Project Manager Jobs

California Land Stewardship Institute

550 Gateway Dr., Suite 106

Napa, CA 94558

www.fishfriendlyfarming.org

Project Manager Position Description

Organization

The California Land Stewardship Institute (CLSI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to planning and implementing environmental stewardship, restoration and enhancement programs and projects including educational activities, scientific studies, promotion of beneficial stewardship practices and resource conservation activities on private lands and waterways.

CLSI operates the award-winning Fish Friendly Farming (FFF) Certification Program in 15 California counties. Over 200,000 acres are enrolled in the program. The FFF program is a robust certification program that assesses the natural resources of individual farm parcels and includes slopes, soils and creeks and inventories management practices such as soil and water conservation, chemical use, water sources and other practices. We complete maps and a detailed farm plan which specifies Best Management Practices (BMPs) to improve water quality, reduce chemical use, conserve water, revegetate and restore habitats and other actions. The FFF certification provides regulatory compliance for the grower. In Napa over 90% of the vineyards are FFF certified. CLSI certifies over 15 crops including fruit and nut orchards, field crops, vineyards, cannabis and ranch land.

CLSI originated and runs the Climate Adaptation Certification, the first climate certification program for agriculture. This program models greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration for all activities on the farm – cover crops, tillage, nitrogen use, burning, diesel equipment use and other actions as well as carbon sequestered in hedgerow and native habitat plantings, existing open space and habitats on the property. Two future scenarios with changed practices are also modeled.

CLSI carries out its programs and projects by establishing collaborative relationships with landowners/managers and agricultural organizations. CLSI also completes scientific studies and monitoring in cooperation with agencies, environmental groups, landowners and other scientists. The organization’s offices are located in Napa, California.

CLSI will train the selected candidate in our programs, procedures, modeling and mapping methods.

We are seeking a Project Manager to carry out a range of activities including implementation of the FFF program for both irrigated lands and rangeland, implementation of the Climate Adaptation Certification program, technical assistance with state soil health programs and implementation of erosion control and stream restoration projects.

The Project Manager will work with other staff to coordinate programs and projects run by the California Land Stewardship Institute. The Project Manager will be an integral part of a small and collaborative staff who works together closely.

Responsibilities

Field Work and Analysis

• Oversee and expand the Fish Friendly Farming (FFF) Certification Program and Climate Adaptation Certification Program in all counties

• Manage and update the database and generate data reports as needed
• Coordinate and oversee project design and construction
• Work with landowners and land managers to initiate, and complete farm and climate plans and other documents
• Obtain Erosion Control Specialist certification
• Establish and maintain positive relationship with regulatory agencies staff
• Schedule and complete certifications
• Work with the Executive Director on grant proposals, reports & compliance related to grants that fund the FFF and CAC programs and their activities
• Create reports that synthesize impact of the program for landowners and the public as needed
• Schedule site visits and track farm and climate plan progress and certifications
• Monitor pending or proposed regulations at the state level that would directly impact the two programs, work with Executive Director to amend programs to meet new regulations
• Complete field assessment and analysis for farm conservation and climate plans, erosion control, habitat restoration and plantings for carbon sequestration projects, project design and permits
• Work with other staff on invoicing, budgets, schedules and other policies and procedures for the FFF and CAC programs
• Input information from climate plans into various modeling systems to estimate GHG emissions and carbon sequestration
• Coordinate with other staff, consultants, and certifiers in field work
• Organize educational workshops for the FFF and CAC programs (conduct outreach, create agendas and event planning related to the workshop)

Database Management

• Review and revise database to remove duplicate entries
• Update site information and farm plan information
• Update contact names and information

Other Projects

• Assist other staff in completing stream flow gaging, discharge measurements and other field measurements.
• Process various types of monitoring data and analyze for various features and trends.
• Develop and manage other restoration projects as needed, including seeking permits and landowner approval.
• Contribute to the expansion and updating of our website
• Coordinate workshops on the FFF and CAC programs, invasive plant removal, native plant revegetation, demonstration projects, and other topics as needed.
• Other duties as assigned
• Assistance with fire recovery and forest health projects
• Training in many field techniques and subjects as well as a variety of computer programs will be provided

This position reports to the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• Proficient with ArcGIS
• Own a car with valid driver’s license and insurance with ability to travel when necessary: driving is required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Results orientation, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously within budget and deadlines
• Demonstrated experience in managing environmental projects
• Outstanding interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Commitment to working in a mission-driven, fast-paced environment
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with a variety of constituencies
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative manner with private landowners
• Maturity, integrity, and experience to gain the trust and confidence of private landowners, farmers, colleagues, and partners
• Ability to operate with flexibility in times of change
• Strong sense of ethics and respect for confidentiality of information
• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop preferred
• Familiarity with North Bay and/or farming communities a plus
• Educational background and experience in soil science, hydrology, geomorphology, aquatic or riparian ecology or agricultural science. Minimum requirements are a B.A. or B.S.; M.A. or M.S a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time position with medical and dental benefits and retirement plan and salary in the range of $70-85,000/year We will consider recent graduates who may not have experience but have competed their degree.

To apply:

Please submit a resume via e-mail to Chris Kelley, Executive Director at [email protected] by 6/30/23.

Phone calls are discouraged.

The California Land Stewardship Institute is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. We are committed to diversity and consider all applicants for all positions without regard to color, ethnic background, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, and disability status.