CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

Forest Health and Fire Resiliency Project Manager

May 15th, 2020

Background

The California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD) is a 501c3 non-profit organization serving the 96 Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) throughout the State. Our organization works as a hub to strengthen and support a powerful statewide network of local RCDs, so they can assist communities across California in caring for our land, water, soil, air, and other natural resources. CARCD and the RCDs offer effective, locally-governed, non-regulatory ways to meet our communities’ natural resource needs and challenges, at any scale from local to statewide.

Position summary

CARCD is seeking a conservation professional to manage our Forest Health and Fire Resiliency Program and Regional Conservation Partnership Program agreement. The position will implement and coordinate funding for forest health, work with partners to coordinate resources, document success, and seek additional opportunities. The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of forest health, experience with RCDs and/or local conservation, and program management experience. In addition, the ideal candidate will be able to communicate and coordinate well with a diverse set of partners, work independently and as a team, be detail oriented, and be able to communicate both to groups and in one on one settings. The position will work closely with a broad array of RCD staff, partner organizations, and government agency staff.

Position Responsibilities

Project Management

One way that CARCD serves the network of RCDs is through procuring grants and contracts at the state level for implementation by RCDs at the local level. Project management includes coordinating between RCDs and state/federal partners, coordinating implementation across multiple RCDs, and working with RCDs and partners to develop new project opportunities.

• Coordinate with local RCDs, local and state partners, and CARCD staff
• Administer grants and contracts with state and federal agencies, foundation funders, and RCDs
• Track progress towards deliverables, write reports to funders, and serve as the communications hub between funding agencies and RCDs
• Manage budget and timeline in accordance with contracts
• Secure and implement new contracts and agreements with agency partners
• Develop resources and educational materials on forest health and fire resiliency issues for use by RCDs

Stakeholder Engagement

As the state association, CARCD engages with a diverse set of stakeholders and partners at the state and local level. CARCD advocates for RCDs at all levels and builds connections and opportunities that will benefit the RCD network.

• Participate in statewide forest health and fire resilience meetings and workshops
• Build and maintain relationships with key contacts at partner organizations, including CAL FIRE, USFS, CA Fire Safe Council, state conservancies, and aligned non-profits
• Advocate for RCD inclusion in funding, partnership, and contracting opportunities, and work to build new avenues for RCD project development through partnerships
• Serve as liaison to the Joint CARCD Forestry and Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee

Program Development

CARCD is always seeking new opportunities to serve the RCD network. The forest health and fire resiliency program area has room to grow the services and support offered to RCDs.

• Track and research grant opportunities, maintain a catalogue of RFPs and partnership opportunities
• Work to understand local forest and fire needs and develop project proposals in consultation with RCDs
• Highlight the work of RCDs and share “success stories” broadly

CARCD Team Support

CARCD is a small but growing staff that values teamwork and balances collaboration with independent work.

• Contribute to team-wide initiatives around equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Support team member goals and work objectives as appropriate
• Seek out opportunities for cross-project collaboration and leveraging existing resources across program areas

Required Qualifications

• S. or B.A. in forestry, conservation, ecology, natural resources, or other related degree
• Working knowledge of forest health and fire resiliency issues
• Demonstrated success in building strong partnerships
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Project management experience, including managing multiple projects and timelines
• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to synthesize complex ideas into coherent, compelling communications.
• Precise attention to detail and the ability to carefully follow complex sets of instructions from funders
• Effectively work both in team settings and individually
• Experiencing being diplomatic and navigating conflict
• Ability to travel within the State on a limited basis
• Desire and ability to work with a diverse community of people and staff members

Desired Qualifications

• Meeting facilitation and/or management
• Track record of writing and winning grants
• Work or volunteer experience with an RCD, Fire Safe Council, NRCS, or other conservation organization

The position is based out of Sacramento, but can be remote. The position is full time and includes health insurance benefits and paid holidays, vacation and sick time. The hourly rate is $28-$32 per hour, depending on experience.

CARCD is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Position is open until filled, please send your resume and a thoughtful cover letter highlighting your interest in the position and relevant experience to Emily Sutherland (emily-sutherland@carcd.org).