Conservation Manager

San Diego Bird Alliance (SDBA), a dynamic and growing non-profit organization working to defend our region’s birds, unique biodiversity, and threatened habitats through advocacy, education, and restoration, is seeking a Conservation Manager. This is a hands-on leadership role at the core of our mission, protecting endangered species like the California Least Tern, restoring critical coastal habitats, and mentoring the volunteers and staff who make that work possible.

Habitat Maintenance and Restoration Oversight (50%)

• Coordinate and lead staff work with on-the-ground habitat management and maintenance projects, including at the endangered California Least Tern nesting sites in Mission Bay and other coastal dune, salt marsh, and coastal sage scrub habitats.
• Recruit, educate, mentor, and supervise staff and hundreds of diverse volunteers each year, and share the conservation, policy, and community science work of the organization.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with agencies, experts, and partner organizations.
• Carry out biological monitoring of endangered nesting birds.

Conservation Planning (25%)

• Collaboratively implement and improve management for California Least Terns in Mission Bay.
• Create and oversee work plans for habitat restoration and monitoring projects throughout the region including on SDBA’s properties, Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary and Anstine-Audubon Nature Preserve.
• Review data and literature to ensure high-quality conservation and monitoring of habitats and species.

Fund Development and Outreach (15%)

• Collaborate with staff to raise funds for conservation programs, including grant research, administration, and writing.
• Prepare periodic articles for publication in our Sketches magazine and electronic communications highlighting SDBA conservation programs.
• Support outreach and communications efforts of the conservation program.

Environmental Advocacy (10%)

• Foster SDBA’s grassroots activist network, including programs to recruit and train Conservation Committee members and support the projects they create.
• Represent SDBA within the wider conservation and environmental justice community.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Deep commitment and passion for the conservation of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in wildlife biology, coastal habitat ecology, and habitat restoration, including first-hand experience with California Least Tern nest monitoring and coastal dune species, and a proven track record of motivating and managing staff and volunteers.
• Strong project management skills and ability to prioritize and adjust to changing timelines.
• Outgoing people-person and confident public speaker, with excellent written and oral communication skills, able to represent SDBA’s conservation program in community outreach events.
• Experience translating technical content from research and monitoring activities for decision-makers and the public.
• Experience researching and writing grants preferred.
• GIS experience preferred.
• English and Spanish speaker preferred.

Other Job Requirements

• Must have a valid driver’s license, excellent driving record, and reliable transportation.
• Must be able to work weekends, especially January through April, and several evening events per year.
• Must be able and willing to perform all aspects of the job in all seasons and rugged terrain, and able to move materials and equipment weighing over 40 pounds.
• Satisfactory background check required prior to hiring.

Salary, Benefits and Terms

This is a Regular, Full-time (40 hrs/wk), Hourly Non-Exempt position with a wage of $32-$35 per hour. We are committed to providing an inclusive work environment, including flexible work schedules when possible, telework options, 100% healthcare premium, generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday time, and SIMPLE-IRA 3% matching retirement benefit after the first calendar year of employment. Benefit details provided by request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

San Diego Bird Alliance is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally-protected characteristics. San Diego Bird Alliance is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment reflecting the diversity of our community in its board, staff, volunteers, and members.