Organization
Pepperwood
Job Description
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Pepperwood’s Dwight Center for Conservation Science, 2130 Pepperwood Preserve Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-591-9310 www.pepperwoodpreserve.org
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POSITION DESCRIPTION
May 2024
Position Title: Conservation Science Manager
Salary: $95,000-$118,000
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Status: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Classification: Program Manager
Reports To: Executive Director
Deadline: Open until filled. Interviews to begin in mid-June.
Pepperwood is seeking a Conservation Science Manager to join our passionate team!
Pepperwood is dedicated to generating quality science to inform the conservation and
stewardship of the lands, waters, and wildlife in the North Bay region. In its first 20 years,
Pepperwood has become an internationally recognized leader in conservation science and
education. We are responsible for the thoughtful stewardship of our 3,200-acre nature
preserve and Sentinel Site, for the benefit of wildlife and human communities.
The work of Pepperwood is guided by a 5-year Strategic Plan that outlines key initiatives and
objectives for (1) inspiring connections with nature and cultivating a lifelong conservation ethic
among our community, (2) advancing ecological restoration practices and facilitating landscape
stewardship, (3) building climate and fire resilient habitats and communities, and (4) linking
landscapes for wildlife conservation. Core to the Strategic Plan is our organizational
commitment to supporting inclusive, equitable, and just conservation through diverse
collaborations.
Purpose of Position
The Conservation Science Manager (CSM) reports to the Executive Director (ED) and is a key
member of our Leadership Team where they are expected to work collaboratively to achieve
successful organizational outcomes by developing strategic priorities and ensuring decisions are
based on both sound conservation science and strong relationships. Strategic and operational
decisions should advance the values, vision, and mission of Pepperwood. This will require the
CSM to embed the organization’s values throughout their work, modeling excellence,
Pepperwood’s Dwight Center for Conservation Science, 2130 Pepperwood Preserve Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-591-9310 www.pepperwoodpreserve.org
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accountability, integrity, collaboration, and innovation, and centering on a commitment to
equity.
The CSM will co-lead the Research and Preserve Management team with Pepperwood’s
Preserve Manager, specifically managing Pepperwood’s team-based conservation science and
planning projects. Key tasks include shaping Pepperwood’s science strategies; supporting
program fundraising; designing and overseeing grant-funded and fee-for-service projects
including long-term environmental monitoring on-site; engaging in regional collaborations with
science partners; supporting ecological data management, analysis, and communications;
developing applied conservation science tools co-created with land managers and other
stakeholders; and supervising expert research staff across disciplines. As a member of
Pepperwood’s Leadership Team, the CSM will provide oversight on effective integration of our
Sentinel Site, Visiting Scholars, Ecological Restoration, Community Science, and Conservation
Action program elements as described on our website at www.pepperwoodpreserve.org.
The position supervises up to six full-time, part-time, and temporary employees, plus
contractors and interns.
Relevant Skills and Experience
Science Expertise:
o Implementing conservation science research methods and communication strategies
o Analytical and communication skills
o Long-term ecological monitoring data management
Program and Project Management:
o Project management (complex projects, deliver products on time and in budget)
o Program-level leadership (goal setting, budgeting, program evaluation)
o Grant-writing and business development
Leadership and Collaboration:
o Team leadership (supervision of high-functioning teams, quantitative and spatial
analyses, data management)
o A thoughtful approach to effective teamwork
o Collaboration in partnerships and networks
Pepperwood’s Dwight Center for Conservation Science, 2130 Pepperwood Preserve Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-591-9310 www.pepperwoodpreserve.org
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Essential Functions
Strategic Program Development:
o Develop and integrate conservation programs that leverage Pepperwood’s on-site
monitoring programs (climate, biodiversity, restoration, land stewardship), Community
Science, and Visiting Scholar initiatives
o Develop project proposals and market Pepperwood fee-for-service consulting services
Project Management & Research:
o Coordinate and implement Conservation Science projects (ecological research, climate
adaptation assessment)
o Use project management tools (team project plans, staff work plans, meetings, project
calendars, communication platforms, budget tracking)
o Coordinate and facilitate program meetings with Preserve Manager (program co-lead).
o Oversee Pepperwood’s Data Management Plan
Collaboration & External Relations:
o Build and manage partnerships with academia, agencies, media, land/water managers,
conservation groups
o Facilitate science-land manager workshops
Team Leadership & Development:
o Conduct staff evaluations, support professional development
o Foster a collaborative environment between science, education, and communication
teams
Communication & Impact:
o Set priorities for results dissemination and tracking (publications, presentations,
website, social media)
o Create effective conservation science communication materials
o Represent Pepperwood in the professional community
o Develop and implement measures of program effectiveness and impact
Leadership & Governance:
o Uphold values-based leadership skills
o Serve on Leadership Team and support Board communications
Pepperwood’s Dwight Center for Conservation Science, 2130 Pepperwood Preserve Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-591-9310 www.pepperwoodpreserve.org
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Ancillary Functions
o Correspond with public and media (as needed)
o Support leadership with administrative and financial tasks
o Support fundraising and outreach events
o Stay current in Conservation Science and participate in professional associations
Essential Requirements
o Master’s Degree in Conservation Science field
o Minimum 5 years leadership experience
o Expertise in Californian ecosystems
o Excellent analytical and communications skills (written, verbal)
o Proficiency in Google Suite, MS Office, database software, and internet
o CA driver’s license and good driving record
o Field-based research experience
o Data management experience (planning, organization, documentation)
o Ability to hike up to eight miles on uneven terrain
Non-essential Preferences
o Experience managing radio and sensor networks
o Experience with database design, relational databases, coding and/or geographic
information systems
o Experience in science interpretation or instruction
o Peer-reviewed publications
o CPR/ Wilderness First Aid certification
o Spanish fluency
o Class B driver’s license
Work Environment: This is an onsite position based at the Dwight Center for Conservation
Science at Pepperwood, with some flexibility to work remotely. It also entails occasional
fieldwork on the preserve, attendance at meetings throughout the Bay Area, some participation
in night and/or weekend events, and occasional travel outside of the region for professional
conferences. Central office with cubicle workspace: temperate climate, office lighting,
computer workstation. For occasional fieldwork at remote field locations on the preserve, the
work environment includes uneven terrain, limited vehicle access and cell phone reception, is
sometimes solitary, and requires managing hazards including ticks, poison oak and rattlesnakes.
Pepperwood’s Dwight Center for Conservation Science, 2130 Pepperwood Preserve Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-591-9310 www.pepperwoodpreserve.org
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Physical Requirements: For administrative duties: continuous sitting, fine finger movements,
visual capacity to work with computer station, navigating stairs. For fieldwork: ability to hike
eight miles in varying terrain, ability to perform manual labor in inclement weather, lift up to 50
pounds, visual capacity to use binoculars, GPS unit, or field tablet.
Salary and Benefits: Pepperwood offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package,
and a supportive and collaborative working environment. The Pepperwood benefits package
includes generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
Application Instructions: To be considered please email your resume, list of potential
references and a cover letter to [email protected]. No phone calls please. In your
cover letter, let us know why you value conservation in the North Bay region and why you want
to be a part of our team at Pepperwood. The position is open until filled. Applications will be
reviewed starting on June 1st with interviews beginning in mid-June.
FT/PT
Full Time
Application Deadline
Job Link