Ben Truscott
Project Manager
Wenatchee,WA
Summary
Experienced project manager with a strong track record in leading complex, multi-year initiatives, while ensuring alignment with organizational values and strategic goals. Skilled in team leadership, cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation, with a proven ability to manage personnel and drive project success through clear communication and relationship-building.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Licensing/Natural Science Project Manager
Chelan County PUD
03.2022 - Current
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks based on urgency, team and individual workload, and alignment with strategic objectives.
- Ensured timely and efficient execution of FERC relicensing process and document preparation, while fostering and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.
- Led cross-functional teams, including internal and external experts (e.g., subject matter experts, legal advisors, contractors), fostering collaboration and achieving project goals through open communication and problem-solving.
- Facilitated clear communication among team members and licensing participants in public meetings during relicensing process, enhancing transparency, addressing challenges, and driving project success.
- Monitored team performance, identifying inefficiencies and implementing adjustments, while maintaining alignment through ongoing communication.
- Worked closely with senior management to align relicensing strategy with District values, proactively identifying and addressing regulatory and operational risks through strategic discussions and relationship building with key decision-makers.
- Fostered high levels of team engagement and morale by promoting collaborative and respectful work environment.
- Sourced, vetted, and managed external contractors, ensuring project requirements were met, while fostering strong relationships and maintaining consistent, effective communication to achieve project milestones.
Fish Biologist
Washington Department Of Fish And Wildlife
08.2010 - 03.2022
- Oversaw multi-year studies to address critical uncertainties facing salmonid populations in the Upper Columbia River basin.
- Developed and implemented novel methodologies, including PIT-tag-based steelhead escapement tracking and evaluation of juvenile Chinook Salmon overwinter habitat utilization using PIT and radio tags.
- Led a multi-agency team in the operation and maintenance of an instream PIT tag detection system network throughout the Upper Columbia River basin.
- Directed a multi-agency adult steelhead radio telemetry project spanning the entire Upper Columbia River basin.
- Obtained and ensured compliance with required environmental permits, including HPA, SEPA, County Shoreline, DNR, Corps of Engineers, and NMFS/ESA permits.
- Managed , internal and external staff coordination, stakeholder relations, and budget development and expenditures for multiple contracts.
- Presented key findings at professional conferences, in peer-reviewed literature, and through annual reports.
Fish Biologist
Yakama Nation Fisheries
01.2009 - 08.2010
- Led Mid-Columbia Coho Reintroduction Program hatchery operations, including broodstock collection, run composition sampling, spawning, egg incubation, and acclimation.
- Designed and installed infrastructure for water supply, filtration, pond cleaning, and acclimation facilities.
- Supervised and managed crews of up to 10 technicians, overseeing performance, training, feedback, and corrective actions.
- Fostered strong communication and relationships with Yakama Nation staff to ensure successful completion of project goals.
- Built effective working relationships with resource agency staff to support coordination and meet regulatory requirements.
- Summarized data and compiled reports for submission to primary funding entities and permitting agencies.
Fisheries Biological Science Technician
U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service
08.2007 - 01.2009
- Launched an innovative Pacific Lamprey life history research project on the Entiat River.
- Documented project progress, compiled data, and organized findings for analysis.
- Developed a comprehensive report on experimental results, contributing to knowledge sharing and scientific advancement.
- Built strong working relationships with agency staff, fostering collaboration and effective communication.
Fish and Wildlife Student Trainee
Chelan County Public Utility District
06.2006 - 09.2006
- Reviewed footage from DIDSON camera to document smolt and predator interactions at Rocky Reach Dam's juvenile bypass system, and presented findings to CCPUD Board of Commissioners.
- Utilized critical thinking skills while analyzing complex data sets.
- Established lasting relationships with District staff using strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Freshwater Ecology
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA 09.2003 - 03.2008
Skills
Project management
Strategic planning
Risk management
Team collaboration
Stakeholder communications
Cross-functional collaboration
Relationship building
Staff management
Timeline
Licensing/Natural Science Project Manager
Chelan County PUD
03.2022 - Current
Fish Biologist
Washington Department Of Fish And Wildlife
08.2010 - 03.2022
Fish Biologist
Yakama Nation Fisheries
01.2009 - 08.2010
Fisheries Biological Science Technician
U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service
08.2007 - 01.2009
Fish and Wildlife Student Trainee
Chelan County Public Utility District
06.2006 - 09.2006
Bachelor of Science - Freshwater Ecology
Western Washington University
09.2003 - 03.2008
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