Sierra Meadow Project Manager

Sierra Meadow Project Manager at Point Blue Conservation Science

Location: Remote (must reside within the United States)

Deadline to Apply: August 31, 2024

Anticipated Start Date: October 2024

Position Type: Full Time Exempt

Compensation and Benefits:

$78,000-$82,000 annually, depending on experience. 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 Conservation Science:

Point Blue Conservation Science is a growing and internationally renowned non-profit with over 160 passionate and dedicated staff. We are based in Petaluma, California but work from the Sierra to the Sea from Alaska to Antarctica. 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 ecological science, restoration and environmental education. We have a proven track record of excellence and are well regarded among our many partners.

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. 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.

Position Description:

We are seeking a Project Manager to coordinate our Sierra Nevada meadows restoration work. This position will manage our Sierra Meadows Partnership Block Grant funded by the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB). They are responsible for the administration and reporting for 40+ project subawards totaling $20 million. The position facilitates sharing of information between Point Blue and the WCB, provides project updates and reports, and coordinates with our many project partners.  This position also coordinates the Sierra Meadows Partnership (SMP), including meeting facilitation, coordinating field tours, annual meetings, and the day-to-day business of the SMP. The successful applicant will work as part of our team planning and implementing meadow restoration and monitoring projects in the Northern Sierra Nevada.

Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Participates in shared decision-making for the growth, sustainability, and direction of the Sierra Meadows Partnership Block Grant.
• Leads the development and administration of quarterly reports to the WCB. This includes tracking 40+ projects and reporting on deliverables.
• Coordinates the funding decision process and grant making process for the Block Grant, including outreach to grant applicants, coordinating review and scoring of proposals, and awarding of funds through the SMP Management Board.
• Supervises the preparation and administration of awarded grants. Tracks and reports on all phases of projects funded by the Block Grant. Coordinates activities with project partners, Point Blue finance staff, and is the liaison between subcontractors and Sierra group staff.
• Manages subcontracts with outside partners including determining work to be completed, negotiating budgets, reviewing progress reports, and resolving issues to ensure Block Grant goals are met. Resolves operational and contractual issues that may arise during the project.
• Develops and manages project budgets; completes the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing equipment, materials, and supplies; approves and directs the monitoring of expenditures.
• Manages relationships with members of the SMP, facilitates Partnership meetings, plans field tours and annual gatherings.
• Helps lead meadow restoration projects including environmental compliance, coordinating subcontractors, and monitoring and reporting. Participates in meadow restoration implementation including with our STRAW
• Works as part of Point Blue’s Sierra team to raise funds from multiple sources – foundations, government grants/contracts, individuals

Qualifications:

• This position requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management, environmental education, or related field; and 3 years of project management experience.
• Knowledge of California Environmental Quality Act and/or National Environmental Planning Act (CEQA & NEPA) administrative requirements.
• Knowledge of restoration ecology principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of budgeting principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of restoration project design, planning, implementation, and management principles and practices.
• Ability to work outdoors under variable weather. Requires mobility over various terrains.
• May require the ability to operate an all-terrain vehicle, motor vehicle, boat, or uncrewed aircraft and to travel to different sites and locations.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as job duties demand.
• Ability to travel within the full Sierra geography, at minimum overnight and up to one week per month during the spring through fall.
• Possession of a license valid to drive in California and favorable driving history, and proof of auto insurance. Point Blue will conduct a motor vehicle driver history check for purposes of hiring.

Work Environment:

• This position operates in either a hybrid environment between a home office and professional office setting or is potentially fully remote, working exclusively from a home office. This position may also work from remote field locations with uneven terrain, limited vehicle access, limited cell phone reception, and sometimes in a solitary capacity.

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.