Scarborough Marsh Project Director

The Scarborough Marsh Project Director at Scarborough Land Trust will lead efforts to enhance the resiliency and sustainability of tidal marsh systems in Scarborough, ME. Responsibilities include supervising a team, managing grant funding, overseeing interdisciplinary committees, and developing public engagement projects. The role requires a field presence for stewardship activities and collaboration with various stakeholders to promote conservation and accessibility of the Scarborough Marsh.
JOB SUMMARY


Scarborough Land Trust (SLT) is searching for a Scarborough Marsh Project Director who enjoys leading and participating in interdisciplinary work and is able to be a bridge between outreach, conservation and science.


The position will lead the organization’s effort in building resiliency, sustainability, and increased understanding of tidal marsh systems in Scarborough. This will involve supervising a small team of part-time and temporary employees, interns, and undergraduate mentees conducting relevant student projects. The position is also responsible for overseeing the management and coordination of several interdisciplinary committees representing a broad range of interest groups.


Position foci include building strong partnerships and individual relationships, broadening the accessibility of the Scarborough Marsh and increasing its availability as a cultural resource for Indigenous Peoples, securing grant funding, initiating and managing both scientific research and public engagement projects, as well as overseeing Federal grant program requirements and the implementation of SLT’s strategic plan as it relates to the Scarborough Marsh.


The position is also responsible for developing programs associated with current NOAA funding and any additional future funding. Current efforts involve a number of partnerships with local government, federal and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and area businesses.


The position also contributes to the stewardship of the Scarborough Marsh and potentially other nearby tidal marsh systems in partnership with landowners. As a steward, a field presence is required to watch over the resource and interact with the public.


ABOUT SCARBOROUGH LAND TRUST


SLT is a highly respected, independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1977. SLT works to conserve and stewardship natural areas and working farms in the Greater Scarborough community. SLT owns and manages over 1,500 acres with over 10 miles of public trails. We provide a variety of educational programs to connect people to our lands. We also have a growing program focused on the conservation and sustainability of the 3,000-acre Scarborough Marsh.


Our team is passionate, collaborative, curious, and committed to SLT’s mission. SLT currently has five full-time employees and two seasonal interns, 150 volunteers, and an active board of directors. We partner with many other organizations, the Town of Scarborough, and several Federal and State agencies.


JOB ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES


The Scarborough Marsh Project Director will either be directly responsible for the following roles and responsibilities, or will be responsible for the delegation of these tasks to team members reporting to this position.


Federal and State Grant Programs



Oversee and manage current NOAA grant funding
Meet all funding reporting requirements and deadlines
Keep SLT current with SAM, ASAP, eRA Commons and all other reporting/payment systems
Manage projects including overseeing contractors, technical reviews, environmental compliance, and meeting stated goals.
Coordinate the technical and outreach committees, Scarborough Marsh Committee, and interact with other SLT committees as required.

Restoration and Wildlife Projects



Manage restoration projects, including: planning, permit requirements, funding, contractors, monitoring and other tasks as needed
Identify priority restoration projects
Seek additional funding for such projects and for the Scarborough Marsh Project Director position
Document storm water issues and other water quality issues and work with the Town of Scarborough on mitigation steps
Conduct pilot project for the control of invasive Phragmites in Scarborough Marsh
Organize community science project using volunteers
Establish best management practices for areas in and around Scarborough Marsh
Explore reintroduction of historic fish runs
Develop projects that reduce or eliminate tidal restrictions and/or mitigate the impacts of climate change (sea level rise).

Partnership Development



Build relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations and local governments
Represent SLT at the Maine Tidal Marsh Network and other conferences and networks (e.g. Maine Blue Carbon Network)
Seek partnerships with underrepresented user groups of Scarborough Marsh, including Indigenous tribes
Develop new corporate partnerships
Prepare grant proposals, coordinate funding partners.

Data Collection



Create standards for collection and storage of data as it relates to Coastal Marshes
Keep up to date GIS databases and citizen science protocols
Collate all known data related to Scarborough Marsh.

Public Outreach



Act as SLT’s public face for Scarborough Marsh
Coordinate volunteer monitoring activities for the Marsh
Develop outreach and public engagement programs and materials.

Other



Work with the SLT team to carry out organization’s strategic plan
Assist with other SLT projects as needed
Participate in SLT staff meetings, events, and programs as required by the Executive Director.