Conservation Science Program Manager- Santa Rosa, CA
Organization: Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation
Job Title: Conservation Science Program Manager
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Hours and Compensation: full time, competitive salary and benefits
Application Deadline: April 15
Approximate Start Date: May 1 2012
Posted on: March 20
Organization Overview
The Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve, restore and enhance the Laguna de Santa Rosa and to inspire greater public understanding and appreciation of this magnificent natural area.
The Laguna de Santa Rosa is the largest freshwater wetland complex on the North Coast of California and the largest tributary to the Russian River. Its 22-mile main watercourse lies at the heart of a 30,000-acre complex of creeks, pools, ponds and marshes draining a 240-square-mile watershed in the heart of Sonoma County. The Laguna Foundation was formed in 1989, but until 2002 we remained an all-volunteer group. Since that time the Foundation has grown rapidly, adding paid staff and undertaking a significant science-based restoration program and other conservation-related research projects, expanding our education programs, and creating an interpretive center for the Laguna. For more information, please visit www.lagunafoundation.org.
Description
Reports To: Director of Restoration & Conservation Programs
Positions Reporting to Conservation Science Program Manager: Interns and Volunteers
Position Classification: Full Time, Exempt
The Foundation’s Conservation Science Program supports the mission of the Foundation by initiating and managing a variety of projects that expand on the knowledgebase of the Laguna ecosystem and the effectiveness of various resource management practices. The Program Manager works closely with other Program Managers as some projects involve education or restoration aspects. The Foundation utilizes volunteers and interns to get projects done in a cost-effective manner and at the same time strives to provide a rewarding and educational experience for those volunteers and interns.
Responsibilities
1. Ensure that sufficient funding is available to meet Department financial needs by assisting in the identification and development of potential projects, identifying appropriate funding opportunities and generating grant proposals that contribute to the advancement of the Foundation’s mission. Additionally, work internally with other program managers as well as outside project partners to identify and seek funding for collaborative projects.
2. Assure the smooth implementation of conservation science projects by making detailed project plans including staffing needs and as warranted, managing appropriate personnel, by selecting and overseeing the work of outside contractors or youth groups and by supervising the project in the field as necessary.
3. Assure that projects accomplish what the Foundation agreed to do in the grant by developing and maintaining a project budget.
4. Assure that conservation science projects meet the funder’s requirements regarding invoicing procedures and performance criteria so that the Foundation promptly receives funds by developing and overseeing and implementing billing policies and procedures.
5. Adhere to project contract requirements with the timely preparation and delivery of project reports and tours.
6. Recruit and oversee the activities of volunteers and interns to help achieve project objectives while at the same providing rewarding volunteer or intern experiences.
7. As time and funding allow, participate in collaborative efforts to keep abreast of developments in the field and to contribute to a positive stakeholder view of the Foundation.
8. Contribute to the public’s knowledge about and access to scientific information about the Laguna ecosystem by posting to and maintaining the Laguna Knowledgebase.
9. Assure that meetings and events related to program objectives are productive and professionally produced by coordinating and/or participating in the event planning and production.
Qualifications
o Bachelor of Science or Post-graduate degree in natural sciences related to wetland management, planning, and/or restoration (wildlife biology, ecology, conservation biology, soil science, hydrology, etc.)
o Experience in project management, study design, and field sampling methods
o Proficiency in data collection and analysis in one or both of the following fields: physical processes (water quality, hydrology, sediments and soils); biological communities and populations
o Proficiency with GIS mapping (ArcView) as well as GPS field data collection
o Knowledge of California fauna, flora and ecosystems
o Computer skills: MS Office, desktop publishing, analytical software
o Strong written and verbal communication skills
o Ability to manage interns and volunteers in laboratory and field situations
o Willingness to work in the field in various weather conditions
o Experience managing and/or working in collaborative resource management process
How to Apply:
Email cover letter and resume to John Guardino, Director of Restoration & Conservation Programs: [email protected] No phone calls please. Approximate start date is May 1, 2012.
The Foundation offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Qualified applicants should submit a resume and brief cover letter describing their interest in this position and salary requirement.
