Land & Field Operations Manager

Position Summary:

The Maidu Summit Consortium (MSC) is seeking a dedicated Land & Field Operations Manager to oversee and manage all lands managed, owned or leased by MSC, support acquisition and guardianship of additional homelands, and manage the MSC work crew. The Land & Field Operations Manager will work closely with the Executive Director and all staff to advance programmatic, fiscal, and organizational goals, including increasing cultural resources preservation and enhancement, education, research, and community use on MSC lands. These efforts may include, but are not limited to vegetation and fuel-load management, traditional fire and fire-resistance technologies, and the development of diverse energy resources to increase MSC’s resilience to extreme weather and natural disaster (i.e. drought, wildfires, excessive water and sedimentary earth movement). The Land & Field Operations Manager will also research and manage funding and training opportunities to support and expand management of MSC lands, as well as stewardship and acquisitions of additional Mountain Maidu homelands.

REQUIRED DUTIES

Land Management

• Oversee and implement all MSC land management activities, including prescribed/cultural burns, water resource retention efforts, beaver habitat projects, watershed management, fuel reduction efforts, etc.
• Oversee and implement restoration activities and field work including invasive plant eradication, fence repair or removals, road/trail maintenance, timber harvesting and MSC service assistance to members of the community.
• Maintain all land management legal documents governing MSC lands and associated activities, including permits, deeds, easements, and agreements to ensure continual compliance.
• Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring permanent land staff and seasonal work crews, assuring compliance with all MSC and state laws requirements.
• Identify and secure funding for field crew work.
• Oversee and manage agencies or hired contractors doing business on MSC land.
• Manage projects to ensure compliance, intended outcomes, and future funding.
• Develop standard operating procedures and protocols for operational safety and outcomes.
• Oversee all day-to-day operations of field crews.
• Serve as the program’s Safety Officer responsible for the MSC’s field Safety Program.
• Support with land acquisitions including providing field reports and observations.
• Develop and submit periodic updates to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors (BOD), on all management and restoration activities, project achievements, milestones and workplans.

Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Engage in public outreach efforts and networking with local and regional partners to advance the strategic priorities of MSC lands use.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with tribal communities, government agencies, funders, and community partners.
• Ensure regular communication with both internal and external contacts regarding MSC lands, including staff, BOD, agency partners, volunteers, donors, and community leaders.
• Promote MSC’s initiatives within the broader community - locally to internationally - and represent the values, goals and objectives of the organization.
• Oversee program development, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring alignment with community needs and organizational goals.
• Support and collaborate with staff involved in program management, ensuring effective operations.
• Assure compliance with easements on MSC lands and all agency agreements, collaboratively develop and implement annual workplans and projects, and ensure effective communication and partnership procedures.

Grants & Contracts

• Research, identify, develop and support with grant proposals and/or contracts to secure funding for stewardship, and access to Mountain Maidu homelands.
• Develop and maintain relationships with MSC funders.
• Develop and maintain an understanding of MSC programs, projects, and initiatives to effectively communicate their impact and outcomes.
• Collect and analyze data to support grant applications and reporting requirements.
• Complete all required grant reports or deliverables for funders.
• Monitor and track grant spending, ensuring compliance with grant terms and conditions.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum three years experience in Land Management and/or Field Operations and/or restoration work
• Minimum three years supervisory experience
• Strong project management and organization skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, grants and fulfill reporting obligations
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Maidu culture and Indigenous priorities and issues
• Aligns with, understands and can communicate the mission and vision of MSC
• Proven ability to develop strategic partnerships
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of development and implementation of land management plans
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of fire ecology, watershed management, habitat restoration, cultural fire and/or and prescribed burning
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed to represent and advance MSC’s mission, including attending conferences, meetings, and networking events
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and partnerships on a local, state, and national level to meet goals and expectations
• Proficiency or aptitude to learn: Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other as needed
• Demonstrated ability to work within the cultural and governance framework of a tribally led non-profit
• Must possess a current valid California driver’s license and be eligible for coverage under MSC vehicle insurance policy
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in biology, forestry, fire ecology, environmental science, or related field preferred

Additional Information:

The Land & Field Operations Manager position involves working inside and outside in the hot sun and cold, wet or humid, and dry or arid conditions, as well as sitting and desk work. Field work may include walking on uneven terrain, bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or similar activities, and lifting moderately heavy items, up to 50 pounds.

WORK SCHEDULE & EXPECTATIONS

The Land & Field Operations Manager is expected to maintain a regular schedule of work hours to ensure accessibility and organizational oversight. The Land & Field Operations Manager is expected to work out of the main office in Chester, California, and in the field on MSC lands. Due to seasonal weather patterns, particularly in winter, access to sites may occasionally be affected, and flexibility may be required. Travel to local, regional, national or international events is required from time to time. The expectation is for the Land & Field Operations Manager to balance field work with in-office presence to support organizational needs and effective leadership.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

The Land & Field Operations Manager position is governed by an at-will employment agreement, which serves as a formal, written document outlining the terms and conditions of employment. This position is classified as exempt from overtime and timecard tracking, reflecting its management and professional nature. The employment relationship is at-will, meaning that either MSC or the employee may terminate the employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable laws. The employment agreement details responsibilities, compensation, benefits, performance expectations, and other relevant terms of employment. A background check must be passed before accepting the position. A valid driver’s license is required. A negative drug test is required. All new hires are subject to a 90-day review period. This position reports to the Executive Director.

Job Title: Land & Field Operations Manager

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt, Benefitted

Reports To: Executive Director

Supervises: Field Supervisors, Seasonal Work Crew

Classification: Salaried

Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, and paid vacation

Starting Wage: $75,000 FTE

Anticipated Start Date: August 15, 2026

Work Location: MSC Headquarters (Chester, California)

Health, dental, and vision insurance, and paid vacation