Request for Proposals: Wetland Restoration Specialist on Retainer

Issue Date: 11/9/26
Submissions Due: 11/23/26

EMAIL SUBMISSIONS TO:
lwood@shorerivers.org

Download full RFP

ShoreRivers is seeking proposals for one or more Wetland Restoration Specialists to be hired on a contract basis (on retainer) for 3 years starting January 1, 2028. Successful candidates will demonstrate an ability to work with landowners to design and manage wetland restorations. A successful candidate will have the ability to: 

1) Identify wetland restoration opportunities in ShoreRivers’ jurisdictional areas: Wetland restoration (or in some cases creation) opportunities in medium- to high-priority areas that would receive favorable consideration by Chesapeake Bay restoration funding agencies.

2) Engage landowners who are willing to maintain proposed projects and will agree to allow ShoreRivers to implement on their land.

3) Collaborate with ShoreRivers staff on grant proposals for design and implementation funding

  • Consult on technical narratives & budget

  • Respond to technical questions by potential funders

4) Design & Project Manage Funded Projects

  • Collaborate with ShoreRivers staff on the development of design and construction budgets and contracts with construction contractors

  • Provide wetland designs that comply with Natural Resource Conservation Service standards

  • Consult on contractor(s) selection

  • Coordinate and attend project kickoff meetings

  • Work with landowners through design process; secure landowner agreements for construction and subsequent maintenance

  • Work closely with ShoreRivers’ Restoration Managers to develop concept plan; review and provide comments on all concept, preliminary, and final plan sets

  • Provide estimate for construction and work with ShoreRivers staff to develop overall project budget for construction

  • Review and approve all invoicing from build team

  • Manage project timeline and ensure milestones are met on time

5) Complete Review & Documentation

  • Get each site reviewed by the state soil scientist and obtain a soils report

  • Ensure that NRCS and the Farm Service Agency receive all required documentation for projects. Including (but not limited to):

    • Project shapefiles

    • Soils report

    • Design report

    • Average Ponding depth 

  • Oversee Maryland Historic Trust review and provide any project information needed

6) Handle Grant, Permit, and Agency Reporting for Funded Projects

  • Provide project details (i.e location, acreage) and status to ShoreRivers for inclusion in quarterly and final reports.

  • Complete all permit and agency reporting

  • ShoreRivers will complete the as-built plans and submit them to the districts. 

The selected contractor(s) must be able to provide a Certificate of Insurance including General Liability, Workers Compensation/USL&H (or documentation of exception). 

The Wetland Restoration Specialist is to be paid an agreed hourly rate on a per project basis with a pre-approved budget for each project; rate can have an annual adjustment built in for COLA. This agreement does not guarantee a selected Wetland Specialist any contractual work from ShoreRivers. 

The Wetland Restoration Specialist agrees not to provide the same services to other nonprofits competing with ShoreRivers for the same funding for the same projects. 

Either party to this retainer agreement can terminate at will, but once any individual project has been approved and commenced, neither party will terminate except for cause. 

submission procedure

Proposals will be accepted electronically by Restoration and Outreach Manager Laura Wood at lwood@shorerivers.org, until 11:59pm on November 23, 2026. We will notify you once a decision for award is made by December 4, 2026.

Please provide the following: 

  • Resume or CV

  • Contractor license information (if applicable)

  • Hourly rate & estimated hours required per project

Selection will be based on: experience, price, skills, and capacity.

REGULATORY 

This agreement is subject to the regulations promulgated by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), which will govern it and the work to be performed pursuant to it, and they are incorporated by reference and will take precedent over any conflicting provisions. 

MINORITY PARTICIPATION 

ShoreRivers actively encourages proposals from Small, Women and Minority Owned (SWAM) Businesses. Please note if you are a Small, Women or Minority Owned Business and if you are certified by the State of Maryland.