Tacoma Habitat Stewardship Program Manager

Nature & Purpose of the Position

The purpose of the Habitat Stewardship Program Manager position is to support and promote the Water Quality Improvement program mission of water quality improvement and watershed education by co-managing the Tacoma Habitat Stewardship program in partnership with the City of Tacoma’s Open Space Program. Considering the nature of Conservation Districts, this position will be expected to work on both public and private properties.

For public sites, this position co-leads the Green Tacoma Partnership, a multi-agency/multi-partner effort to restore over 500 public open space acres in Tacoma alongside the City. Through Habitat Stewardship Trainings, educational events, community engagement, and volunteer support the Tacoma Habitat Stewardship Program Manager is responsible for managing 10 active sites annually.

Successful restoration efforts in Tacoma also require direct engagement with private property owners. The Tacoma Habitat Stewardship Program Manager will be responsible for creating a private property program to deliver technical assistance to community living alongside critical areas across Tacoma. With support from City of Tacoma staff, this position will co-create the program, webpages, outreach material, and deliver said program in priority areas.

Depending on experience this role may manage full time staff, AmeriCorps members, paid/unpaid interns, and/or temporary staff.

The Tacoma Habitat Stewardship Program Manager must understand habitat restoration processes, project management, work cooperatively and professionally with partners and members of the public; be physically able to negotiate all types of terrain and weather conditions; be self-directed and follow through on assignments.  To be successful in this role one must value connecting community with hands-on restoration and be willing to work both traditional and community hours.

About Pierce Conservation District  

Pierce Conservation District is government that works. We work strategically and passionately to conserve and restore the natural resources of Pierce County. Our work improves both rural and urban communities to benefit the health and well-being of our citizens. We work in six core program areas: Farm Assistance, Water Quality Improvement, Habitat Restoration, Urban Agriculture, Climate Resiliency, and Environmental Education. The District works for clean water, healthy soil, salmon recovery and local food access for all. When you join the Pierce Conservation District staff, you join a team of talented and committed people who are mission-driven and care deeply about improving our environment and our community.

The primary responsibility of the Tacoma Habitat Stewardship Program Manager is to restore open space habitat on both public and private property in the City of Tacoma’s most urban areas.  This position must have strong project management skills with attention to detail across multiple projects at once.  

Program tasks include:

• Manage Tacoma Habitat Stewardship Program:
  • Recruit, train, onboard, and support Habitat Steward volunteers
  • Provide direction to Habitat Steward teams, volunteers, and/or crews
  • Create and deliver private property stewardship technical assistance program
  • Develop Restoration Plans and create annual work plans with Habitat Stewards
  • Develop and manage budgets
  • Manage a team of up to one full time staff and/or two AmeriCorps.
  • Oversee AmeriCorps member(s) and interns in advancing restoration sites
  • Solicit volunteers to support Habitat Steward events
  • Manage overall restoration activities and events
  • Manage Green Tacoma Partnership planning group
  • Supply tools for events
  • Produce reporting as needed

• Other tasks as assigned:
  • As a small, nimble organization all staff are expected to be open to taking on other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

The Tacoma Habitat Stewardship Program Manager must have knowledge of habitat restoration, water quality monitoring processes, be detailed oriented, be a strategic thinker, and thrive in working in community, in a team environment and independently.   Additional qualifications include:

• A bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, environmental science, or related field, or three years working experience in related field
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Office 365 suite of software programs
• Flexible schedule and ability to work nights and weekends
• Valid Washington State driver’s license 

Desired Skills

The Tacoma Habitat Stewardship Program Manager must understand and believe in the Pierce Conservation District mission and program delivery methods and maintain a positive and constructive attitude with members of the public, coworkers, and partners. Additional desired skills include:

• Ability to effectively plan and organize schedule of activities related to work goals set by the Water Quality Improvement Director
• Understanding of restoration best management practices
• Understanding of basic water quality monitoring processes
• Excitement in community engagement around habitat improvement 
• GIS and documenting work using current technology/methods
• Excellent communication skills
• A track record for planning and implementing several projects at once
• Excellent time management and task prioritization abilities
• Ability to meet deadlines and provide high quality, accurate, and timely products
• Accountable for all work deliverables, actions, and communication
• Desire to develop professionally

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Work will occur in the field with remaining work in the office or in a remote work setting. Candidates must be comfortable working outside in all weather conditions and across sometimes difficult to traverse terrain. Must be able to lift more than 50 lbs. Applicable field gear and equipment will be provided by PCD. Work vehicles will also be provided, for use with a valid driver’s license. 

This is a full-time position consisting of 40 hours/week.  The position will require some work on Saturdays or after regularly scheduled work hours at first, building into a Tue-Saturday schedule to assist volunteers during their normal Saturday work parties.   Adjusted schedule during specific seasonal work may be considered. 

Licenses, Certificates & Other Requirements

Annual Salary: $53,812– $70,425, Depending on Qualifications

This is a full-time, non-exempt, limited-term position based on City of Tacoma program funding.  Current funding is through December 31, 2026 with the expectation of subsequent 2-year funding cycles.  This position will be a Program Manager 1-3, step 1-3, depending on qualifications. Benefits will include retirement, 100% of premiums paid for medical/dental/vision for you and your dependents as well as accrued paid sick leave, annual leave, 13 paid holidays per year (includes 2 paid personal holidays), an ORCA card, and a training budget.

This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Council 2. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement can be found here.

A classification description with level or responsibility and abilities can be found here.

Apply at: https://zfrmz.com/7bHKoVOMlZepynD2vEjW

Applications open until: Position is filled

First Review of Applications: February 14, 2025*

Projected Interviews to Begin: Week of February 24, 2025

Projected Start Date: March 17, 2025

Salary : $53,812 - $70,425