The result is an organization that uses scientifically based advocacy to change wild fish management reform hatcheries, reform harvest practices and build stewardship in our home rivers.  Success over the last 16 years has been impressive.   NFS members and staff successfully authored and shepherded the petitions to protect Lower Columbia Coho and Puget Sound Steelhead under the federal Endangered Species Act, and played a key role in the coalition that protected and restored the ESA protections to all west coast salmon and steelhead in the 2000’s.  The State of Oregon’s Wild Fish Policy, and its successor, the Native Fish Conservation Policy, are a direct result of NFS’ strong advocacy.   We know that current hatchery programs and policies have been and continue to be detrimental to native fish populations.  NFS is actively involved in restoring wild fish and changing hatcheries used as mitigation for private hydropower operations such as those on the Clackamas and Deschutes River.  More recently, NFS is working on three key strategic initiatives.

1. River Steward Program – empower a grassroots steward program to shape wild fish strategies at the local level.  Our goal is to have over 100 River Stewards.
2. Hatchery Accountability – we are changing the way hatcheries are evaluated and funded at the federal and state level.
3. Sandy River Recovery – Restoring tens of thousands of wild salmon and steelhead to the Sandy River (Oregon) by changing the hatchery program, as a model for rivers across the west.

These initiatives, as well as other efforts, are managed and implemented by 4 key staff: the Director of Science and Conservation, the River Steward Coordinator, the Development Director  (p/t) and a Director of Government Affairs (p/t).  NFS also employs a part time office assistant.  In addition, the organization has close to 50 River Stewards concentrated in Oregon and Washington, and an active Board of Directors.

Opportunities for the Future

NFS’ unwavering mission coupled with strong, scientifically based advocacy has led the organization into exciting, but unchartered territory.  NFS is the lead plaintiff on the first lawsuit in Oregon to challenge a hatchery under the ESA.  However, the litigation is only a piece of a larger Sandy River Restoration campaign.  At the legislative level, NFS’ advocacy has resulted in the first ever Senate hearing on the costs of hatcheries in Oregon, in an effort to change the way hatcheries are funded.  Finally, our River Stewards are actively engaged in conservation efforts throughout the PNW, including the Deschutes, John Day, Klickitat and Oregon Coast.   These efforts are creating effective templates for changing the way wild fish recover.

The organization would like to return to a wild fish economy by enhancing and replicating these initiatives.  If successful, wild fish will thrive in their natal streams and support a sustainable harvest and the businesses that depend on them. To do that, we need additional resources, strong messaging and communication, a large, active membership, and creative, visionary leaders who can continue to implement the NFS mission,  policies and strategic initiatives to maximize impact.

Job Description

The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors and staff to implement the mission, policies and initiatives of NFS.  The executive director of NFS will be primarily responsible for ensuring sufficient revenue to maintain and grow current and future initiatives, and with staff identify the best means to implement the initiatives.  Similarly, the executive director will be responsible for the organization’s communication strategy and partnerships.  The executive director will manage staff, working cooperatively with the staff to ensure success.

The position will be located in Oregon City, OR.  Salary is commensurate with experience. Health insurance, generous vacation time and flexible hours included.  The successful candidate must be willing to travel occasionally, mainly along the west coast.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of real world experience in any of the following areas:

• Proven dedication to the mission of NFS, or wild fish issues, such as hatcheries, harvest and recovery
• public and private fundraising
• financial management skills
• natural resource advocacy
• leadership in non profit, public or private organizations
• familiarity with the legislative process
• management of independent, self motivated staff
• a Bachelor’s or higher degree (relevant degrees include natural resources, fisheries, finance, business)
• strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• familiarity with environmental laws including NEPA, ESA, CWA and state fish and wildlife rules, and experience with litigation
• A sense of humor

To apply, email a cover letter, resume and three references to Kaitlin Lovell, co-chair of the Board of Trustees: kaitlovell@yahoo.com

The position is open until filled.