The Project Associate will advance and lead the Conservancy’s landscape scale restoration program on the Santa Clara River and Ormond Beach, in Ventura County.
The Project Associate will provide high-level technical leadership and support to the project on all aspects of habitat restoration, including, but not limited to: planning, permitting, fundraising/grant writing, implementation and monitoring. A wide range of skills is required, including the ability to manage projects independently, as well as, track the progress of projects being led by others and coordinate community support. They will advance the project’s restoration program by identifying, developing, and managing large-scale restoration projects. They will manage contractors and contracts; assist with fundraising by writing and managing funding proposals; assist with preserve management programs, stewardship and public access; assist with research, real estate and other general project support; and further the Conservancy’s strategic within the project area. They must be flexible and have the ability to work on matrixed teams and independently. It is essential they take the initiative to solve problems as they arise, seeking input and equitable solutions.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Manage multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.
- Plan, advance and complete complex and landscape scale habitat restoration in an urban context.
- Gain cooperation from outside parties, particularly government, to accomplish program goals.
- Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Work closely with scientists, to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
- Explain conservation practices and programmatic objectives to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience negotiating complex agreements.
- Supervisory experience.
- Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
- Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
- Hold a real estate license (if required).
- Experience with principles of land acquisition.
- Experience in training and curriculum design.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Knowledge of land management conservation practice and conservation science.
- In-depth knowledge of southern California restoration practices and conservation science in an urban environment.
- Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.
- Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
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.