed.

Job Description
The Assistant Director of Restoration will help to facilitate the oversight and coordination of restoration projects and programs which restore the health of the urban Elizabeth River, with a special emphasis on living shorelines in addition to watershed action planning and implementation. Working directly with the Deputy Director of Restoration, the Assistant will give a special focus to improving the most impaired areas of the Elizabeth River, including the Eastern Branch and the Southern Branch. The Assistant will coordinate internal and external efforts to implement top priorities as identified in sub watershed plans and the Watershed Action Plan. He or she will motivate and guide all project partners to achieve measurable pollution reduction and habitat restoration goals. This individual will also coordinate all efforts to meet deliverables identified in multiple grants and contracts already awarded, in addition to any supplementary grants awarded. He or she will help to build the river restoration “movement” among citizens and stakeholders and, assisting with education, outreach, and on the ground restoration projects.

Responsibilities
• Assist with all restoration programs and projects including shoreline restoration, oyster construction, and sediment cleanup.
• Perform and complete living shoreline site visits, design concepts and cost estimates, permit applications, supply procurement, volunteer coordination, and implementation of shoreline restoration projects.
• Work with landowners to address questions and concerns about living shorelines or other restoration projects.
• Take responsibility for the Eastern Branch Plan and other planning efforts as assigned. Schedule and coordinate relevant stakeholder meetings, identify and problem solve gaps in assigned plans and look for community-wide opportunities to carry out strategies.
• Assist with the development of the 2021 Watershed Action Plan.
• Coordinate the execution of potential Academic Collaboratory projects such as for North Colley Ave in Norfolk.
• Oversee the close-out of construction work pertaining to ditch retrofit projects in Broad Creek. Ensure the sub-contractor for a planting at Ingleside Baptist Church, executes the plan established by the design firm and construction contractor. Submit all final invoices and ensure the final touches remain within the scope, budget, and contractual agreements established by all involved parties.
• Assist with education, outreach, and on-the-ground efforts as time allows i.e. River Star Homes, River Star Businesses, River Star Schools, restoration monitoring, etc.
• Take the lead to organize neighborhood involvement projects as assigned.
• Prepare and execute the timely submission of grant applications, grant reports, associated budgets, and coordination of budgeted funds.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
• Relevant Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree required in environmental sciences or coastal studies.
• A minimum of two years of work experience in the environmental science, biology, sustainability, or related field. Applied sciences in the field – strongly preferred. Ideal candidate has strong knowledge of the function of tidal wetlands and/or living shorelines and how they are designed and constructed.
• Self-driven with the proven ability to take the lead and carry out tasks
• Excellent communication skills for translating science to the public as well as grant writing and grant reporting.
• Ability to work outdoors in various conditions for extended periods of time. Able to lift up to 50 pounds of weight.
• Ability to be flexible and trouble-shoot logistical challenges and emergencies in the field.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, volunteers, and meet deadlines.
• A strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
• A positive attitude and willing to work occasional weekends and week nights.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.

Schedule & Benefits
This is a full-time job anticipated at 40 hours/week, to start immediately. The general schedule is Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, although occasional additional or weekend hours may be required for activities such as special events. Competitive salary. Benefits include federal holidays paid, accumulated sick days, paid vacation, employer paid life insurance, employer cost share of health insurance.

To Apply
Send cover letter, resume and three references to Joe Rieger, Deputy Director – Restoration, Elizabeth River Project, 5205 Colley Ave, Norfolk VA 23508. Email OK to jrieger@elizabethriver.org but send hard copy also – no phone calls, please.