Northern Colorado - Engineer at Trout Unlimited – Fort Collins, 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 Northern Colorado. The hydrologist will work cooperatively with partners of diverse backgrounds and interests to develop and implement a variety of projects. The project manager will represent Trout Unlimited (TU) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) in collaborative settings, actively and effectively participating in stakeholder groups to advocate for positive outcomes for coldwater fisheries.

The engineering position is responsible for planning and administering civil engineering projects, providing professional expertise, and overseeing engineering projects across the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and the Pawnee National Grasslands (ARP). The hired candidate will be employed by Trout Unlimited (TU) and will work directly with U.S. Forest Service (USFS) staff to support agency capacity on watershed restoration projects. TU and the USFS anticipate this position to be stationed at the ARP Supervisor’s Office in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Engineering support for post-fire recovery work is the primary focus of the position. Responsibilities for this position include the design and construction/contract administration of projects such as aquatic organism passages (AOPs), bridges, drainage structures, culverts, reinforced concrete structures, and forest roads.

• Manage engineering and/or outside consultants to complete necessary designs that meet project deliverables and can be implemented in the field.
• Develop and modify civil engineering plans and specifications for new construction and existing infrastructure. Prepares original designs and preliminary and final layouts, including all phases of low-volume road design, small bridges, retaining walls, major drainage structures, erosion control features, AOPs, and recreation sites.
• Evaluates design objectives and identifies economic and efficient procedures.
• Develop, design and coordinate with other engineers and consultants to ensure that all technical areas of designs and projects meet Forest Service requirements.
• Review plans and specifications from partners to determine practicability and compliance with Forest Service Specifications and best management practices. Recommend modifications to plans, project partners, and FS staff to maximize resource benefits.
• Investigate and prepare engineering data, engineering cost estimates, and consideration of conditions at work site, field measurements and computations.
• Attend regular partner meetings as a subject matter expert to provide input on proposed activities on USFS lands. Provide feedback to district rangers and their staff on proposed activities.
• Provide technical advice and suitable alternatives to Trout Unlimited, FS partners, ARP Forest Service, and Forest Officials to assure that the contracts meet specifications and contract requirements.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

The engineer will promote understanding and cooperation among TU, the USFS, other federal agencies, state agencies, non-profit organizations, water providers, and other special-interest groups regarding the management of water resources and infrastructure. The position will support partnerships and collaborations related to the design and implementation of engineering projects across the ARP.

Desired Qualifications
The combination of complex features in assignments requires creative thinking in applying standard engineering practices to new situations, relating new work to precedent cases, and modifying or adapting standard guidelines. The engineer recognizes potential new approaches and revises or refines techniques and methods to achieve effective results. This position is established for complete design, construction, transportation planning and maintenance projects which will be safe, functionally effective activities.

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in civil or environmental engineering, or a related field, or three years of relevant experience in civil engineering, or a related field.
• The preferred candidate is a Licensed PE in the state of Colorado, but accreditation is not required. The position will require the hired candidate to obtain their license in the State of Colorado within one year. Understanding of engineering principles and strong work experience will be given strong consideration.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are required, as well as the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience working in natural landscapes and implementing projects in remote settings, and in accordance with federal engineering specifications (e.g., FSSS, FP-24, AASHTO).
• Experience with state and federal environmental compliance permitting, such as NEPA, Clean Water Act 404 permits, FEMA (LOMR/CLOMR), a plus.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and HEC-RAS, a plus
• Field work experience, including the collection of field parameters using RTK survey equipment.
• Experience with construction oversight, restoration/reclamation, and management of complex projects is preferred.
• Understanding of design principles and techniques sufficient to design bridges, major drainage structures, retaining walls, foundations, and roads.
• Knowledge of professional civil engineering principles, concepts, and practices applicable to the full range of duties concerned with assessing and advising on soil and subsurface investigations for road studies during preliminary location and design phases and during actual construction.
• Knowledge of engineering construction methods and costs to develop comparative cost estimates and evaluate alternate techniques for construction.
• Knowledge of safety regulations, potential hazards, and precautions to advise contractors and others about safety matters and to make decisions about safety conditions.
• Familiarity with a variety of design, transportation planning, and construction projects of various scopes.
• Ability and willingness to travel. Valid driver’s license and vehicle are required, and experience with driving 4x4 roads is beneficial.

Position Notes

TU is hiring for this position in close partnership with the USFS. All candidates should recognize that the role is a new position and be open to adapting to understand how the shared role and the chosen candidate can be most successful. TU and USFS are committed to a position arrangement that benefits the employee and resource management objectives.

How to Apply

Applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and complete the initial screening questions. TU will begin reviewing applications on May 4th. The position will be open until filled.

Salary and Benefits

Staff and leadership at TU understand that life outside of work is important for personal health, and we strive to create a healthy, family-friendly atmosphere. This is a full-time position with a generous benefits package.