Application Instructions:

Please note that the application period ends at 12:00 am EDT on the due date listed. For applicants in Pacific Daylight Time, please plan to submit your application by 8:59pm the day before.

Although cover letters are not required, we appreciate and will consider a letter explaining your interest in this position and our organization. (You can upload the cover letter in the same location as your resume.)

Internal applicants (TNC employees) must apply through Workday via the Jobs Hub.

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Kelp Project Director directs some or all aspects of restoration, stewardship and community relations for the kelp conservation strategy within the California Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. The Project Director serves as the principle contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations and the academic community.  They will report directly to the Ocean Recovery Strategy Lead within the California Oceans Program. The preferred location for this position is northern California.

The Kelp Conservation Project Director:

• Directs some or all aspects of on-the-ground engagements and local partnerships for kelp conservation and restoration efforts in California
• Advances TNC’s vision for kelp conservation and restoration in California
• Serves as a conservation practitioner and works within a matrixed team to engage local coastal communities, fishermen, academic, indigenous and research communities, state and regional managers, other conservation organizations, and foundations in kelp conservation and restoration
• Oversees and directs daily tasks and training of contractors and/or interns participating in workforce development and training programs
• Works directly with partners at both the project and policy levels to develop and advance innovative approaches to protecting and restoring kelp forests in California and beyond
• Deploys approaches that may include collaborative projects, transactional strategies, policy reform, capacity building, community engagement, and cooperative research, all aimed at significantly improving the conservation outcomes of kelp forest ecosystems in the face of accelerating climate-driven changes
• Leads and supports in-water field teams to monitor and restore kelp forests
• Works closely with TNC’s California Oceans Program Science Team to identify strategies that protect and restore kelp forests and to identify knowledge gaps associated with these efforts
• Manages partnerships, develops contracts and grants, and tracks deliverables for projects
• Communicates regularly and effectively to diverse audiences including the public, media, funders, leadership, and agency staff.

 RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Develops and implements kelp conservation strategies and projects with key partners and contractors
• Serves as the on-the-ground coordinator, main point of contact, and representative for TNC’s kelp conservation and restoration work in California
• Contributes technical capacity for in-water restoration work on SCUBA and on vessels
• Develops strategic communications to disseminate our solutions-oriented and science-based approach
• Works with science partners (internal and external) to develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address challenges
• Builds relationships and encourages cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals
• Manages kelp restoration and workforce development interns and contractors
• Solicits, negotiates and manages contracts or other business transactions
• Manages budgets to deliver on conservation objectives
• Supports public and private fundraising, including proposal writing and speaking events
• Frequently makes independent strategic decisions based on analysis, ambiguous information and judgment
• Communicates benefits of complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and stakeholders
• Up to 25% of travel time to field sites in Mendocino County, and other meeting locations within CA. Travel may include evening and weekend hours.

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS degree and 5 years of experience in conservation practice (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• AAUS scientific diver certification
• Experience with cold water diving
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners
• Experience developing partnerships (with nonprofits, community groups, tribes, resource users, and/or government agencies) and participating in multi-stakeholder collaboration
• Experience negotiating and managing budgets and contracts
• Experience working with and on boats under various weather conditions

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• MS or PhD Degree in related field
• 100+ cold water dives
• Experience managing complex or multiple marine conservation projects
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated experience as an effective, entrepreneurial project manager
• Independent and disciplined work ethic
• Politically savvy and experience collaborating with coastal communities, fishermen, agency, industry representatives and other partners
• Understanding of conservation policy and marine resource management landscape in California
• Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes
• Ability to foster and model cultural competency in team dynamics and project execution
• Familiarity with California coastal and marine ecosystems, and/or kelp forests
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay for this position is within the range of $75,200 – $106,200 annually. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and state of employment is California. Where a successful candidate’s pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including location, qualifications, skills, and experience. (Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges.) Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Salary ranges per geography (select locations):

Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and most CA locations: $82,700 - $97,275

Arcata, Fort Bragg: $75,200 - $88,425

San Francisco Bay Area (including Santa Rosa and Petaluma) and Los Angeles County: $90,300 - $106,200

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.