Conservation Project Manager

About Solano Resource Conservation District

Solano Resource Conservation District (Solano RCD) is a special district to the State of California that works closely with a variety of local and regional partners to enhance and protect Solano County watersheds through strategic restoration activities, water education and outreach programs, and by offering conservation planning and watershed coordination services to local residents and landowners. Solano RCD staff and its Board of Directors strive toward excellence, equity, inclusion, collaboration, and appreciation in the work performed and welcome candidates who share these same values.

Position Summary

Solano RCD currently has one vacancy for the Conservation Project Manager position. The individual selected for this position will report to the Solano RCD office located in Dixon, CA, but will also attend meetings, events, workshops, and work days in various locations in Solano County. Meetings and some project activities may also take place virtually.

We are looking for a motivated individual to join our team and take the lead on working with County, State, and local partners to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and address resource concerns in rural communities and Wildfire Urban Interface areas in Solano County.

This position will achieve this by assisting Fire Safe Councils, both local and regional, and providing technical guidance to communities interested in establishing such organizations. This position will also manage fuel reduction projects as outlined in grant agreements, primarily implemented through contractors but occasionally utilizing SRCD field staff, including planning, permitting & environmental compliance, contractor oversight, implementation, monitoring, and maintenance. Projects may involve roadside fuel reduction, targeted grazing, prescribed burning, hand crews, mechanical vegetation treatment, and herbicide use.

This position will also work with landowners and partners to provide technical assistance preparing for and recovering from wildfire, including fuel and vegetation management plans, post-fire recovery plans, habitat restoration, and similar topics. This service includes work in the field to produce conservation plans for landowners and connect cost share opportunities and grant opportunities offered by local, State, and Federal agencies to interested landowners and Fire Safe Councils. Additionally, this position will assist with regional planning efforts and in preparing funding proposals and funder reports. Lastly, this position will work with SRCD staff and partners to organize multiple annual workshops and demonstration field days related to home hardening, defensive space, native plant use, erosion control, targeted fuel reduction, and habitat restoration.

The person in this position must be civic-minded and enjoy interacting with diverse communities; work well with a dynamic and collaborative team, as well as independently; and have strong time management and organization skills. The Conservation Project Manager reports to the Executive Director and may assist with oversight of volunteer crews and contractors on field days.

Work Hours

To perform assigned duties, the employee will be required to work mostly day hours in the field and in the office. The regular work time will occur within the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday, with periodic night and weekend obligations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Assistance and Workshops(60%)

• Work with landowners and partners to provide pre- and post-fire technical assistance such as fuel and vegetation management plans or post-fire recovery plans.
• Work with landowners and partners to create conservation plans and connect landowners to funding and additional resources.
• Work with landowners and partners to organize and facilitate informative workshops related to home hardening, defensive space, targeted fuel reduction, native plant restoration, and erosion control.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to diverse groups including project partners, funders, interest groups and the SRCD Board of Directors.

Community Engagement and Planning (25%)

• Facilitate the establishment and support of Fire Safe Councils and Firewise communities within Solano County.
• Work with Solano RCD staff and partners to coordinate with the Solano County Fire Safe Council.
• Contribute to the development of the Inner Coast Collaborative’s Regional Priority Plan, and implementation of the Solano County Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

Administration and Miscellaneous (15%)

• Manage and administer grant funds. Work includes grant contracting, site design, quarterly progress reports, and quarterly invoicing.
• Work as a team member in writing grants to State and Federal agencies for targeted habitat restoration and watershed assessment grant projects.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Deputy Executive Director.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in ecology, biology, forestry, environmental science, or similar field;

Experience: Seven years of relevant professional work experience in outreach and community engagement on topics such as wildfire prevention and post-fire recovery, resource management, habitat restoration, etc. Previous project management experience required. A graduate degree may be substituted for two years of experience.

• Hands-on experience implementing vegetation/fuels management, erosion control, or habitat restoration practices
• Strong public speaking and written communication skills and the ability to work with a variety of people with diverse interests and temperaments
• Strong time management, organization, and prioritization skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
• Knowledge of wildfire ecology and behavior
• Experience coordinating meetings and workshops virtually, in the classroom, and in the field

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in related field
• Experience writing prescriptions or plans to manage fuels, vegetation, or forests
• Basic understanding of the natural and cultural history of Solano County and the water resources of the region
• The ability to speak, read, and/or write in a language other than English
• Ability to obtain & maintain FFT2 (Basic Wildland Firefighter Type 2) qualification

Conditions of Employment

• Must be able to work in a variety of environments, including sitting inside at a computer for long periods of time, and standing/walking outdoors in extreme temperatures as well as on uneven terrain.
• Must be a team player with an ability to work with staff, Board members and local landowners who have a diverse range of backgrounds, motivations and interests.
• Must have and maintain a valid California Class C Driver’s License and have personal liability insurance.
• Must be able to lift, bend, stoop, kneel, and carry heavy objects up to 50 pounds.
• Employment at the Solano RCD is employment at-will. Employment at-will may be terminated with or without cause and with or without notice at any time by the employee or the District.

Compensation and Benefits

This position is an exempt, 100% full-time equivalent position. Less than full-time employment will be considered. Solano RCD’s current compensation rate for full-time managers ranges from $76,082 to $95,103 per year. There are seven steps within this salary range and the successful applicant’s starting position within this range will be based upon experience and education. There is medical ,dental, vision, and vacation benefits included as part of employment. Retirement benefits are available upon completion of a six (6) month probationary period.