Department: Field Staff, California Program
Position Function. The California Program Manager will work closely with California-based program staff and other NFF staff to provide project management and program development support. The incumbent is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing conservation programs with the U.S. Forest Service, communities, conservation NGOs, and private sector partners to support strategic initiatives and long-term goals in California. This position will focus largely on the NFF program of work in Southern California, but may also support project implementation and project management activities throughout California.
Position Duties and Responsibilities. The California Program Manager is responsible for:
• Building and maintaining close and mutually beneficial relationships among the U.S. Forest Service, California NGO partners, and the NFF to implement effective community-based conservation partnerships;
• Working with contractors, consultants, nonprofit organizations, and the U.S. Forest Service to manage implementation of existing and new conservation, watershed improvement, ecosystem restoration, and recreation enhancement projects, focused largely on a multi-million dollar scope of work on the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, as well as other projects throughout the rest California;
• Assisting in management of the ongoing collaborative planning process for the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, including developing action plans for committees to meet their objectives, possibly assisting with collaborative meeting facilitation and note taking, maintaining diverse and balanced memberships, maintaining group documents and history, developing internal leadership, and communicating effectively with members and with the Forest Service;
• Strengthening the NFF ability to support on-the-ground restoration, recreation and youth work that benefits communities, conserves natural systems and expands outdoor experiences by developing new partnerships, finding opportunities to share resources, and leveraging support;
• Working to expand the base of private sector supporters, state government supporters, and partners by actively pursuing funding opportunities and creating new development opportunities for NFF programs;
• Developing a stronger regional constituency for our National Forests by engaging citizens in conservation and communicating regularly about the value of National Forests and the work of the National Forest Foundation;
• Maintaining a breadth of knowledge about current trends, emerging issues, policy interventions, and innovations in the field of conservation programming to enhance the NFF strategic efficacy; and
• Serving as a point of contact in all conservation and development activities in California.
Education and Qualifications. NFF expects the California Program Manager to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:
• Education: Minimum of an undergraduate degree in conservation, forestry, planning, landscape design, recreation planning, environmental science or related field. A graduate degree is preferred.
• Work Experience: At least three years of work experience managing conservation programs, project planning, and/or project implementation.
• Project Management: Experience managing project planning and implementation that involves multiple organizations, stakeholder teams, and funders. Experience managing grants and/or contracts, project budgets and timelines.
• Development: Experience cultivating funders, successfully writing grants and project proposals, and reporting to funders from Federal, State, corporate and individual sources.
• Commitment to the mission of the National Forest Foundation and familiarity with the U.S. Forest Service purpose and National Forest lands management.
• A strong understanding of California natural resource issues.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills.
• Strong writing skills and public speaking experience.
Additional Desired Qualifications.
• Land and Watershed Management: Demonstrated experience with land and watershed science, policy, and management, including fire science, vegetation management, wildlife conservation, and/or meadow and stream restoration.
• Recreation Management: Demonstrated experience with design, planning, policy, implementation, and management of recreation assets such as trails or park planning.
• Facilitation: Experience facilitating, building consensus, and securing agreements in interagency and stakeholder processes that preferably involve the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service or other federal, state, and local public land management agencies.
Abilities and Skills. NFF expects the Program Manager to possess:
• Ability to work with a wide range of people with differing and sometimes conflicting opinions, and to maintain neutrality at all times.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly and maintain a flexible work schedule, including participation in weekend and evening events.
• Ability to work well, and be flexible in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to represent the NFF in a clear and professional manner through excellent written and oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
• A strong attention to detail, with skill in working in a timely and well-organized fashion.
Location: It is highly preferred that this position be based in Southern California.
Compensation: The NFF offers a competitive salary schedule based upon experience and a full slate of outstanding benefits.
To Apply: Please send a brief cover letter and resume by November 19, 2018 to Sheree Bombard at: sbombard@nationalforests.org with the subject line: “Application for California Program Manager.”
For more information visit: https://www.nationalforests.org/who-we-are/jobs
The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates in this search. Additional information on the National Forest Foundation can be found at: nationalforests.org.