- Job Title: Working Lands Conservation Specialist
- Location: California (Remote/Flexible within CA); Candidates must reside in California and have access to a dedicated workspace with broadband internet.
- Position Type: Full-time
- Starting Salary: $26.44-$33.65/hr *The starting salary range reflects the California location requirement and associated cost of living and may be higher than compensation for similar MJV roles in other locations. The final starting salary will be based on the candidate’s experience and specific work location.
- Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and short-term disability insurance; 401(k) with 5% match; paid time off starting at 12 vacation days (increasing with tenure), plus 80 hours paid sick & safe leave, and 12 paid holidays annually.
- Priority Application Deadline: March 29. Early applications are encouraged; the position will remain open until filled.
- Start Date: As soon as feasible
Position Summary
The Monarch Joint Venture is hiring a Working Lands Conservation Specialist to provide conservation technical assistance to agricultural producers and land managers and support habitat conservation on working lands in California, with a primary focus on grassland and grazing systems. This position works directly with producers to plan and implement practical conservation solutions that improve habitat for pollinators and wildlife while supporting resilient and productive livestock and row-crop operations.
The Specialist will lead delivery of a grassland-focused conservation initiative in partnership with Audubon California and other conservation collaborators, working with producers and partners to improve grassland management and expand habitat across California’s working grassland landscapes. This work focuses on strengthening long-term stewardship of grazing lands and helping translate conservation goals into achievable, on-the-ground management practices.
This is a field-based position that depends on regular in-person engagement with agricultural producers and conservation partners and focuses on building strong working relationships and supporting practical conservation implementation. Work will be concentrated in California’s Sacramento Valley and Central Coast grassland regions, and the position is best suited for candidates who can regularly access project areas and collaborate in person with partners and team members based in and around the Winters, Davis, or Sacramento area. Well-qualified candidates located elsewhere in California will be considered if they are willing and able to travel regularly to support fieldwork and partnership activities.
What You'll Do
Work Directly with Producers
- Meet one-on-one with agricultural producers and land managers to build trusted working relationships
- Conduct regular on-site field visits to discuss grazing management, habitat goals, operational constraints, and opportunities
- Develop practical conservation and grazing management recommendations tailored to working agricultural operations
- Provide technical assistance related to grazing systems, rangeland health, and grassland habitat management
- Support rancher-led rangeland habitat enhancement and restoration projects by developing regionally appropriate native rangeland seed mixes and providing recommendations for site preparation and installation
- Maintain regular communication with participating landowners through site visits, calls, and follow-up support
- Spend significant time in the field across Central Coast and Valley grassland regions
Partnerships and Grassland Initiative Coordination
- Work collaboratively with conservation partners, including Resource Conservation Districts, NRCS field offices, and other non-profit organizations
- Support delivery of a grassland-focused pollinator conservation initiative in partnership with Audubon California
- Participate in regional conservation partnerships and collaborative efforts
- Track conservation activities and outcomes to support program evaluation and reporting
- Conduct pollinator habitat assessments to establish baseline conditions and support follow-up monitoring on participating working lands as needed
- Contribute technical input to outreach and educational materials that support conservation objectives
Travel Expectations
- Travel regularly (~30-40% of time) within Central Coast and Valley grassland regions to meet producers and partners
- Field visits are expected most weeks during the growing season
- Most travel will be day trips by vehicle (vehicle provided or mileage reimbursed)
- Limited overnight travel is expected (generally totaling 2–3 weeks per year)
- Occasional evening and weekend meetings or workshops may be required