Restoration Project Manager

About the role

The Anne Arundel Watershed Stewards Academy (WSA) builds capacity throughout Anne Arundel County by training Watershed Stewards to empower communities to reduce pollution in local creeks, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay watershed. WSA envisions every community actively engaged in ensuring a healthy environment for all, with a mission to train and mobilize community leaders to drive change for sustainable landscapes and clean waters. More at aawsa.org. WSA is seeking a contractual Restoration Project Manager (RPM) to provide technical guidance and project management support to the Community Restoration Manager and Restoration Coordinator. Restoration staff will retain leadership of their respective programs, while the RPM will help coordinate implementation, take on agreed‑upon project tasks, and resolve technical and logistical challenges. Responsibilities include assisting with project schedules, partner and contractor coordination, budgets, and grant deliverables. The RPM will report to the Executive Director, who will oversee the consultant’s scope, overall restoration priorities, and progress against a shared workplan. Restoration staff will report to the Director of Education and Community Engagement for staff supervision, including workload and capacity, professional development, and personnel matters. The RPM will serve as staff’s primary resource for technical guidance and project management support, working regularly with the Director of Education and Community Engagement to align assignments with staff capacity and ensure clear, consistent direction.

Responsibilities

• Support the Restoration Coordinator in implementing residential tree planting installations scheduled for completion by November 30, 2026.
• Assist with planning and implementation needs for Groves of Gratitude, a community tree distribution initiative, and Tree Ambassadors, a bilingual, stipend‑based tree planting program.
• Support administration of two Chesapeake Bay Trust grants through review of budgets, deliverables, and reporting requirements, and assistance with documentation as needed.
• Conduct site visits and review planting plans, species selection, site maps, and installation logistics to ensure alignment with site conditions, program goals, and grant requirements.
• Assist the Restoration Coordinator with property owner, community partner, nursery, and contractor coordination, taking on agreed‑upon tasks and helping resolve implementation challenges.
• Help track and complete required property owner agreements in coordination with the Restoration Coordinator and WSA administrative staff.
• Use a shared project tracker and regular check‑ins to communicate updates, flag challenges, and clarify next steps without duplicating reporting.
• Serve as a technical resource and thought partner to the Restoration Coordinator when projects require troubleshooting or additional expertise.
• Support the Community Restoration Manager in coordinating project development, design review, and installation at congregational and North County properties.
• Develop or refine plans for non‑engineered restoration projects and help interpret and coordinate review of engineered designs with qualified engineering professionals.
• Assist with administration of the Chesapeake Bay Trust restoration design grant and partner coordination required under applicable grant and subcontract agreements.
• Provide technical guidance and partner coordination support for maintenance of three newly installed conservation landscapes.
• Assess maintenance needs and barriers, clarify maintenance responsibilities with site partners, and contribute practical guidance to WSA’s broader maintenance model.
• Provide technical review and implementation guidance for approximately 15 capstone projects, including site assessment, project feasibility, plant selection, and installation planning. Coordinate with the Director of Education and Community Engagement, who will oversee candidate progress and educational requirements.
• As time permits, refine and maintain an inventory of local restoration contractors, native plant nurseries, and design professionals.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in site assessment, planting design, installation, and maintenance of tree plantings and conservation landscapes, with experience reviewing designs and coordinating implementation of larger stormwater restoration projects.
• Extensive botanical knowledge of native and invasive herbaceous and woody species.
• Proven track record working with commercial nurseries, environmental contractors, and engineering professionals. Local Anne Arundel County experience and relationships preferred.
• Strong background in developing and managing restoration contracts and grant budgets.
• Experience with FieldDoc or comparable restoration tracking and reporting systems preferred.
• Exceptional project management, organization, and analytical skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Maryland and Anne Arundel County restoration permitting processes and requirements.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher).

Schedule & Location

This position operates on a hybrid schedule, combining remote work, field visits throughout Anne Arundel County, and scheduled time at the WSA office (41 Community Place, Crownsville, MD). Hours are flexible and fluctuate between 20 to 40 hours per week depending on seasonal restoration needs. Evening and weekend availability is required to accommodate community programs and volunteer events.