Job Summary 

The Fisheries Project Manager provides program-level leadership and technical expertise for fisheries and aquatic resource management in support of U.S. federal agency/agencies disaster recovery, restoration, and resiliency projects. This role oversees planning, budgeting, environmental compliance, and implementation of fisheries programs, while serving as a key advisor and liaison to stakeholders.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

Job Classification: Full-Time

Duty Station:  Ashville, NC (Hybrid, 2 days minimum onsite)

Travel: Travel up to 75% (Travel required throughout the National Forest in North Carolina)

Duties/Responsibilities 

Lead and manage fisheries and aquatic resource programs, including planning and implementation

Provide technical guidance on fish habitat management, restoration, and protection

Develop and oversee program budgets, funding allocations, and annual work plans

Integrate ESA requirements, recovery plans, and habitat needs into Forest programs and decisions

Prepare and review NEPA and ESA documentation, including Biological Assessments and Evaluations

Analyze impacts of forest management activities on fisheries and aquatic ecosystems

Develop management strategies, mitigation measures, and restoration solutions

Coordinate with Forest Service staff, contractors, partners, and regulatory agencies

Lead interdisciplinary team participation for environmental planning and analysis

Monitor and evaluate fisheries habitat improvement and restoration projects

Direct collection, analysis, and interpretation of fisheries and habitat data

Provide input to Forest Plan development, monitoring, and program direction

Support responses to administrative reviews, appeals, and litigation

Maintain program documentation, reporting systems, and data management

Represent the Forest Service in meetings, partnerships, and stakeholder coordination

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Required Skills/Abilities 

Required: Advanced knowledge of fisheries biology, aquatic ecosystems, and habitat management

Required: Strong experience with NEPA and ESA compliance and environmental analysis

Required: Ability to lead programs, manage budgets, and coordinate interdisciplinary teams

Required: Excellent technical writing, analytical, and communication skills

Preferred: Experience managing fisheries or aquatic programs for federal land management agencies

Preferred: Familiarity with Southern Appalachian aquatic species and ecosystems

Preferred: Experience developing programmatic Biological Assessments (ESA Section 7)

Preferred: Experience with GIS tools and aquatic data systems

Education and Experience 

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Management, Aquatic Biology, or related field

Required: Minimum 10 years of experience as a fisheries biologist or natural resources professional

Required: Demonstrated experience in program management, habitat analysis, and environmental compliance

Preferred: Master’s degree in related field

Preferred: Experience in the Southern Appalachian region or similar ecosystems

Physical Requirements 

Ability to conduct field visits and work in aquatic and forested environments

Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods

Ability to work in extreme weather, noise, dust, and field conditions

Ability to travel frequently to project sites and meetings

Benefits 

Eligible employees receive the following benefits: 

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

MDLIVE

Benefit Hub

Paid Annual Leave/PTO

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

401(k)

Basic Life

Voluntary Life Insurance

Accident Insurance

Short Term Disability

Long Term Disability

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Pre-employment Requirements 

Due to the nature of Chloeta’s services, this position is contingent upon completing with a satisfactory outcome some or all of the following pre-employment background screenings: government security clearance, federal and state criminal background checks, drug test (urinalysis), Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review, educational history, employment history, and/or credit check. In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), pre-employment background screenings will require the employee’s written authorization and will occur after acceptance of an offer of employment and prior to commencing work. Additionally, employees are required to complete the federal I-9/E-Verify process.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy

Employees may be subject to undergoing additional drug screens and/or alcohol testing at any time during the period of employment, including without prior notice.

EEO Statement 

Chloeta provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

About Chloeta 

Chloeta is a Native American owned enterprise providing a diverse range of engineering, scientific, and technical solutions to support military, energy, homeland security, emergency preparedness, and critical infrastructure requirements. 

Fisheries Project Manager

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