Sonoma Land Trust: Conservation Program Manager

SONOMA LAND TRUST
Job Announcement http://www.sonomalandtrust.org/AboutSLT/JobOpportunities.html

Seeking: Conservation Program Manager (Sonoma Baylands Region, Southern Sonoma County, California)
Availability: October 1, 2009

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Sonoma Land Trust (SLT) is a nonprofit, non-governmental land conservancy founded in 1976 with an office in Santa Rosa and a current staff of 15 people. Its mission is to protect the signature landscapes of Sonoma County, California. SLT has an ongoing land acquisition program and currently holds about a dozen properties in fee, including one on the National Register of Historic Places, and more than 30 conservation easements. SLT makes extensive use of volunteers and works in partnership with the Sonoma County Agricultural Protection and Open Space District and numerous other government agencies and nonprofit organizations to accomplish its mission.

ABOUT THE POSITION
Sonoma Land Trust is seeking an experienced program manager to oversee restoration planning, stewardship and management for its interests in the Sonoma Baylands region of southern Sonoma County. SLT currently holds fee title and easements on approximately 6,000 acres in the Sonoma Baylands region, including upland grasslands, agricultural parcels and diked baylands along San Pablo Bay. SLT has been active in the conservation of this region for over 20 years and is currently working to implement the Sears Point Wetlands and Watershed Restoration Project, which includes wetland restoration and public trails on 2,237 acres. In addition to this project, SLT is managing a diverse portfolio of other lands in the Baylands region with a mixture of agricultural, wetland and upland habitats.

THE POSITION
The Sonoma Land Trust is seeking an experienced Conservation Program Manager.

Responsibilities include:
•Developing and implementing SLT's long-range vision for the Sonoma Baylands region in the context of SLT's overall mission and goals for Sonoma County;
•Selecting and overseeing contractors working on all aspects of planning and implementing restoration projects on SLT properties, including planning, design, environmental review, permitting and construction;
•Coordinating, managing and/or implementing on-the-ground activities on SLT properties;
•Developing and negotiating complex agreements related to SLT properties;
•Managing and administering multiple project contracts and grants, including budgeting, tracking and reporting responsibilities;
•Working with public agencies, NGO partners and private foundations to identify and secure additional funds to carry out SLT projects;
•Building relationships with the other conservation public agencies and nonprofit organizations working in the region;
•Coordinating, managing and leading outreach activities, which include public access, volunteer events, and hikes and tours;
•Establishing and managing communications and outreach among a diverse range of project stakeholders and SLT's conservation team; and
•Representing SLT at presentations and conferences.

The ideal candidate will have:
•Excellent organizational skills
•Excellent verbal and written communications skills
•Demonstrated abilities to prioritize assignments, multi-task effectively, meet deadlines and maintain an attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
•Strong planning and project management skills
•Experience and expertise in planning and implementing complex habitat restoration projects, specifically in fundraising, contract and grant administration, stakeholder involvement and agency negotiation
•Political acumen
•Broad practical and academic knowledge of issues related to agriculture, land use, flora and fauna, upland and wetlands restoration, etc.
•The ability to work with a diverse range of public and private partner organizations
•Flexibility, creativity and sense of humor

Other attributes we are looking for include:
•The ability to work independently and as part of the SLT's Conservation team
•Ability to manage relations with government agency partners
•Familiarity with land trusts
•Ability to work well with SLT's lease holders, including farmers and ranchers, and neighbors
•Computer skills and the ability to organize one's work effectively
•The ability to prepare and work within budgets

Other requirements include:
•A college degree with relevant graduate studies preferred
•An insured vehicle that can be used on Land Trust business
•The ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and occasional evenings

COMPENSATION
SLT offers competitive salaries and benefits. The salary for this position will be based upon the selected candidate's experience and the salary structure of the organization.

TO APPLY
Please send a copy of your resume and a cover letter to recruitment@sonomalandtrust.org.

OR by mail to: Sonoma Land Trust, Attention: Staff Recruitment, 966 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. No Phone Calls Please.

The Sonoma Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer.