Kelp Project Director, California

The Kelp Conservation Project Director:

• Directs some or all aspects of on-the-ground engagements and local partnerships for kelp conservation and restoration efforts in California
• Advances TNC’s vision for kelp conservation and restoration in California
• Serves as a conservation practitioner and works within a matrixed team to engage local coastal communities, fishermen, academic, indigenous and research communities, state and regional managers, other conservation organizations, and foundations in kelp conservation and restoration
• Oversees and directs daily tasks and training of contractors and/or interns participating in workforce development and training programs
• Works directly with partners at both the project and policy levels to develop and advance innovative approaches to protecting and restoring kelp forests in California and beyond
• Deploys approaches that may include collaborative projects, transactional strategies, policy reform, capacity building, community engagement, and cooperative research, all aimed at significantly improving the conservation outcomes of kelp forest ecosystems in the face of accelerating climate-driven changes
• Leads and supports in-water field teams to monitor and restore kelp forests
• Works closely with TNC’s California Oceans Program Science Team to identify strategies that protect and restore kelp forests and to identify knowledge gaps associated with these efforts
• Manages partnerships, develops contracts and grants, and tracks deliverables for projects
• Communicates regularly and effectively to diverse audiences including the public, media, funders, leadership, and agency staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Develops and implements kelp conservation strategies and projects with key partners and contractors
• Serves as the on-the-ground coordinator, main point of contact, and representative for TNC’s kelp conservation and restoration work in California
• Contributes technical capacity for in-water restoration work on SCUBA and on vessels
• Develops strategic communications to disseminate our solutions-oriented and science-based approach
• Works with science partners (internal and external) to develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address challenges
• Builds relationships and encourages cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals
• Manages kelp restoration and workforce development interns and contractors
• Solicits, negotiates and manages contracts or other business transactions
• Manages budgets to deliver on conservation objectives
• Supports public and private fundraising, including proposal writing and speaking events
• Frequently makes independent strategic decisions based on analysis, ambiguous information and judgment
• Communicates benefits of complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and stakeholders
• Up to 25% of travel time to field sites in Mendocino County, and other meeting locations within CA. Travel may include evening and weekend hours.