Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) across California serve as local hubs for conservation, connecting people with the technical, financial, and educational assistance they need to conserve and manage natural resources. RCDs help landowners, land managers, government agencies, and others to voluntarily protect, restore, and enhance natural resources on private and public lands. A defining characteristic of RCDs is that our assistance is generally non-regulatory, confidential, and free.
The RCD of Santa Cruz County seeks a full-time Program Specialist (PS) to join a dynamic team of conservation professionals. The PS will work closely with RCD staff and partners to help lead watershed coordination efforts and the development and implementation of ecological restoration and stewardship programs throughout Santa Cruz County. The PS will manage a diverse and exciting project portfolio.
The PS will work closely with RCD staff and partners, including the County of Santa Cruz, National Marine Fisheries Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Caltrans, State Parks, Regional Transportation Commission, tribes, neighboring RCDs, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and public and private landowners, to provide technical assistance and planning services for large and small-scale projects that facilitate species recovery and watershed restoration. The work environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and creative.
This position is funded through contracts between the RCD and local, state, and federal agencies. This position will report to the RCD Watershed Restoration Program Manager and will work closely with other RCD staff to fulfill the RCD mission and the scope of work from the local, state and federal contracts, as summarized below:
SUMMARY OF TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Project/Program Management
- Plan and implement restoration projects in partnership with RCD staff, landowners, partners, and stakeholders. Example projects include fish passage barrier removal, large woody debris installation, riparian and floodplain restoration, marsh and lagoon restoration, and coastal resilience planning. Specific tasks include:
- Project Planning
- Development of project designs and logistics for project implementation
- Development of environmental documentation for permits
- Conduct or assist in monitoring activities, including photo, biological, and archaeological monitoring
- Execute landowner agreements.
- Bidding and procurement
- Provide support for oversight of implementation activities
- Collaborate with RCD staff, partners, and stakeholders to meet project goals, budget, and timeline
- Coordinate specific projects and services.
- Develop and review reports, evaluations, analyses, and other work deliverables for accuracy and professionalism.
- Manage budgets, invoicing, and reporting for grants and conservation projects.
- Manage contracts with funders, consultants, and subcontractors.
- Manage communications between project partners and stakeholders.
- Coordinate more junior staff and interns in day-to-day activities of programs and projects.