Southwest Colorado Project Manager at Trout Unlimited – Durango, Colorado

Trout Unlimited seeks to hire a self-motivated and highly capable project manager to identify, plan, and implement projects to benefit aquatic resources, watershed health and native and wild fish populations in Southwest Colorado. Projects may include removal of fish barriers, irrigation infrastructure improvements, water rights transactions, water conservation efforts, stream restoration, reclamation of abandoned mines, and other cooperative measures that protect or restore fish habitat. The project manager will work cooperatively with partners of diverse backgrounds and interests to develop and implement a variety of conservation projects. The project manager will represent Trout Unlimited in collaborative settings, actively and effectively participating in stakeholder groups to advocate for positive outcomes for coldwater fisheries.

Competitive candidates for this position will need to demonstrate strong project management skills and an understanding of or ability to quickly learn river restoration, water rights, hydrology, ecology, working agriculture, and partnerships. This position involves frequent collaboration with agricultural water users on projects that benefit stream health and agricultural operations, and the ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to collaborate with agricultural producers. The position also involves working cooperatively with water managers, state and federal land managers, and tribal entities. This position will also support contracting and construction oversight of two aquatic organism passage structures in 2026 through a partnership with the San Juan National Forest. Finally, the role will seek and secure funding, working in close coordination with team members to develop long-term funding for TU’s conservation work across Southwest Colorado.

The position will be based in or near Durango, Colorado.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with water users, the agricultural community, and local, state, and federal agency staff.
• Work closely with partners to implement projects that benefit aquatic resources and fish populations.
• Promote and implement farming and ranching practices that enrich soils, enhance biodiversity, restore watershed health, and improve overall ecosystem function.
• Raise funds as necessary to design and construct projects. Manage complex budgets with multiple funding sources.
• Support existing partnerships with San Juan Watershed Enhancement Partnership, Animas Watershed Partnership, San Juan National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, State of Colorado, nonprofit organizations such as the National Forest Foundation and Mountain Studies Institute, and other key partners throughout the San Juan Watershed.
• Develop and manage contracts with engineering consultants and contractors to design and construct restoration projects.
• Write grant proposals to local, state, and federal agencies, as well as foundations, with support from TU’s Colorado and Development teams.
• Manage grant application and reporting requirements.
• Monitor project results, including water quality changes and habitat use.
• Represent Trout Unlimited on local committees or stakeholder groups.
• Attend Trout Unlimited chapter and council functions where appropriate.

This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.

Desired Qualifications

• Minimum of an undergraduate degree in biology, ecology, hydrology, engineering, or a related field. Graduate degree preferred, or five years of relevant experience in watershed restoration, fisheries biology, environmental policy, or a similar field.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Professional experience working with landowners, resource managers, and other interested parties in a collaborative setting.
• Familiarity with regenerative agriculture principles and practices and ability to implement these strategies in coordination with partners.
• Experience with grant writing and managing complex budgets.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficient in ArcGIS.
• Ability to problem solve and think creatively to achieve a conservation mission.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability and willingness to travel. A valid driver’s license and vehicle are required. A 4x4 vehicle is beneficial.

Salary and Benefits

Staff and leadership at TU understand that life outside of work is important to personal health, and we strive to create a healthy and family-friendly atmosphere. This is a full-time position with a generous benefits package. The salary range is $62,000 to $80,000 annually. TU has secured funding for this role for two years. Over the longer term, the hired applicant, with support from other TU staff, will be responsible for raising funds to sustain the position through grants and programmatic partnerships.

At TU, we value diversity and actively seek candidates for this position who come from communities that have been historically underrepresented in conservation and who have been most impacted by degraded rivers and streams. We are committed to building space for all people to participate in our work to care for trout and salmon and clean our shared waters.

How to Apply

Please provide a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and list of three references to Trout Unlimited via our online job application system. Do we normally provide a link here? We will begin reviewing applications on April 13, 2026. The position will be open until filled.