Employer: South Yuba River Citizens League Job Field: Forestry Water and Soil Resources GIS/Technology Job Type: Full Time Location: California Location Detail: Nevada City, CA Job Description: The Forest Conservation Program Manager manages SYRCL’s forest health projects throughout the Yuba River watershed, supporting and working closely with the North Yuba Project Manager (NYPM) in collaborative management of the North Yuba Forest Partnership. The Forest Conservation Program Manager will manage components of existing forest health efforts the Yuba Forest Network and invasive weeds removal, collaborative management of the North Yuba Forest Partnership, and work collaboratively with all upper watershed restoration efforts including aspen and meadow restoration. The Program Manager will also work to develop new projects and seek new opportunities for engagement, collaboration, research, and restoration within the watershed. SYRCL’s forest health work accelerated beginning in 2019 and continues to grow considerably and play a vital role in forest conservation within the watershed. The program aims to 1. improve forest health and forest resiliency throughout the watershed, 2. engage diverse stakeholders throughout the Yuba River watershed to promote and implement forest health projects, and 3. facilitate collaborative planning and research efforts and on-the-ground project implementation. This is a full time, exempt position. Main work hours will be scheduled during normal business hours (Monday-Friday 9 am -5 pm) and evening and weekend work may be required. RESPONSIBILITIES The Forest Health Program Manager will provide programmatic vision and leadership, strategic and science-based recommendations, direct supervision of one or more employees, support to large-scale forest health partnership efforts, and manage proactive fundraising and grant writing. This role requires a significant amount of stakeholder engagement, project partner relationship management, knowledge in the fields of forest ecology or forestry, and managerial and fundraising experience and contractor management. The successful candidate will help advance SYRCL’s forest conservation priorities including: Provide oversight and direction for the diverse forest conservation projects within SYRCL’s Watershed Science Department. Support North Yuba Project Manager in participation in the North Yuba Forest Partnership, a group of nine organizations working to collaboratively plan and implement forest restoration across 275,000 acres of USFS land. Includes close work with USFS and partners on project planning, financing, and steering. Lead and support programmatic grant writing, manage contracts and grants including developing, negotiating, awarding, and administering requests for proposals, contracts, budgets, and reports. Aid in the facilitation and management of the Yuba Forest Network. Aid in the facilitation and management in partner meetings with external partners like NYFP. Manage, contract and/or hire a team for invasive weeds eradication and control. Work on internal team members and external project partners to identify and prioritize project treatments and opportunities within existing project footprint(s) and identify new project areas within the Yuba River watershed to target forest conservation work. Incorporate Traditional Ecological Knowledge and support projects that promote inclusion and Indigenous land management where possible. Collaborate to secure permits and approvals and ensure compliance with NEPA and CEQA. Supervise contractors, including planning surveyors, forestry consultants, and field crews. Seek opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration within SYRCL, leveraging existing program areas. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s Degree in forest ecology, forestry, silviculture, natural resources management, or a closely related field. Advanced degree strongly preferred. A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience or equivalent education. Proven grant writing and project management experience including ensuring that awarded grants are tracked to make certain completion of deliverables, reporting, billing and invoicing. Demonstrated experience in creative problem-solving, opportunity development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Ability to build consensus, develop effective coalitions and collaborate with new and existing partners with diverse interests and backgrounds. Effective communication skills necessary to develop and maintain lasting partnerships with government, agency, Tribal, and community representatives, among others. Demonstrate initiative, is conscientious, and provides follow-through on areas of responsibility. Facilitation experience or training. Proficient with GIS/spatial software, mapping, and data management. Familiarity with Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forest ecology. Positive, self-motivated, and quick learning performer highly valued. This position requires confidentiality. Possession of, or access to a registered and insured personal vehicle, and a valid California Driver’s License. Qualifications: DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Demonstrates initiative and is proactive in seeking new restoration and collaboration opportunities while maintaining programmatic priorities. Positive, self-motivated, and quick learning performer highly valued. This position requires confidentiality, and a sense of humor is a must. Knowledge of related Sierra Nevada headwater ecosystems, including aspens, mixed forests, and meadows. Knowledge of current state and regional trends in forest-based climate solutions and community development. Comfortable/familiar collaborating with local Indigenous communities and/or tribes on forest conservation projects Public speaking, conference presentations and leading field tours. Group management and extended field tour planning and execution PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Able to work on a computer, including sitting at a desk for extended periods; to read a computer screen; and manual dexterity to operate a keyboard. Able to speak clearly on the phone and in person and be understood by others. Able to occasionally lift objects weighing up to 30 pounds. Field work and site visits are required and may involve walking over uneven terrain, up/down hills and steep canyons, or other similar physical activity while carrying a heavy load. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Miscellaneous: ABOUT SYRCL The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL pronounced circle) was founded in 1983 by grassroots activists determined to protect the South Yuba River from dams. Ultimately, SYRCL won permanent protection for 39 miles of the South Yuba River under California’s Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Today, SYRCL is the central hub of community activism to protect, restore, and celebrate the Yuba River watershed. With 40 years of achievements, 3,500 members and volunteers, SYRCL is doing great things for the Yuba watershed. SYRCL is a leader in the Sierra headwaters for addressing statewide and regional issues challenging new dams, recovering endangered species, addressing climate change and drought, water security and water quality. Together, we are extending our powerful coalition from the summit to the sea. SYRCL is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. Women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ people, and members of other historically disenfranchised populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Salary: $68,000 - $72,000 DOE The compensation package includes an exempt salary of $68,000 - $72,000 depending on experience. We also provide 100% paid health insurance for full-time employees, 401K plan participation with 2% employer match (fully vested after 3 years), 10 paid holidays, 3 sick days, and 14 days per year Personal Time Off (PTO) earned on an accrual basis. How to Apply: APPLICATION INFORMATION This position is open until filled. Submit your cover letter and resume online here: https://syrcl.bamboohr.com/careers/85 Email kat@yubariver.org with further inquiries.
