Klamath Project Manager

USA The Nature Conservancy; United States; On-site; USD 83,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing at project sites

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in California is seeking a Klamath Project Manager to develop and advance streamflow, agricultural water management, and riparian restoration projects across the Shasta and Scott River basins. The role requires collaboration with farmers, irrigation districts, tribes, and agencies to implement voluntary water strategies that support river health and agricultural viability.

You will lead conservation initiatives, manage budgets, and coordinate with a diverse set of partners

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree and 5 years of experience in conservation practice (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
• Experience in partnership development with non‑profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
• Experience negotiating.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage conservation projects.
• Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for the program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
• Assist with ensuring that public and private funds are raised to meet project and program needs.
• Communicate effectively to a broad range of audiences.
• Work independently and effectively while meeting rigorous deadlines.
• Coordinate with Conservancy staff, private individuals, agency staff and contractors.
• Support and be supported by a senior scientist, a Project Director and a Stewardship Manager.

Skills

Project management

Negotiation

Partnership development

Written and verbal communication

Microsoft Word and Excel

Education

BA/BS degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together

The Klamath Project Manager develops, manages, and advances innovative streamflow, agricultural water management, and riparian restoration projects that improve river flows and restore freshwater habitat across working agricultural landscapes in the Shasta and Scott River watersheds of the Klamath Basin within TNC's California Business Unit (BU). This position requires experience working collaboratively with farmers and ranchers, irrigation districts, tribes, and agency partners to identify and implement voluntary water management strategies that enhance instream flows while supporting the long‑term viability of agricultural operations. The Project Manager will apply a full range of conservation tools, including scientific and engineering approaches, water transaction and acquisition strategies, irrigation and land management improvements, project management, negotiation, contract administration, and budget management to advance the objectives of the Klamath Acquisition Program. The Klamath Project Manager provides technical leadership and support to the Klamath Acquisition Project within the California chapter's Healthy Rivers strategy by planning, directing and implementing projects including planning, project scope, grant proposals and reporting, contracting, design, implementation, monitoring, and maintenance. The position plays a key role in identifying and advancing opportunities on working lands that change water management, increase streamflow, and enhance aquatic habitat while maintaining productive agricultural operations. They develop and implement conservation strategies, employ a full range of protection tools to acquire varying degrees of legal interest in land and implements a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities. They coordinate community support, facilitate advisory committees, and build relationships with public and private organizations to identify and resolve restoration issues, widely communicate solutions, and gain support for acquisition and restoration strategies in the Klamath.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Geographic scope is the Klamath River Watershed with a focus on the Scott and Shasta Rivers in Siskiyou County, California. Leads and manages conservation projects. Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for the program while controlling costs and administering budgets. Assist with ensuring that public and private funds are raised to meet project and program needs. Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development. Be able to communicate effectively to a broad range of audiences. Ability to work independently and effectively while meeting rigorous deadlines. Builds cooperation from external parties to accomplish program goals. Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements. Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. The Klamath Project Manager will work closely and coordinate with a wide variety of Conservancy staff, private individuals, agency staff and contractors in support of strategy goals. They will support and be supported by a senior scientist with expertise in habitat restoration, streamflows and groundwater, a Project Director who leads the strategy and partnerships and a Stewardship Manager who oversees the properties where this work will occur. The location for this position is ideally within Siskiyou County and candidates must reside within commuting distance from the project geographies and must be onsite at project sites for up to 50% of the time. This a two-year term position (with possibility of extension based on funding and performance). TNC housing is available at one of our work sites for full-time or part-time use. Living in TNC housing is not a requirement for this position. If the Klamath Project Manager opts to live in TNC housing, a housing agreement must be executed. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

What You'll Bring

BA/BS degree and 5 years of experience in conservation practice (or equivalent combination of education and experience). Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines. Experience in partnership development with non‑profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies. Experience negotiating. Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally. Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.

Desired Qualifications

Multi‑lingual and multi‑cultural or cross‑cultural experience appreciated. At least 5 years of experience in conservation practice, related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation science, land management, natural resource preservation, and California water policy issues. Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages. Completing tasks independently with respect to timelines. Experience developing, administering, and implementing habitat restoration and/or water use efficiency projects. Experience working with landowners, public agencies, and conservation groups to develop and implement restoration projects. Experience building and managing conservation partnerships, coalitions, or networks with diverse partner organizations to achieve strategic outcomes. Experience with contract management and review. Experience writing and reporting on private and/or public grants. Politically savvy. This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered 'high risk drivers'. To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information

The starting annual pay for this position is generally within the range of $82,700 - $97,275. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate's pay will fall will be based on a variety of factors, including the candidate's location, qualifications, skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are

The Nature Conservancy's mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science‑based organization, we create innovative, on‑the‑ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We're rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it's career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there's many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor. One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant's unique experience.

What We Bring

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non‑profit into one of the most effective and wide‑reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than