Ocean Job Board
597
Organizations
993
Jobs
Headwaters Science Project Manager
South Yuba River Citizens League
Operations
Nevada City, CA, USA
Posted on Feb 12, 2025
The Headwaters Science Project Manager works throughout the headwaters of the Yuba River watershed to assist in the management of meadow restoration projects, development of restoration plans, conduct scientific monitoring, and carry out geo-spatial data analysis in support of meadow restoration and monitoring projects. This position will work as a key team member as part of SYRCL’s interdisciplinary Watershed Science team working to ensure a healthy and resilient watershed through diverse restoration, monitoring, and water quality projects.
This position will focus on meadow restoration projects, specifically managing the planning, implementation, and monitoring of SYRCL’s various meadow restoration projects. Monitoring includes conducting pre- and post- restoration hydrology, and botany sampling at Van Norden, Haskell Peak, Castle and Round Valley meadows. This position will plan and implement new projects in the headwaters of the North, Middle, and South Yuba River watershed. https://yubariver.org/our-work/restoration/meadow-restoration/. SYRCL works together with multiple federal, state, and local partners on restoration and monitoring projects. Projects include meadow and aspen restoration targeted at improving meadow hydrology, biodiversity and carbon sequestration, floodplain restoration projects targeted at improving salmonid and riparian habitat, invasive species removal targeted at reducing fuel loads and impacts in riparian areas, forest health work, water quality monitoring to investigate trends and issues across the Yuba watershed, and watershed assessments.
The Headwaters Science Project Manager will work with the Watershed Science Director to hire and supervise contractors and will be responsible for managing large project budgets. This position will assist with GIS and data analysis and participate in report writing to support existing and future restoration projects. This position has growth opportunity depending upon experience and available resources.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A successful Headwaters Science Project Manager will have the following qualifications:
- Demonstrated work experience managing multiple, complex grant-funded projects. Experience managing state and/or federal grants is a plus.
- Experience developing and implementing restoration projects (including design, permitting, etc.).
- An understanding of CEQA and NEPA processes.
- Expertise in riparian and aquatic ecology, botany, and/or hydrology.
- Experience with ecological field data collection, GPS/GIS use, and data management is required. Data analysis skills are required.
- Proven grants management experience including prospecting for and vetting grant opportunities, preparing applications, and ensuring that awarded grants are tracked to ensure completion of deliverables, reporting, billing, and invoicing, etc. in coordination with assigned project managers.
- Expert project management skills including planning, time management, organization, and attention to detail.
- Effective communication skills necessary to develop and maintain lasting partnerships with government, agency, and community representatives, and keep partners informed and engaged.
- Excellent verbal communication and superior writing skills.
- Demonstrates initiative, is conscientious, and provides follow-through on areas of responsibility.
- Experience working in a high energy office setting cooperatively with staff and volunteers; non-profit work experience a plus.
- Master’s (M.S.) Degree in a related field or three years’ work experience in natural resources.
- Computer skills required, including proficiency with Word, Excel, R, Access, and GIS.
- Positive, self-motivated, and quick learning performer highly valued. This position requires confidentiality, and a sense of humor is a must.
- Effective leadership and team skills.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize.
- Possession of a properly registered and insured personal vehicle, and a valid California Driver’s License.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Preferred additional skills and experiences are:
- Master’s degree in plant biology, ecology, hydrology, or similar field.
- Experience with grant writing and professional report writing for State and Federal grants.
- Scientific study design, monitoring, and analysis skills.
- Advanced GIS skills.
- Familiarity with programming languages such as R or Python.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage on-going restoration and monitoring projects in the headwaters of the Yuba River watershed. This includes development and maintenance of project plans, schedules, budgets, accounting, and invoicing with SYRCL staff and external partners.
- Manage grantor and partner relationships, supervise staff and contractors, and ensure all reporting and deliverables are completed per agreements for a subset of projects.
- Manage and provide scientific support for multiple new and existing grant-funded projects directed by the Watershed Science Director and in coordination with science staff:
- Provide scientific support for the Watershed Science Program including planning and creation of studies that answer scientific questions that are relevant to our restoration and water quality monitoring projects, design and implement restoration monitoring protocols, literature review, data collection, data analysis, data management, and reporting.
- Write various plans and reports, in coordination with the Watershed Science Director, including but not limited to grant and project reports, pamphlets, web copy, e-news, etc.
- Provide support to the education program via the Field Science Program which takes high-school students out to assist in meadow monitoring.
- Participate in the Sierra Meadows Partnership.
- Participate in the bi-monthly Grants Committee meetings and prepare grant applications for new projects and augmented funding for existing projects.
- Other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Able to work on a computer, including sitting at a desk for extended periods; to read a computer screen; and manual dexterity to operate a keyboard.
- Able to hike in variable terrain carrying up to 30 lbs
- Able to speak clearly on the phone and in person and be understood by others.
COMPENSATION:
The compensation package includes an hourly pay rate range of $30-$33.50 per hour, depending on experience, starting paid vacation of 14 days per year earned on an accrual basis, 10 paid holidays, 5 paid sick days, 100% employer paid health insurance, and 2% 401(k) retirement match (fully vested after 3 years).
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
This position is open until filled.
Submit your cover letter and resume electronically here: https://syrcl.bamboohr.com/careers/98
ABOUT SYRCL:
The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL – pronounced circle) was founded in 1983 by grassroots activists determined to protect the South Yuba River from dams. Ultimately, SYRCL won permanent protection for 39 miles of the South Yuba River under California’s Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Today, SYRCL is the central hub of community activism to protect, restore, and celebrate the Yuba River watershed. With 36 years of achievements, 3,500 members and 1,000 active volunteers, SYRCL is doing great things for the Yuba watershed. SYRCL is a leader in the Sierra headwaters for addressing statewide and regional issues – challenging new dams, recovering endangered species, addressing climate change and drought, water security, forest health and water quality. Together, we are extending our powerful coalition from the summit to the sea.
SYRCL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.