Do you have experience as a project manager working on green stormwater, habitat, landscape, environmental, or similar projects? Are you looking for an organization that offers you the opportunity to showcase your project design-build abilities and work directly with the community? Do you believe in bringing nature-based function back to our urban areas? PCD is looking for you! Come work for a small, mission-based, non-regulatory agency that appreciates your talents and offers competitive benefits. 

Nature & Purpose of the Position 

Pierce Conservation District is seeking a highly motivated program and project manager to design water quality landscape projects (lawn-to-urban habitat conversion, rain gardens, pavement removal, etc.) and be the education and outreach liaison to manage our Community Ambassador Program. This new program provides water quality and technical/financial resource education to diverse communities and language groups. 

The Community Green Stormwater Program Manager position will work with Community Based Organizations to provide innovative workshops and trainings. Through these trainings we will identify community members who want to lead their own trainings in their networks. The goal of these trainings is to engage with and provide services to community members our traditional programs do not connect with, growing our grant program by up to 20 projects per year. 

The project management portion of this position includes designing residential green stormwater projects and working with cooperators (residents, businesses, institutions, etc.) to install your design. The Community Green Stormwater Program Manager will manage cooperator DIY projects, contractors, and/or crews to build your designs. 

Ideal candidates will be self-starters who are excited about working with diverse communities. Professional or personal experience with project/program management, community organizing, and/or landscape design is desired. We are looking for people with a proactive communication style, an eagerness to learn, and the desire to progress in their career. Responsibilities will be diverse as Pierce Conservation District adapts programming to stay relevant to the communities we serve. 

About Pierce Conservation District

Pierce Conservation District (PCD) believes that together we can create thriving ecosystems and resilient communities. For over 70 years, we’ve worked closely with local landowners and public agencies to equitably support community-driven solutions to our most pressing, local, environmental challenges to preserve our region’s quality of life. 

We believe in the importance of serving all residents of Pierce County and recognize that people of color, indigenous communities, low-income people, immigrants, and refugees are disproportionately impacted by ecological decline. We are fully committed to listening, learning, designing, and delivering inclusive programing for all. 

Collaboratively, we: 

• Create just food systems 
• Improve water quality
• Promote sustainable agriculture
• Restore wildlife habitat
• Provide environmental education and resources 

Job Responsibilities 

The primary responsibility of the Community Green Stormwater Program Manager is to coordinate residential green stormwater landscape projects from initial cooperator interactions through project design and then into project completion, assisting cooperators in installing projects themselves and managing contractors and/or crews. This design-build position must have strong project management skills with attention to detail across multiple projects at once. The essential duties and responsibilities of this position may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with residents and project partners
• Conduct site assessments, including measurements, drainage, sun exposure, access, and utilities 
• Design green stormwater landscape plans and prepare plant recommendations for approval 
• Hire, coordinate, and oversee contractors or crews for project installation as needed 
• Prepare and manage budgets, schedules, and deliverables for individual and multiple projects 
• Lead installation and establishment of green stormwater projects on public properties 
• Develop resources and tip sheets to help residents successfully install and maintain their own projects 
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the program 

The Community Green Stormwater Program Manager also manages the Community Ambassador Program, including community events, partnerships with local organizations, trainings, and ambassador support. Initially working alongside the City of Tacoma’s ambassador program, this role will grow into a stand-alone effort. This community-driven position requires working with diverse populations and languages, blending trust-building with leadership development. Success depends on working with Community-Based Organizations in delivering high-quality workshops and empowering community members to lead their own, expanding reach and impact. The essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community members, organizations, and partners 
• Coordinate and attend community events to promote green stormwater solutions and recruit ambassadors 
• Assist community-based organizations in organizing and facilitating culturally relevant trainings, ensuring accessibility and language support 
• Support community-based organizations in recruiting, mentoring, and supporting ambassadors to grow their leadership and program involvement 
• Collaborate with the City of Tacoma’s Community Ambassador Program during the initial phase, transitioning to a stand-alone program 
• Empower ambassadors to lead workshops within their own networks to expand program reach 
• Track, evaluate, and report on program outcomes, including progress toward annual project goals 
• Manage resources, budgets, and outreach strategies while adapting the program based on community feedback 

Qualifications 

The Community Green Stormwater Program Manager must have training or experience with program/project management, community engagement, and/or designing environmentally related projects; is detailed oriented; is a strategic thinker; and thrives working in community and with clients. The Community Green Stormwater Program Manager works well both in a team environment and independently. Additionally, the Community Green Stormwater Program Manager has:

• Bachelor’s degree in landscape design, natural resource management, environmental science, public engagement, education experience, or related field, or three years working experience in related field 
• Ability to understand client/community needs and communicate ideas
• Ability to define scope, set timelines, allocate resources, manage complex budgets, and manage multiple projects at once 
• Ability to efficiently develop and/or edit scaled site and landscape plans 
• 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 Community Green Stormwater 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. Additionally, this position has: 

Ability to effectively plan and organize own schedule of activities related to work goals set by the Senior Water Quality Program Manager 

• Knowledge of native, pollinator, and climate-adapted vegetation for the PNW 
• Experience with natural yard care practices 
• Experience in the design-build process 
• Confidence in providing solutions to project problems 
• Excellent communication skills 
• A track record of planning and implementing multiple projects at once 
• Excellent time management and task prioritization abilities 
• Ability to meet deadlines and provide high quality, accurate, and timely products 
• Accountability for all work deliverables, actions, and communication 
• Desire to develop professionally 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions 

The Community Green Stormwater Program Manager will work in the office and in the outdoor environment in all weather conditions. They will travel to a variety of locations to conduct work and may be exposed to typical hazards encountered at such work sites. Must be able to lift more than 50 lbs. This is a full-time position consisting of 40 hours/week. The position will require some work on Saturdays or before-after regularly scheduled work hours.

Licenses, Certificates & Other Requirements

A valid Washington State driver's license at time of appointment is required with maintenance thereafter, or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Compensation & Benefits 

Annual Salary: $57,088.97– $67,921.96, depending on qualifications 

This is a full-time, non-exempt, limited-term position based on grant/contract. Current funding is through December 31, 2027 with the expectation of subsequent 2-year funding cycles. This position will be a Program Manager 1, step 1-3. 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, 14 paid holidays per year (includes 3 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. 

Pierce Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer, and we make an effort to recruit people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for open positions.