Program Manager

Job Announcement

Program Manager

Position Title: Program Manager

Location: Atascadero, CA with services and field work throughout District

Hours: Full-time position, non-exempt

Compensation/Benefits: $80,000-$95,000 annual wage depending on experience plus health stipend, generous vacation and sick allowance and employer matched retirement plan.

 

The Upper Salinas – Las Tablas Resource Conservation District (USLTRCD) is committed to assisting stakeholders with their natural resource management and conserving habitat and ecosystems in our District. The US-LT RCD has successfully worked with local stake holders, including farmers and ranchers, other land owners, municipal, County and State governments since its inception in 1951.  Work is diverse, interesting, and challenging that truly makes a difference in our community.

POSITION

 

The Program Manager acts as a coordinator between multiple projects to ensure they are carrying out the mission of the District.  The Program Manager works to develop, plan, oversee, and monitor programs and projects targeted at natural resource management and restoration projects that improve or enhance water conservation, soil health, species diversity while also creating opportunities for outreach, education, and volunteer recruitment.

The Program Manager position is full-time and funded by grants. The Program Manager will advance projects to improve sustainable land and farming practices, improve water conservation and groundwater recharge, and habitat enhancement and restoration for sensitive species.  These activities are often designed to incorporate various natural resource management considerations and produce multi-beneficial outcomes. The work generally involves leading or supporting diverse efforts, from general technical assistance to regional prioritization and planning, to designing and implementing programs and projects.

 

Current projects include the California Department of Food and Agriculture Conservation Agriculture Planning, California Association of Resource Conservation Districts Pollinator Habitat, and Adeliade Hydrology Study.

 

To accomplish this work, the Program Manager will work closely with a broad array of internal staff, partner organizations, government agency staff, and public and private landowners, and will require high levels of engagement and personal interactions, sometimes during non-regular business hours.

 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizing programs and activities in accordance with the mission and goals of the organization, identifying objectives and measures upon which programs and project will be evaluated upon completion.
Developing new programs to support the strategic direction of the organization, focusing on needs base analysis and funding opportunities.
Creating and managing long-term goals for resource management and organizational capacity building.
Developing a budget and operating plan for individual projects
Developing an evaluation method to assess program strengths and identify areas for improvement.
Writing proposals to implement individual projects
·         Assist in collaborating with RCD staff, partners, and volunteers to carry out the goals and objectives of the project.  Manage project staff and/or volunteers according to the established policies and practices of the organization

Meeting with stakeholders to make communication easy and transparent regarding project issues and decisions.
Producing accurate and timely reporting of programs and project status throughout their life cycles by ensuring all financial records for the projects are up to date and prepare financial reports and supporting documentation for funders as outlined in funding agreements
Assist in financial management of projects by reviewing invoices, making purchase orders, and examining budget expenditures with contract agreements.
Write reports on the projects as per requirements of grant and/or contract agreements.
Lead outreach and education
Administer statewide RCD Project Tracker
APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS

Successful applicants will “wear many hats” at the RCD. They will benefit from previous experience in stakeholder engagement, identifying emerging opportunities, responding to timely requests, utilizing new and streamlined permitting and environmental compliance routes, and high levels of collaboration. They will work across many disciplines and therefore must have technical, administrative, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Minimum qualifications

·         Knowledge in one or more of the following areas: regenerative agriculture, forest health, watershed stewardship, natural resource management, hydrology, soil science, native plant and animal communities, restoration ecology, or similar field

·         Demonstrated ability in or transferable to conservation, program management, or a related field

·         Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work with a variety of people with diverse interests and temperaments

·         Strong computer skills, including Word and Excel

·         Highly organized, motivated self-starter with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced work environment

·         Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

·         Ability to walk on rugged terrain, lift and carry supplies, and utilize equipment during all seasons

·         Creativity, sense of humor, “can do” spirit, collegiality, flexibility, strong desire to learn

·         Valid California driver’s license, clean driving record, and current auto insurance

 

Desired qualifications

·         Experience with community engagement

·         Familiarity with wildfire resiliency and forest health

·         Familiarity with local threatened and endangered species, including habitat needs and legal protections

·         Familiarity with local, state, and federal permits required for restoration projects

·         Experience working with watershed, restoration, or other conservation groups

·         Experience with environmental construction management

·         Experience with grant writing, contract management, and procurement procedures

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Financial compensation for the Program Manager will be commensurate with applicable experience up to $95,000 per year. Benefits include health; paid time off; a retirement plan; and a flexible work schedule with the ability to work remotely as well as in the office; and a fun, fast-paced, positive work environment with excellent coworkers.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We strive to foster diversity and inclusion, from hiring and management practices to board recruitment to community service to professional development and beyond. Candidates reflecting the social diversity of California and of San Luis Obispo County are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

APPLICATION INFORMATION
To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and three or more references to admin@us-ltrcd.org. The RCD is an equal opportunity employer.