Project Manager Lead

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Announcement #

2025-304

Issue Date : 10-08-25

Closing Date : 10-29-25

Project Manager Lead

Yakima Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP)

Department of Natural Resources

Hourly Wage : $46.10-$51.88 / Regular / Full-Time

Location : Yakima, Toppenish & Richland

The Project Manager Lead will be responsible for the management, oversight, and supervision of a small group of project managers and engineers working on large fish passage and habitat projects across the Yakima and Klickitat River Basins. Projects overseen by the incumbent will include projects that present the greatest opportunities to improving the health of anadromous fish populations throughout the Yakima and Klickitat River Basins. The PML is responsible for managing all phases of project management to ensure efficient and effective delivery of supervised projects. A large part of this oversight will include interfacing with state, local, and federal partners to move projects forward. Due to the high visibility of the work, it is expected that frequent updates will need to be provided on projects to Tribal Council. The incumbent is to demonstrate strategic technical leadership, influence, and expertise that makes the most effective use of Yakama Nation Fisheries Program resources.

Examples of Work Performed :

Participate in planning and scheduling all aspects of multi-million-dollar fish passage and habitat projects. Provide authoritative advice and information on projects status, progress, and / or problems to the Lower Yakima River Coordinator.

Determine priorities, establish required schedules, and decides on methods and types of contracts necessary to meet project or task order needs, resolve any disputes that arise, and develop and execute procedures to improve program execution, organization of project teams, and coordination / integration necessary with other Yakama Nation Fisheries programs. Determine the most advantageous statement of work provision for inclusion in contracts.

Direct the procurement and management of assigned major construction projects. Determine the need for contract modifications to incorporate new or modified requirements or to overcome unforeseen circumstances. Incumbent determines whether projects will be accomplished by in-house personnel or by contract.

Set and adjust short-term priorities and prepare schedules for completion of work. Assign work to subordinates based on priorities, considering the difficulty and requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees. Evaluate work performance of subordinates and appraise staff performance. Provides advice, and instruction to employees on both project work and administrative matters. Assures that all supervised project activities are consistent with tribal and federal policies and regulations.

The Project Manager Lead will work frequently with US Bureau of Reclamation, NOAA, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Washington State Department of Natural Resources staff and other resource managers, including-non-profit organizations, conservations and irrigation district employees, city and county representatives, tribal colleagues and other state and federal agency engineers, hydrologists, and biologists.

Regulatory work performed may include leading, reviewing, and providing input on federal actions through the NEPA process, federal consultations and permits such as ESA Section 7 consultation or CWA Section 404 permit and Section 401 certification, Washington State SEPA process. Critical areas regulations and other local regulations, ordinances, and plans as required, as well as attendance and participation at public hearings and study sessions, many of which occur in the evening.

The incumbent will be expected to aggressively pursue grant opportunities to leverage non-federal dollars. Prepare and submit funding proposals to federal. State, and private organizations and complete financial and reporting requirements.

Technical writing, design and implementation of fish passage, habitat restoration, and acquisition projects. Presents restoration and monitoring findings in professional forums.

Interaction with private landowners and representatives of resource agencies to promote and coordinate habitat restoration and protection of strategies.

Drive to project sites and occasional night meetings.

Ability to multi-task on several different activities will be critical.

Perform all other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Knowledge of life histories of anadromous and resident fishes in the Pacific Northwest.

Knowledge of scientific disciplines related to fisheries and watershed management including hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, soil science, plant ecology, channel dynamics, sediment transport and the influence on stream behavior and fish habitat.

Knowledge of federal natural resource management policies and law (e.g., Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Code of Federal Regulations, etc.).

Knowledge of state, tribal and local government permitting requirements.

Hiring of consultants, independent contractors, contracted services, and the purchasing of capital equipment and

hardware.

Technical and price proposal evaluation, non-conformity of bids, materiality and minor informalities in a subcontractor's bid, cost analysis elements and procedures, and examination of the contractor's integrity.

Knowledge of federal construction contracting administrative procedures, bidding procedures, applicable laws, and regulations, awarding contracts, and bonding requirements.

Ability to make formal, scientific presentations of original findings and the work of others, both orally and in writing.

Ability to make effective oral and written presentations to non-technical audiences.

Sensitivity to Tribal culture and values and ability to bring together individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

Experience supervising multiple employees and ability to uphold the Yakama Nation personnel policies.

Demonstrated expertise to handle difficult private and public situations with firmness, tact, and courtesy.

Ability to travel and work outdoors under various weather conditions and perform physical labor.

Minimum Requirements :

Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Fisheries Science or related field.

Four years demonstrated experience as a team member or task lead with primary responsibility of managing construction projects or multi-objective investigations related to fish passage, fish habitat, or water resources projects. Experience in these roles must have included management of scope, scheduling, estimating, budgeting, tracking, and reporting throughout the project lifecycle. Preference will be given to candidates whose experience includes working in complex interdisciplinary settings.

At least ten years of increasingly responsible positions in civil engineering, water resources, or fisheries.

Must be physically able to work in remote areas under a wide range of weather conditions.

Required to pass a pre-employment background check.

Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving Permit.

Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Requirements :

Experience leading large interdisciplinary teams and working with stakeholders across all levels of government (tribal, federal, state, local).

Ten years of professional experience in project engineering or construction with experience in Northwest highly desired.