Regional Manager

FISHBIO; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CalTrout is seeking a Regional Manager for the North Coast program, collaborating with leadership to plan, develop, and manage conservation efforts across key watersheds and Tribal partnerships. You will oversee projects, budgets, and compliance while building strategic partnerships and guiding teams of consultants and staff.

The role combines office and field work, requiring expertise in watershed restoration, fish passage, and policy compliance, with travel to sites and regional meetings as

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing environmental conservation or restoration programs.
• Experience supervising staff and regional teams.
• Experience writing grant proposals and managing grants.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional strategy and planning for the North Coast.
• Oversee program management, budgets, and timelines.
• Supervise staff and coordinate regional meetings.
• Develop partnerships with Tribes, agencies, landowners, and communities.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and permits (CEQA/NEPA/ESA).
• Represent CalTrout at meetings and public events.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Organizational skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Grant writing

Project management

Restoration design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science/Natural Resource Management

Master’s preferred

Job description

Description

The Regional Manager will work with the North Coast Regional Director and CalTrout leadership to plan, develop, and manage CalTrout’s North Coast program, with a focus on northern Humboldt and Del Norte counties, including Baduwat (Mad River), Redwood Creek, the Lower Klamath River, and the Smith River. The Regional Manager will: (1) lead regional and organization-wide strategic planning to build sustainable programs; (2) supervise North Coast staff to carry out CalTrout’s Strategic Plan; and (3) develop strategic partnerships with Tribal Nations, resource agencies, technical consultants, landowners, and local communities. The Regional Manager will independently oversee project management; develop projects and proposals; manage and administer grants and contracts (including budgets, progress reports, and invoices); manage subcontractors, construction contractors, deliverables, and timelines; coordinate and facilitate project teams of consultants in the development of engineering and revegetation plans, construction bid packages, monitoring programs, special studies for compliance documentation, and regulatory compliance documents; and communicate effectively with CalTrout’s North Coast team, across the organization, with project partners, and the general public.

The position combines office and field work, including regular visits to active restoration and construction sites. Effective performance requires knowledge and expert communication skills on a wide range of technical, scientific, and policy topics including: expertise in watershed and estuary restoration practices, fish passage criteria, large wood and floodplain restoration techniques, salmon and steelhead recovery plans, and strong relationship-building and partnership cultivation skills.

Responsibilities

• Regional Strategy and Planning:
  • Develop and implement North Coast conservation strategies aligned with CalTrout’s mission and Strategic Plan, with a focus on population recovery of coho salmon, Chinook salmon, steelhead, and coastal cutthroat trout.
  • Assess regional needs and prioritize projects based on ecological significance and impact, including estuary and tidal wetland restoration, fish passage, instream habitat, and flow and water quality improvements.
  • Coordinate with senior management to align regional plans with organizational objectives.
  • Lead program development in the region’s priority watersheds: Baduwat (Mad River), Redwood Creek, the Lower Klamath River, and the Smith River, as well as other northern Humboldt County areas.
• Program Management:
  • Lead and/or oversee CalTrout staff and project teams of consultants in the planning, design, permitting, construction, and monitoring of North Coast restoration projects and programs.
  • Ensure all programs meet performance standards, timelines, and budgetary requirements.
  • Monitor project progress, providing guidance and support to project managers and project teams of consultants.
  • Lead and/or oversee construction bidding, contractor selection, and construction management to ensure projects are built to plans and specifications, on schedule, and on budget.
• Team Leadership and Supervision:
  • Lead, manage, and mentor regional staff, including hiring, training, professional development, and performance evaluation.
  • Foster a positive and collaborative team environment, promoting professional development and growth.
  • Work closely with Regional Director to identify and address any issues that hinder positive workplace dynamics.
  • Ensure staff adherence to organizational policies and procedures.
  • Coordinate with Regional Director and other Regional Manager(s) to run regular regional staff meetings to coordinate priorities, workloads, and project updates.
  • Work closely with and support the Regional Administrator on regional operations and administrative needs.
• Outreach, Engagement and Partnership Development:
  • Build and maintain relationships with Tribal Nations (including the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, Yurok Tribe, Pulikia Rancheria, Wiyot Tribe, Blue Lake Rancheria, Hoopa Valley Tribe, Karuk Tribe, other Rancherias and Federally recognized and unrecognized Tribes).
  • Build and maintain relationships with landowners, community groups, and agency and funding partners, including but not limited to CDFW, NOAA Fisheries, USFWS, the State Coastal Conservancy, the Wildlife Conservation Board, the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, Redwood National and State Parks, Humboldt, Trinity, and Del Norte counties, and regional resource conservation districts.
  • Represent CalTrout at regional meetings, conferences, watershed forums, stewardship work days and other public events that require occasional travel, days away from home, and work on weekends.
  • Identify and secure new partnerships and funding, including state and Federal grants and foundations, to support North Coast initiatives.
• Budget and Financial Oversight:
  • Work closely with and support the Regional Administrator on regional financial management.
  • Develop and manage regional budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources.
  • Monitor financial performance, preparing regular reports and forecasts for senior management.
  • Ensure compliance with funding requirements, including federal award requirements (2 CFR 200, Build America, Buy America, and prevailing wage), and CalTrout’s financial policies.
• Risk Management and Compliance:
  • Identify and assess potential risks to regional projects and programs, and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure all regional activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including CEQA, NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, and the California Coastal Act, and obtain required permits (e.g., CDFW 1602, USACE Section 404, RWQCB Section 401, and Coastal Development Permits).
  • Implement and oversee health and safety protocols for office, field, and construction site work, including work in tidal and remote areas.
  • Maintain collaborative relationships to the maximum extent possible in order to reduce risk in advancing north coast program goals.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:
  • Establish and implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to measure program impact and effectiveness.
  • Prepare comprehensive reports on regional activities, outcomes, and lessons learned.
  • Prepare progress reports and project reports to funders as required on monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.
  • Communicate program results and regional updates to senior management and project partners.
• Innovation and Best Practices:
  • Promote the adoption of innovative approaches and best practices in regional conservation efforts.
  • Stay informed and communicate about industry trends, research, and emerging issues in environmental conservation.
  • Facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building within the regional team.
• Advocacy and Public Awareness:
  • Advocate for policies and practices that support environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.
  • Increase public awareness and engagement through outreach, education, and communication initiatives.
  • Collaborate with the communications team to develop regional advocacy campaigns and materials.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

• Proven experience managing environmental conservation or restoration programs and supervising staff; experience in northern Humboldt, Del Norte, or Klamath Basin watersheds strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and abilities.
• Proven experience developing and managing restoration design projects including writing grant proposals to facilitating project teams from concept through final design and compliance.
• Experience managing restoration construction projects, including bid processes, contractor oversight, and construction management.
• Experience managing state and federal grants, including budgets, invoicing, reporting, and compliance.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools; ability to learn new software and platforms.
• In-depth knowledge of the regulations, permits, and conservation practices that apply to salmon and steelhead habitat and estuary restoration in California.
• Experience working with Tribal Nations, private landowners, and agricultural communities.
• Valid California driver’s license and a safe driving record.