Job Description July 2017

Position:Project Manager, Stewardship

Supervisor:Executive Director

Employment Type:Full Time exempt position

Compensation: Competitive salary based on skills and experience

Hours:8am to 5pm with some flexibility; some weekends and evenings with the opportunity to telecommute one day per week with prior coordination

PositionProject Manager, Stewardship

Summary

TheProject Manager, Stewardship (PMS) implements land management plans for Solano Land Trust properties toprotect, enhance and restore the conservation, agricultural, cultural and recreational values of SLTlands. The PMS supports both program and external development initiatives to ensure that priorities align with organizational goals and resources. This position implements and directsnatural resource management, research, and restorationandsolicits and administers major grants and mitigation projects. In addition, the PMS develops goals and strategies for the protection and preservation of SLT lands and resources. The PMS primarily focuses on the Greater Jepson Prairie Ecosystem and Rush Ranch Open Space Preserve, but coordinates with staff onother programmatic projects, as well.

Specific Responsibilities

The Project Manager, Stewardship is accountable for delivering the following results:

  1. Stewardship priorities and outcomes are aligned with organizational goals and policies.
  2. Programs and projects are managed according to local, state andfederal laws and SLT’s contractual requirements;comply with LTA and SLT standards; and protect conservation values.
  3. Plans andproceduresincorporate current and best available science and practices, reflect multiple stakeholder priorities and enhance and protectnatural habitats and species while balancingagricultural uses and recreation.
  4. Efficient and effective project management including planning, contract and budget management, fundraising (grants, contracts, donors), work plan development, clear communication, conflict resolution and partner relationship management.
  5. Accurate and timely Board and Committee deliverables, including reports and communications with the Project Committee and the Board as needed.

Detailed Responsibilities

Natural Resource Management, with a Focus on Grassland Management

  1. Lead Property Management of Rush Ranch, Jepson Prairie and Wilcox Ranch
  1. Evaluate and implement maintenance operations in accordance with management plans, evaluate annually and adapt as needed. Plan and prioritize land management activities in accordance with existing management plans and evaluate resourcing and staffing needs and constraints.
  2. Monitor grassland management activities including grazing by outside operators. Evaluate based on ranch-wide goals and discuss with operators, SLT staff/Board/committees and adjust as needed.
  3. Update management plans, as needed.
  4. Develop, raise money for and carry out restoration and conservation projects.
  5. Manage regulatory compliance, resource agency permitting and contractual obligations related mitigation and natural resource management.
  6. Coordinate data collection and analysis for ecological restoration; and ensure project goals are clearly articulated and achieved.
  7. Effectively manage resources through project/budget control and oversight and project/plan/program evaluation.
  8. Prepare annual monitoring and adaptive management reports and make recommendations for subsequent years.
  9. Prepare budgets based adaptive management and organizational priorities.
  10. Track management outcomes and produce reports and presentations to communicate with other staff and SLT Board.
  11. Identify and solicit opportunities for external funding for priority projects including endowments, payments for ecosystem services, and mitigation opportunities.
  12. Maintain and grow strategic partnerships:
  13. Work collaboratively with core partners to ensure relationships provide value to SLT and the partners.
  14. Identify partnership opportunitiesfor funding and collaboration; and coordinate strategic partnerships and programs.
  15. Oversee and coordinate science and research activities, science partnerships, and data analysis and science communication to support management priorities.
  16. Manage partner use agreements
  17. Negotiate and implement agreements, such as grazing licenses, mitigation, habitat enhancement and other similar agreements.Administer contracts and carry out work on grants received, as assigned, including managing budgets preparing reports, invoices, memos, and other documents, as required
  1. Collaborate with other staff to develop and implement grassland monitoring programs that meet management plan objectives and contractual requirements and prioritizes activities based on staffing and financial constraints.Assist with program-wide initiatives such as:
  2. Oversee grazing program on all SLT lands including, market analysis and development of a grazing advisory group to advise SLT on best practices for grazing program management.
  3. Work with staff to ensure safe and accessible public access of SLT lands andenforce rules.

Program Support/Transactions/Outreach/Organizational Development

  1. Identify, write and execute grants to support priority projectsin coordination with staff and partners.
  2. Support programmaticplanning and conservation initiatives, as needed by assisting with resource values and opportunities. Represent SLT at meetings and conferences.
  3. Support fundraising staff by helping identify and cultivate major donors and attending fundraising events.

SLT’s Culture

Every team member at SLT is considered a leader who embraces the role they have been assigned and encourages colleagues to be their best through effective communication, collaboration and shared values. As a small organization, we are self-starters and are flexible to the ever changing circumstances.We operate from a place of integrity, trust, and personal responsibility with the goal of representing SLT in a positive way. We have mutual respect for one another and use discretion in all business dealings and communication.

Position Requirements

Minimum Education, Skills, Experience

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Grassland Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science or similar field plus 3years of experience. Prefer Master’s Degree in related field with 5years of experience.
  • Experience preparing and managing budgets and managing complex projects
  • Experience with on the ground projects related to grassland management, infrastructure, and restoration.
  • Experience managing contractors for ranch and conservation work.
  • Strong computer skills
  • Public speaking skills
  • Understanding of concepts related to ecosystem restoration and management
  • Dedication to land preservation and management
  • Basic GIS and GPS

Skills that are Desired, but not Required

  • Advanced GIS and GPS
  • Experience and knowledge of the habitats and species within SolanoCounty
  • Experience interpreting scientific data
  • Experience working with agencies and conservation organizations
  • Experience working with private landowners
  • Familiarity with driving off road vehicles and farm equipment.

Benefits

SLT provides a portion of the employee’s health, dental, and visioninsurance, matches up to 3% of employee’s contribution toward their 403.b retirement account, and provides eleven paid holidays and two weeks of vacation per year.

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