Conservation and Recreation Program Manager

Cowiche Canyon Conservancy (CCC) is seeking a Conservation & Recreation Program Manager to join our team. CCC is a non-profit land trust. We work to protect shrub-steppe habitat and connect people to the landscape through conservation, education, and recreation programs.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Conservation & Recreation Program Manager is responsible for protecting, restoring, and maintaining the conservation, recreation and community values of our properties primarily through infrastructure improvement projects, trail maintenance, restoration projects, annual monitoring, and public relations. The position works closely with the Land Steward, Stewardship Committee, Trails Committee, Lands Committee, and external partners. The Program Manager oversees land management, restoration activities, assists with fundraising for stewardship projects, and works with the Recreation and Education and Community Outreach (ECO) Programs to coordinate activities to connect the community to the land.

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, year-round, salaried

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

GENERAL DUTIES:

Land Management:

• Update and implement management plans for CCC properties and easements.
• Ensure natural and cultural resource protection on CCC properties.
• Develop and oversee ecological restoration projects.
• Develop and oversee fuels reduction, wildfire preparedness, and wildfire recovery projects.
• Train volunteers in data collection, field work, and restoration techniques.

Data Collection, Data Management and Data Analysis

• Develop and oversee monitoring projects as necessary related to ecological health, plant and wildlife diversity, restoration outcomes and project efficacy, wildfire recovery, and conservation easement values.
• Analyze data and generate reports that are easily understood by both science professionals and the general public.
• Maintain GIS data.

Trails and Recreation Management:

• Assess, plan and coordinate trail improvement projects on a 60 mile network of multi-use trails.
• Assist with design and construction of new trail projects.
• Volunteer management and coordination for trail projects.

Support for Education and Community Outreach Activities:

• Collaborate with Education & Community Outreach (ECO) Program to plan and incorporate outreach activities into conservation work (i.e. citizen science projects, hosting educational events in partnership with other organizations).
• Support public outreach opportunities to bring attention to our stewardship work and restoration activities.
• Develop and give presentations to the public on shrub steppe ecology and stewardship
• Participate in public school field trip program
• Assist with guided walks and educational events

Development and Relationship Building:

• Develop and maintain relationships with public and private funding organizations.
• Contribute to and provide data for funding applications as needed to raise revenue for conservation and trail project implementation.
• Prepare grant application materials and complete grant reporting requirements. Make presentations to funders and public meetings as necessary.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with partner organizations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with neighbors of CCC lands
• Represent CCC in the broader conservation community. Participate in local, regional, state, and national efforts related to conservation. Make presentations as necessary.

Administrative Duties:

• Develop annual Conservation and Recreation work plans and budgets with input from appropriate committees.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Participate in CCC’s staff meetings, committee meetings, and board meetings, as needed.
• Participate in organizational development, board training, and fundraising activities.

REQUIRED BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES:

Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to think critically, practically, creatively, and analytically to understand and evaluate options and then develop and implement appropriate actions.

Organization: Demonstrated ability to manage time, tasks, and resources to achieve goals efficiently and effectively.

Communication: Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally, in writing, and publicly with diverse groups of people including CCC colleagues, volunteers, government agency employees, trail users and other stakeholders.

Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to understand CCC’s mission, vision, and values, and to align actions and initiatives accordingly.

Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to produce work which consistently demonstrates thoroughness, precision and conscientiousness.

Collaboration:Demonstrated ability to work effectively and foster positive working relationships with diverse groups of people including CCC colleagues, volunteers, government agency employees, trail users and other stakeholders.

Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to adjust to new conditions, challenges and opportunities. Are proactive in anticipating and responding to change and remain effective in dynamic or uncertain environments.

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

Knowledge of shrub-steppe ecosystem and land conservation principles.

Experience in biological data collection and analysis.

Experience with geographic information systems, cartography and geospatial data management.

Demonstrated experience and commitment to land conservation.

Proficiency with standard computer software including Microsoft Office 365 and electronic communications.

Grant writing and management experience preferred.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSURES/CERTIFICATIONS:

A bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of experience in natural resource management, land stewardship, restoration, and/or trail building and management

or

At least 8 years of experience in natural resource management, land stewardship, restoration, and/or trail building and management in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.

Valid, insurable driver's license.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment for this position consists of both office and field settings. Must be able to sit/stand for up to 8 hours in the office setting, with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to walk/hike on uneven terrain, lift up to 30 lbs. and endure potential exposure to inclement weather and other adverse conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to occasionally work flexible schedules to accommodate project needs, with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English, with or without reasonable accommodation.

It is expected that CCC employees will reside and work in the community.

STARTING SALARY: $56,000 - $62,000/year

BENEFITS: Health insurance (including dental and vision), retirement (SIMPLE IRA), paid holidays, vacation accrual, and sick leave accrual.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT:

Cowiche Canyon Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination, and we ensure all employees are treated fairly and with respect. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $56,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $56,000 - $62,000