Position Summary
The Elizabeth River Project, a leading Virginia environmental non-profit, seeks a candidate with the proven ability to apply sound science to achieve effective on-the-ground environmental restoration. Continue our pioneer success with transforming the environmental health of the urban Elizabeth River as our Director – Science and Restoration. Be part of our most exciting chapter! In this position, you will work in the newly constructed Pru and Louis Ryan Resilience Lab, a global model for urban coastal living, officially open as of June 1, 2024.
In this job, you will have the rewarding opportunity to build on prior landmark achievements including the first Virginia tributary fully restored for oyster habitat (Lafayette branch of the Elizabeth, thanks to our construction of a dozen pioneer oyster reefs), and the first voluntary cleanup of contaminated sediments on the Chesapeake Bay which reduced cancer six-fold in the indicator species, the mummichog. We also have led the region in pioneering the construction of “living shorelines,” helping establish this nature-based approach as the state’s preferred method for addressing erosion.
As the lead scientist and lead supervisor for environmental restoration programs and projects, the Director – Science and Restoration ensures that both small and large-scale projects measurably improve ecosystem health of the Elizabeth River, a tidal estuary of the Chesapeake Bay and one of the most industrialized waterways in the nation. You’ll also work with dozens of scientists around the region to track river health and ensure sound policies and practices for our restoration reports. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position manages a Restoration Team of environmental professionals.
The successful candidate will have a proven track record for collaboration with diverse stakeholders to overcome challenges and achieve measurable environmental gains. Duties include overseeing and managing priority projects and identifying new restoration opportunities and sites to address top ecosystem needs; securing funding and overseeing project and program implementation.
Position Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead large-scale restoration projects and cutting-edge programs.
- Coordinate and evaluate scientific monitoring to improve the Elizabeth River ecosystem.
- Oversee the Environmental Project Manager and field staff in the construction of oyster reefs, conservation landscaping, stormwater Best Management Practices, and living shorelines. Some projects are installed with the help of volunteers supervised by the Environmental Program Manager and/or Environmental Field Foreman.
- Oversee the Assistant Director for Restoration/River Star Homes Program Manager in managing a pioneer behavior change program, River Star Homes (7,000 participants who agree to 7 stewardship steps), as well as a partnership with three cities to engage residents in implementing Best Management Practices.
- Further our top priority to address historic inequities in marginalized communities with the development of a restoration model in partnership with Norfolk State University.
- Coordinate an established collaboration of more than 50 public and private partners working long-term to reduce some of the world’s most severe PAH contamination (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in the river sediments. This includes working with the US Army Corps of Engineers and VA Marine Resources Commission on a $14M third phase of sediment remediation at Money Point.
- Supervise a Restoration Team of 8 to 10 (note, we also have Education and Administration Teams, supervised by others), ensuring tasks are completed on time and within budget.
- Provide guidance on restoration practices to Restoration Team members including the River Star Homes Program Manager, Environmental Project Manager, Restoration Grant Manager, Restoration Specialist, and Seasonal Field staff.
- Oversee applications for grants and contracts and seek funding opportunities for river restoration projects. Historically, the Restoration Department has secured and managed more than $2 million in grants annually.
- Cultivate relationships with stakeholders crucial for project success.
- Effectively communicate complex restoration projects and scientific topics to a range of audiences from highly technical to the general public.
- Oversee scientific studies including support for a periodic scorecard of river health, prepared with dozens of scientists across the region every five years or so.
- Help coordinate research and monitoring priorities with university and other partners to maximize benefit to the river.
- Enhance technical capacity and ensure the scientific effectiveness of restoration efforts.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and staff to meet watershed action plan and strategic goals.
- Serve as staff support for the Board of Director’s Technical Policy Committee which meets monthly. Contribute to long-term planning, program development, and board member engagement activities.
- Work in collaboration with the Executive Director and Director of Finance for program goals, budgeting, reports, and team meetings.
- Participate in Leadership meetings and work with Directors of each department to ensure a collaborative and supportive workplace.
Candidate Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- At least three years of experience overseeing environmental restoration projects, to include problem-solving to overcome unusual challenges, with documented environmental gains.
- Proven skills in diplomacy and bringing diverse groups together to resolve challenges. Compatible with a collaborative vs. confrontational approach to environmental goals.
- Outstanding skill in connecting scientific knowledge with practical restoration needs, projects and programs.
- In-depth training in relevant science and technology.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strong commitment to environmental conservation.
- Proven ability to think independently and solve problems.
- Energized rather than daunted by large challenges requiring invention of new paths forward.
- Proven leadership experience to motivate and guide team members toward achieving goals while encouraging professional development and a healthy work/life balance.
- Experience creating and maintaining an effective organizational culture that attracts, motivates, and retains a diverse, talented staff.
- Training and experience in management, multitasking, budgeting, and supervising staff and volunteers.
- Ability to handle logistical challenges and emergencies in the field.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced non-profit environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- The upper range pay scale will only be considered for the preferred advanced degree in biology, ecology, or environmental science combined with experience managing projects, grants and/or contracts at the size of $1 million plus.
- Ability to lead meetings effectively.
- Physical capability to work outdoors in various conditions and lift heavy objects up to 50 lbs.
Position Parameters
This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position that is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. The salary range for this position is between $85,000 – $105,000. Relocation assistance may be provided to a candidate of choice qualifying for assistance.