STRAW Restoration Project Manager (South Bay) at Point Blue Conservation Science

Location: Will report to STRAW South Bay headquarters in Saratoga/Campbell area and drive work trucks to various field sites. Project field sites are located in Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and Hollister, with occasional work  in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Anticipated Duration: Start date is negotiable.

Deadline to Apply: Position is open until filled.

Compensation and Benefits: $67,833 - $76,324 annually. Salary is based upon qualifications and internal equity. Point Blue provides a comprehensive benefit package including employer paid medical and dental for staff and 75% for dependents. Other benefits include life insurance, long-term care, long- and short-term disability, flexible spending accounts, and retirement plans as well as time off benefits.

About Point Blue:

Point Blue Conservation Science is a growing and internationally renowned non-profit with over 160 staff and scientists based in Petaluma, California. Founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory, our mission and programs have evolved over time to include a broad range of conservation activity, from restoration to environmental education to innovative work in the field of regenerative agriculture.  We have a proven track record of scientific excellence.

We recognize that increasing racial, gender, cultural, and other diversity, equity, and inclusion factors at Point Blue and in our partnerships is essential for the success of our mission, vision, and strategy. We are actively engaging in a process to create lasting organizational change, and we seek applicants from all backgrounds to join our teams. We strongly encourage applications from people with backgrounds that are under-represented in the conservation community.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an enthusiastic team member to assist in managing habitat restoration projects with Point Blue’s Students and Teachers Restoring A Watershed (STRAW) program. The STRAW Project Manager plans and implements restoration projects with partners and schools, creates new procedures, if needed, establishes and communicates expectations and quality controls.  In collaboration with project partners, incumbent leads volunteers (primarily students, parents, teachers, community members), apprentices, and seasonal staff in performance of project responsibilities.

Essential Functions include but are not limited to:

Restoration Science and Implementation: 50% 

• Plan, lead, and implement restoration days; including teacher communication and scheduling; plant and supplies selection and procurement; site prep, landowner communication; plan and implement irrigation installation; restoration day learning and work plans.
• Innovate and experiment with best management practices (BMPs) and climate-smart restoration design.
• Independently performs tasks necessary for successful management of field restoration and monitoring projects by overseeing and coordinating restoration site maintenance, including weekly work plans, schedules, staffing, tools, and supplies to maximize plant survival.
• Oversee and coordinate restoration site monitoring, including work plans, schedules, staffing, data collection, proofing and entering, maintaining QA/QC for monitoring projects and data collection.
• Train Restoration Technicians, seasonal staff and Intern Volunteers in tasks such as, but not limited to: restoration techniques, plant and supplies selection and procurement, site maintenance, and monitoring.
• Organize and track project specific restoration supplies, shared materials and tools.
• Track project budgets and expenses, assist with invoicing.
• Participate in hiring and recruiting technicians and intern volunteers. 
• Manage storage facility, including tool inventory, tool and supply organization and regular cleaning.
• Develop program-wide protocols that improve the management of program operations including safety protocols (safety training, air quality) and other protocols such as data management, vehicle management, tools, and scheduling.

Education and Training: 30%

• Lead the coordination, supervision, training, and recruitment of volunteers and conservation corps teams for restoration maintenance and monitoring and/or for nursery operations at either or both of our native plant nurseries.
• Coordinate and schedule restorations with teachers, partners, and the Education Coordinator.
• Provide project specific details to intern volunteers, education staff and faculty.
• Advise on content for teacher professional development content development and delivery programming.
• Deliver watershed education at restoration projects and occasionally pre-restoration lessons
• Perform outreach to communities and schools.
• Develop curricula, provides mentorship, and maintains data quality while training partners, interns, graduate students, and Restoration Technicians influencing the next generation of conservation professionals.

Fundraising: 20%

• Assist proposal, and grant writing and contract development; assist with major donor or membership events and planning; assist partner, stakeholder, and funder relationship development and cultivation.
• Present on-site tours to donors and other potential funders to demonstrate program goals and outcomes.
• Present at conferences, training workshops for restoration professionals, represent climate-smart restoration to partners at meetings and working groups.

Other Duties as Assigned: 10%

• Perform special projects and research as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisor Responsibility:

Coordinates, trains, and provides guidance to staff, apprentices, and graduate students.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• This position requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental studies, biology or related field; and 3 years of experience in field application of habitat restoration practices and associated field safety protocols, and 3 years of field experience with irrigation methods, browse protection, fence repair and light and medium equipment operation. Master’s degree is desirable but not required.
• Broad knowledge of riparian and wetland restoration methods and procedures.
• Broad knowledge of California native plants, wetland habitats, and Bay ecology.
• Broad knowledge of current watershed and project specific monitoring methods.
• Problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Knowledge of various local watershed projects, plans and funding sources.
• Energy and enthusiasm for working with volunteers of diverse backgrounds and differing ability levels.
• Initiative, creativity, problem-solving ability, with direct communication and collaborative work style.
• Ability to be detail-oriented with a high degree of reliability in managing data and records using Excel.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, partners, and other community members; ability to work on a team and independently.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite, including spreadsheets, word processing, and email applications and Internet research applications
• Any level of experience in wildlife monitoring, GIS/CAD, knowledge of cultural or geological resource protection, seed collection or plant propagation, irrigation design, or other knowledge base is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated success in clearly and concisely translating science to diverse audiences via public speaking and written materials.
• Education and experience in teaching environmental and science-based topics with students of various ages and backgrounds.
• Experience with hand tools including shovels, pick mattocks, rock bars, weed whackers, etc.
• Experience with driving work trucks, towing trailers, and driving off-road/4WD. Familiarity with safe driving rules and practices.
• Communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities.
• Practice self-awareness and respect while engaging with people of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds.
• Valid California driver’s license and favorable driving history, and proof of auto insurance.
• Approved background check and fingerprinting to work with students.

Desired Qualifications: (Applicants are not required to possess the following qualifications to be considered for the position. However, we would like to know if applicants possess any of the following qualifications as they are skill sets we are hoping to build on our team.)

• Spanish language fluency
• Ability to drive manual transmission vehicle

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• The position is based out of Point Blue facilities located in Saratoga/Campbell, California
• This position operates at remote field locations with uneven terrain, limited vehicle access, limited cell phone reception, and sometimes in a solitary capacity. Must be able to work a full week in adverse weather conditions such as rain, heat, wind, and cold temperatures.
• Some work is indoors with the majority of time spent sitting at a desk.
• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, sit, walk, twist, turn and perform other physical activities.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and complete strenuous physical tasks.

Position Type, Expected Hours of Work, and Travel:

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position, Monday-Friday.
• Evening and Saturday work may be required periodically. Advanced notice will be given.
• Project Manager will drive work trucks, and less often personal vehicles, from Saratoga/Campbell to project sites located in Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and Hollister.
• Occasional travel and overnight stays in the North Bay may be required for this position. Advanced notice will be given.

Point Blue is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the interview process.