Program Manager – Central Coast Wetlands Group

Description: The Central Coast Wetlands Group (CCWG) is an affiliate research group at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML) located in the Monterey Bay Region of Central California. Our focus is the study, preservation and restoration of Central Coast wetlands. CCWG works closely with local, state, and federal agencies to implement science-based strategies that improve ecosystem resilience and address the growing impacts of climate change. The group is actively involved in innovative multi-benefit projects that integrate habitat restoration, flood protection, and community benefits with climate change adaptation to enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

Central Coast Wetlands Group (CCWG) is looking for someone with broad skills and experiences to help lead a thriving 20-year organization that has deep roots and ties to the Monterey Bay Region and throughout California. This position provides an exciting opportunity to join a strong team to help implement $14 million dollars of existing grants over the next 3 years and work with leadership to obtain additional funding for the future. We are looking for the right person with a strong background in the field and, importantly, someone who is dedicated, creative, hardworking, and enjoys wearing many hats. If you are excited by the opportunities and challenges offered in this position, we encourage you to apply!

Responsibilities:

Program Management:  Support the program director in program operations.

Strategic Planning: Assist in developing long-term strategic goals and plans for program growth and success.

Grant Writing: Writing and securing grants and contracts.

Budgeting and Financial Management: Assist director in budgeting, forecasting, and managing program finances.

Multi-Benefit Water Resource Project planning and implementation: The program manager will develop and implement multi-benefit water resource projects in an agriculturally dominated landscape in the Monterey Bay Region.

Planning, Design and Permitting: Collaborate with ecologists, engineers, and other technical experts to develop innovative projects for flood risk reduction, groundwater recharge, water conservation, and water quality improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement: Foster strong partnerships with key stakeholders including agricultural landowners, growers, local organizations and agencies, and disadvantaged communities to ensure their needs and perspectives are integrated into project planning.

Facilitate Land Acquisition: Work with land acquisition partners to manage the process of acquiring land from willing landowners, including appraisal oversight, negotiating easements and fee title acquisitions, and identifying receivers.

Project Implementation: Coordinate with agency partners to transition from planning to the implementation phase, including securing funding for construction and coordinating on the ground actions.

Qualifications: 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required in environmental science, environmental planning, ecology, natural resource management, or a related field. Master’s or PhD degree is highly preferred or an equivalent amount of work experience.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, preferably in land conservation, environmental restoration, watershed restoration, or water resource management.

Experience in budget management and project reporting.

Outgoing personality with the ability to work effectively within a close-knit team.

Adaptable, flexible, and capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Analytical and problem-solving skills with the capacity to evaluate CCWG program needs, track program performance, and identify long-term solution for program growth and success.

 Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program, Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, and relevant local plans and policies.

Experience in water quality treatment wetland design, wetland restoration, and/or water quality treatment projects.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a diverse set of partner organizations, including government agencies, non-profits, and agricultural communities. Successful track record of obtaining extramural funding.

Physical Demands

Ability to work outside in inclement weather conditions when necessary.

Ability to walk a mile while carrying up to 20 pounds of equipment and traverse over rough terrain to remote field sites.

Ability to travel overnight at least one night per month.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the SJSURF. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current SJSURF employees who apply for the position.

Learn more and apply here.