Conservation Project Manager

Sierra Foothill Conservancy is a 501(c)3 regional land trust whose focus is the grasslands, foothills, and forests between Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks which provide land for farms and ranches, a home for native plants and wildlife, and a source of clean water. The Sierra Foothill Conservancy (SFC) honors our natural and cultural heritage by protecting these resources and ensuring that present and future generations will continue to experience and enjoy the land in this region.

Position Summary

The Conservation Project Manager works as part of the dynamic Sierra Foothill Conservancy (SFC)’s Land Conservation team. The Conservation Project Manager will assist in the realization of SFC’s regional land conservation vision, to conserve connected lands in perpetuity. This staff member develops and completes land projects, which will include easement and fee title land acquisitions through grants and donations, enhancement and mitigation projects. The Project Manager collaborates with local and statewide groups to further SFC’s mission and  goals. The workload is diverse. This position will be based in SFC’s Mariposa office, but will travel frequently throughout SFC’s service area including Fresno, Madera, Merced, and  Mariposa counties. This position reports to the Executive Director and/or Conservation   Director and works with the Land Conservation and Stewardship teams. This is a full-time exempt position. Sierra Foothill Conservancy provides competitive benefits and compensation packages including heath care, dental and vision coverage, 401K retirement plan, and life insurance. Salary and compensation dependent upon experience.

To Submit Applications:

Download  Conservation Project Manager Application Package (pdf). Send resume, cover letter, 3 professional and 1 personal reference and application to sfc@sierrafoothill.org call 209-742-5556 with questions.

Position will be filled as soon as possible. Submit applications by April 27th to be included in first round interviews. Accepting applications until filled

Required Skills:

  • Strong commitment to land conservation and, in particular, the mission and vision of SFC
  • Bachelor’s degree at minimum
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to anticipate needs, provide project support, take initiative and be resourceful
  • Demonstrated innovative thinking and adaptability
  • Technologically savvy, especially a high level of proficiency with MS Office Suite and Excel
  • ArcGIS proficiency
  • Project management and grant writing experience
  • Enjoy working as a team member as well as independently
  • Ability to occasionally work long hours
  • Ability and desire to work with a diverse group of people including state, federal, tribal, and non-government resource professionals, working lands producers, and the general publ

Desired Skills:

  • Experience in conservation real estate, habitat management and/or enhancement
  • Experience with project budget development and management
  • Experience with contract management
  • Familiarity with rangeland and ranching culture
  • Knowledgeable of Sierra Nevada and foothill ecosystems
  • Familiarity with CEQA, NEPA, special status species and mitigation and permitting

Physical Requirements:

Requires ability to sit up to 8 hours per day. Able to lift up to 50 pounds. Traverse difficult

terrain, climb and or stand for 6 hours per day, able to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, walk, run, crawl, and reach for things high or low. Hearing acuity must be average, and visual acuity must be good. Good manual dexterity is required as is the ability to operate stationary machinery and vehicles or mobile equipment.

Responsibilities

Land Conservation Projects (90%)

  • Implement Land Conservation Program
  • Develop grant applications for funding to purchase easements, land, or fund restoration projects
  • Develop project budgets and long-term management tasks and endowment needs
  • Implement projects by developing agreements and other documents, coordinating contractors, and understanding best practices
  • Evaluate potential projects for their conservation values and the appropriate funding strategy
  • Provide Land Conservation Program information to interested landowners
  • Build cooperative, effective working relationships with partner agencies, ranchers, neighbors, conservationists, and scientists
  • Create maps for project proposals, internal use, and other sources
  • Maintain project files and documentation of procedure and policy compliance with LTA accreditation
  • Work closely with the Executive Director and Conservation Director on all land projects
  • Aid in evaluating projects, developing budget, long term management costs, and roles and responsibilities for all parties involved
  • Work with mitigation project proponents, lawyers, agencies, and other parties to ensure project success
  • Research, develop and implement land conservation projects
  • Participate in collaboration conservation planning efforts as directed

Outreach Projects (5%)

  • Occasionally present at regional, state and national conferences
  • Attend 2-3 tabling events a year to talk to community about SFC
  • Build relationships with landowners and community members
  • Participate in collaborative groups to further SFC’s Mission and goals
  • Aid with SFC’s hikes, classes, open houses, and fundraising events as requested

Administrative (5%)

  • Organize the SFC Land Committee- including scheduling and taking minutes if necessary
  • Working with team, ensure that files for all current projects are maintained in compliance with LTA standards and practices
  • Working with team, complete grant reporting and invoicing