The California Chapter’s Sierra Nevada Program works to increase the pace and scale of ecologically-based restoration and conservation of forests, meadows, and watersheds in the northern Sierra, with a focus on improving the health and resilience of Sierra forests and reducing the risk of high-severity wildfire. Working as part of an interdisciplinary Conservancy team, and in collaboration with external partners, the Project Manager will help to advance place-specific and landscape-scale forest and meadow restoration and to develop state and federal policy and budget measures to bring restoration to scale. The Project Manager will also provide project management support for the Program, including pursuing, developing, and managing public and private grants and contracts.
The Project Manager will help implement several ongoing collaborative forest and watershed restoration projects, including the American River Headwaters/French Meadows Project and the Tahoe-Central Sierra Initiative, and may also work to promote use of prescribed fire as a management tool and to develop wood products infrastructure to support forest restoration. Key functions will include analyzing and synthesizing policy, practice and research to help advance the Conservancy’s goals, writing reports, analyses and grant applications, establishing and developing relationships with government agencies, NGOs, academic researchers, and the private sector, representing the Conservancy in meetings and partnerships, managing grants and contracts, and serving as part of an interdisciplinary team.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Geographic scope is California’s Sierra Nevada, with a focus on the northern Sierra.
- Programmatic scope will require cross-boundary work and relationships.
- Contributes to program goals as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Helps team and program to support and improve conservation efforts
- While working as part of a team, will also make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
- Responsible for helping to ensure that public and private funds are raised to meet program needs and that projects are managed within budget.
- Builds cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with written, verbal, and analytical skills.
- Experience managing complex and/or multiple projects, including contracts, workplans and finances under deadlines.
- Experience in working with a broad range of partners such as NGOs, government agencies, academic researchers, and the private sector.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced degree in environmental policy, natural resources, conservation planning and practice, or related field.
- Experience with/knowledge of the policy, practice, and science of ecologically-based management of forests, meadows and watersheds of the western United States and the Sierra Nevada.
- Experience developing, receiving, and managing grants and contracts.
- Basic proficiency in geographic information systems (GIS) and geospatial design preferred but not required.
- Enthusiasm about conservation, ecology and the natural world and ability to convey that enthusiasm to others.
- Clear, concise, and persuasive written and verbal communication and advocacy skills.
- Excellent listening and interpersonal skills.
- Experience representing organizations in public settings, particularly regarding controversial issues.
- Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.