Jason Smith, Director of Habitat Restoration & Monitoring
Jason grew up in Seaside, Oregon, just south of CREST’s home base in Astoria. His strong connection to the local community and natural environment inspired his career in conservation. Joining CREST in 2009 as a biologist on the monitoring team, Jason was driven by a passion for preserving the Columbia River estuary’s vital habitats and species. Over the years, Jason’s career at CREST has showcased a steady progression of leadership and expertise. In 2015, he transitioned into project management, and by January 2024, his experience and vision led to his promotion to Director of Habitat Restoration and Monitoring.
In this position, Jason oversees CREST’s Habitat Restoration and Monitoring Departments, leading a team dedicated to restoring and monitoring juvenile salmon habitats. This work includes implementing and performing pre and post effectiveness monitoring for projects such as culvert removals, dike breaches, floodplain enhancements, levee setbacks, and tidegate retrofits. He is responsible for project development and execution, managing budgets and contracts, supervising staff, and fostering strong relationships with landowners, funders, and partners.
Jason provides programmatic oversight by managing Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) contracts, facilitating meetings, and collaborating with CREST leadership, project managers, and the monitoring team to develop, implement, and monitor restoration efforts. His responsibilities include ensuring quality assurance, supporting permitting and subcontracting processes, and aligning all activities with ecological priorities and salmon recovery objectives.
As a skilled communicator and collaborator, Jason represents CREST as a program spokesperson. He delivers presentations at meetings and workshops, leads project site tours, and participates in partner coordination meetings. His ability to navigate the complexities of restoration work—including federal and state regulatory requirements, data-driven project development, and community engagement—has positioned CREST as a leader in restoration efforts throughout the lower Columbia River estuary.
Jason remains deeply committed to CREST’s mission of safeguarding the region’s unique ecosystems and ensuring the resilience of its habitats for future generations. His dedication to the community, paired with his expertise in ecological restoration and strategic planning, continues to drive the organization’s impact and success
In this position, Jason oversees CREST’s Habitat Restoration and Monitoring Departments, leading a team dedicated to restoring and monitoring juvenile salmon habitats. This work includes implementing and performing pre and post effectiveness monitoring for projects such as culvert removals, dike breaches, floodplain enhancements, levee setbacks, and tidegate retrofits. He is responsible for project development and execution, managing budgets and contracts, supervising staff, and fostering strong relationships with landowners, funders, and partners.
Jason provides programmatic oversight by managing Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) contracts, facilitating meetings, and collaborating with CREST leadership, project managers, and the monitoring team to develop, implement, and monitor restoration efforts. His responsibilities include ensuring quality assurance, supporting permitting and subcontracting processes, and aligning all activities with ecological priorities and salmon recovery objectives.
As a skilled communicator and collaborator, Jason represents CREST as a program spokesperson. He delivers presentations at meetings and workshops, leads project site tours, and participates in partner coordination meetings. His ability to navigate the complexities of restoration work—including federal and state regulatory requirements, data-driven project development, and community engagement—has positioned CREST as a leader in restoration efforts throughout the lower Columbia River estuary.
Jason remains deeply committed to CREST’s mission of safeguarding the region’s unique ecosystems and ensuring the resilience of its habitats for future generations. His dedication to the community, paired with his expertise in ecological restoration and strategic planning, continues to drive the organization’s impact and success
I have always wanted to work in a field where I feel like I am making a difference. Working at CREST provides a unique opportunity to be hands on in restoration activities from the beginning of a project to several years after completion.
Personal ProfileJason appreciates everything about living in the Pacific Northwest, from its surreal flora and fauna, the scenery that sprawls from Pacific Ocean to the Rocky Mountains, to the abundance of rain.
A perfect weekend for Jason would include any outdoor activity including hiking, snowboarding, camping or traveling, preferably in the company of friends and family. |
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