Watershed Restoration Program Specialist

BACKGROUND:

Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) across California serve as local hubs for conservation, connecting people with the technical, financial, and educational assistance they need to conserve and manage natural resources.  RCDs help landowners, land managers, government agencies, and others to voluntarily protect, restore, and enhance natural resources on private and public lands.  A defining characteristic of RCDs is that our assistance is generally non-regulatory, confidential, and free.

The RCD of Santa Cruz County seeks a full-time Program Specialist (PS) to join a dynamic team of conservation professionals. The PS will work closely with RCD staff and partners to help lead watershed coordination efforts and the development and implementation of ecological restoration and stewardship programs throughout Santa Cruz County. The PS will manage a diverse and exciting project portfolio.

The PS will work closely with RCD staff and partners, including the County of Santa Cruz, National Marine Fisheries Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Caltrans, State Parks, Regional Transportation Commission, tribes, neighboring RCDs, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and public and private landowners, to provide technical assistance and planning services for large and small-scale projects that facilitate species recovery and watershed restoration. The work environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and creative.

This position is funded through contracts between the RCD and local, state, and federal agencies. This position will report to the RCD Watershed Restoration Program Manager and will work closely with other RCD staff to fulfill the RCD mission and the scope of work from the local, state and federal contracts, as summarized below:

SUMMARY OF TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project/Program Management

• Plan and implement restoration projects in partnership with RCD staff, landowners, partners, and stakeholders. Example projects include fish passage barrier removal, large woody debris installation, riparian and floodplain restoration, marsh and lagoon restoration, and coastal resilience planning. Specific tasks include:
  • Project Planning
  • Development of project designs and logistics for project implementation
  • Development of environmental documentation for permits
  • Conduct or assist in monitoring activities, including photo, biological, and archaeological monitoring
  • Execute landowner agreements.
  • Bidding and procurement
  • Provide support for oversight of implementation activities
  • Collaborate with RCD staff, partners, and stakeholders to meet project goals, budget, and timeline
• Coordinate specific projects and services.
• Develop and review reports, evaluations, analyses, and other work deliverables for accuracy and professionalism.
• Manage budgets, invoicing, and reporting for grants and conservation projects.
• Manage contracts with funders, consultants, and subcontractors.
• Manage communications between project partners and stakeholders.
• Coordinate more junior staff and interns in day-to-day activities of programs and projects.

Technical Assistance

• Provide specialized field technical support, which may include one-on-one technical assistance to land managers, education, equipment installation, monitoring, and maintenance.
• In collaboration with RCD staff, landowners, and consultants, provide conservation planning assistance.
• Respond to requests for assistance providing technical assistance and/or referrals as appropriate.
• Create and/or implement a system to track and maintain RCD equipment inventory for fieldwork activities.
• Collect samples and data, utilizing necessary tools and technology to support data analysis and report generation.
• Learn and use mapping software to summarize, communicate, and understand outcomes and results related to technical programs.

Grant Management

• Manage grant contracts, budgets, and timelines including managing subcontractors and invoice receipt, review and approval.
• Write reports and complete and submit deliverables to meet grant requirements.
• Proactively identify, solicit, and expand upon funding opportunities, including the development of new grant opportunities and fee-for-service opportunities.
• Create and/or contribute to grant proposals as part of the RCD team. Collaborate with RCD staff and partners on proposals.

Outreach and Education

• Conduct outreach and build relationships with landowners, land users, community groups, and other collaborators.
• Deliver educational presentations at RCD and partner events.
• Represent the RCD, its partners, and funders in a positive and proactive manner.
• Promote available services and financial assistance within the community through direct outreach and presentations at public forums.
• Write progress reports and formally present on program effectiveness to funders and stakeholders; incorporate feedback to improve program effectiveness.

Additional Responsibilities

• Track conservation issues relevant to the RCD’s operations.
• Contribute to strategic planning and direction setting of the RCD and its specific programs.
• Foster integration and collaboration within and between teams.
• Contribute to additional RCD projects based on skills and interests.
• Maintain open communication with RCD staff.
• Perform additional tasks or responsibilities as directed by supervisor.

Other

RCD of Santa Cruz County employees are expected to be flexible and to take on additional duties as assigned, according to the organization’s needs and the staff member’s skills and abilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate has a natural resource conservation and restoration planning background and project management experience. Experience with grant writing and management, developing budgets, and managing contracts and subcontractors is desired. Additional experience with permitting and construction management is highly desired. Successful applicants will “wear many hats” at the RCD. They will work across many disciplines and therefore must have technical, administrative, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Required

• Knowledge of ecological restoration, resource management, working landscapes, watershed hydrology, basic soil science, native plant and animal communities, and/or landscape ecology
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Environmental Science or Natural Resource Management. Relevant degrees may include Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Water Resources Management, Soil Science, and Hydrology. Equivalent experience may be demonstrated in lieu of a specific degree.
• 3 or more years relevant professional experience, including demonstrated ability in conservation planning and project management or a related field.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience working collaboratively within partnerships including landowners, researchers, public agencies, and others.
• Highly motivated, organized, and self-directing with the ability to prioritize and coordinate workload to fulfill deadlines. Project goal oriented with initiative in fulfilling programmatic and grant-related obligations
• Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to work with a variety of people with diverse interests and temperaments
• Strong computer skills, including Word and Excel
• Physically able to work in the field (climbing in and out of streams, lifting, carrying supplies and equipment, planting, etc.) during all seasons.
• Creativity, sense of humor, “can do” spirit, collegiality, flexibility, strong desire to learn
• Valid CA driver’s license and current auto insurance. Use of a personal vehicle may be required, with mileage reimbursed.
• Strong commitment to the mission of resource conservation and sustainable practices.

Preferred

• Familiarity with local ecosystems and natural resource management issues
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal permits required for restoration projects. Understanding of permit requirements and application processes for conservation projects.
• Construction project management experience.
• Experience working on private, public, natural and working lands.
• Experience working under, writing, and managing grants.
• Effective at communicating scientific information to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS (or other mapping software) and field data collection

Additional Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Work is performed both in an office and in the field. The work requires the ability to sit, walk and stand for intermittent periods of time and on a frequent basis; strength, dexterity, coordination; ability to talk, listen, observe, stoop, reach, sit, stand, move, climb and descend stairs, use repetitive motions, and traverse uneven terrain. The position requires the ability to operate a telephone, computer keyboard, copier, other typical equipment, and motor vehicle, vision to read materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Work requires lifting or moving up to 50 pounds. When necessary, the position requires the ability to work unusual shifts, including weekends.

Compensation and Benefits

The PS is a full-time position (40 hours per week), based on a Monday through Friday daytime schedule. The RCD offers a flexible office/locally remote hybrid schedule. Some job-related travel is required and will be billed on a cost reimbursable basis. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, ranging from $38.14 – $41.67/hour. Benefits package (after three months introductory employment period) includes paid health, dental, and vision. Retirement Plan with employer matching contribution of 1 to 1 up to 4.5% of salary available after one year of employment. A flexible spending account for out-of-pocket medical expenses is available upon start. This position includes 13.5 Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off starting at 21 days per year, increasing based on years of service.

TO APPLY: submit a resume, letter of interest, and names and phone numbers of at least three references to: The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, c/o Lily Ruderman via email to lruderman@rcdsantacruz.org with “Watershed Restoration Program Specialist Application” in the subject line. If you would like additional information, please contact the RCD: Phone: (831) 464-2950.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICANTS: Position is open until filled. Application review will begin March 3, 2025

The RCD is an equal opportunity employer.