Conservation Project Manager

Heartland Conservation Alliance (HCA) is seeking a full-time Conservation Project Manager to work as part of a growing team to advance our mission, core values, and strategic initiatives. Our mission is to work with partners in the Kansas City metro to connect, protect, and restore the Blue River watershed and its urban green spaces for the benefit and enjoyment of all.  

Position Summary

The Conservation Project Manager will be responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing various conservation projects in accordance with the organization’s mission, strategic goals, and grant deliverables. This role will require a strong understanding of environmental science, project management principles, and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Recent conservation projects have included restoration work and stormwater management particularly in riparian zones using best management practices related to invasive species removal, native planting and seeding, water quality testing, etc. This position reports directly to the Senior Director of Conservation and Education and is nested under the Conservation Program while working collaboratively with the organization’s other program areas: Education & Outreach and Alliance Services with a focus on environmental justice.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Planning and Implementation: Develop and execute comprehensive project plans, including defining project scope, setting timelines, and allocating resources. Ensure adherence to schedules, budgets, and policies.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration: Supervise and advise project team members and contractors, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Collaborate with internal staff (both within and across program areas), external partners, volunteers, and community members to achieve project objectives.
  • Contractor oversight: Inspect or observe fieldwork, inspecting contractor work and performance for completeness and adherence to project plans and contract documents, approving quantities and work quality, and  ensuring adherence to schedules and budgets. Review and provide feedback on contractor technical reports and proposals. Experience with landscape/restoration construction inspection preferred.
• Technical Expertise: Provide technical expertise in areas such as natural resource management, ecological restoration, and conservation best practices. Conduct environmental surveys, analyze data, produce summary reports, and develop recommendations for project improvements and approaches.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Oversee data collection efforts, ensuring accuracy and integrity. Analyze data to track project progress, measure outcomes, and inform adaptive management strategies.
• Grant Management: Assist in securing and managing grant funding, including proposal writing, reporting, and compliance as well as budget development, allocation, and reimbursements. Experience with federal grant management and funding compliance preferred.
• Community Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with local communities, landowners, and stakeholders (both public and private). Conduct outreach and education activities to promote conservation awareness and encourage participation.
• Administrative Tasks: Manage project documentation, maintain records, and prepare reports for internal and external audiences.

Qualifications

Seeking a passionate, self-motivated, resourceful natural resource professional with the following:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Experience:  Hands-on experience with conservation practices and equipment. Proven experience in project management, preferably in a conservation or environmental sector, including managing contractors and/or vendors,  soliciting and reviewing bids, negotiating contracts, overseeing work performance, and reviewing invoices.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of ecological principles and conservation practices.Passion for environmental conservation and sustainability is preferred.
• Skills:
  • Excellent written/verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proven ability to think critically and solve problems effectively while managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a proven ability to effectively manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and complex projects on a tight timeline.
  • Adept at working independently and as part of a team in the office, field, and remotely.
  • Proven ability to manage fieldwork, equipment, and contractors.
  • Proficiency in data collection, management, analysis, and reporting with a preference for GIS data analysis and visualization.
  • Financial management (reviewing and approving contractor quantities, invoices, and proposals, tracking budgets) and skilled in grant writing/management are a plus.

*Applicants who meet at least 80% of the listed qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

This is a hybrid position that requires both office and fieldwork in various weather conditions, occasional weekend and evening work, and frequent travel to local project sites within the Blue River watershed in the Kansas City Metro. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are necessary. Please note that this position description may not encompass all duties that could be assigned. HCA is a small, flexible nonprofit so teamwork may require supporting other staff and projects as needed. 

Heartland Conservation Alliance (HCA) is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including people of color and individuals from underrepresented communities, to apply. HCA is committed to creating a welcoming environment that values diverse perspectives and promotes an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported and empowered.