Reporting to: Director of Land Use Advocacy

Mission of Position: The Ecological Restoration Manager will be the principal architect for Scenic Hudson's diverse ecological and natural resource conservation and restoration initiatives. From a scientific basis, the manager will utilize a consultative process with communities, staff, peer organizations and other experts to analyze, conceive, design and implement appropriate ecological restoration plans. These goals will be achieved by implementing science-based advocacy tools including scientific and technical research, technical writing, in-house education of scientific understanding, public outreach, media relations, biological assessments, field surveys and consultant management to advance strategic habitat preservation/restoration and environmental quality objectives within the Hudson River corridor.

Qualifications: Minimum of a Master's degree, PhD preferred in restoration ecology, biology, ecology, natural resources management, engineering or directly related field. At least five years professional experience with an environmental agency or environmental non-profit organization. Familiarity with ecological processes, estuarine and riverine systems, flora and fauna of the Hudson River Valley, environmental policies, governmental policies, environmental laws and regulations, and project management necessary. Strong research, field surveying, habitat assessment, contract management, writing and verbal communication skills, and computer proficiency required. GIS capabilities strongly preferred. Must be self-directed and able to interact with diverse groups of individuals with varying understandings of ecological processes and systems. Requires ability to walk long distances over rough terrain and ability to carry up to 40 lbs.

Background: Scenic Hudson is involved and effecting positive change in some of the most critically sensitive ecologies and communities in the Hudson Valley. We are working diligently to identify damaged or threatened riverine and wetland ecosystems and developing action plans for their remediation and restoration. We achieve these outcomes through scientific studies, design and planning work, community coalition-building, public education and advocacy needed to advance these initiatives.

The following are a sampling of some the high impact projects we are working on:

• Yonkers: Plans to construct a baseball stadium create opportunities to bring the buried Saw Mill River to light.
• Sleepy Hollow: Scenic Hudson leads the community to advocate for a "Green Corridor" along the Pocantico River.
• Beacon: Scenic Hudson cleans up industrial pollution and restores wetlands at Long Dock to create a new eco-tourism destination.
• Kingston: Scenic Hudson offers a scaled-down alternative development plan for the threatened riverfront.

• Conceive and develop science-based strategies and guidelines for habitat preservation/restoration advocacy initiatives, both site-specific and on a landscape scale
• Conduct biological assessments of project areas.
• Conduct and direct literature reviews of project areas.
• Conduct field investigations or oversee field investigations of commissioned consultants.
• Prepare reports on habitat, biological, ecological and environmental quality issues.
• Policy analysis and permit compliance review.
• Review of proposed projects within the HRV for habitat preservation/restoration advocacy initiatives.
• Represent scientific ecological interests of Scenic Hudson in meetings with regulatory agency representatives.
• Analyze site needs and coordinate the use of technical and legal experts. Draft contract requirements for consultant contracts, manage budget and contract deliverables to desired outcomes.
• Develop strategic partnerships with related organizations.
• Serve as pubic liaison for community-based groups interested in habitat preservation/restoration.