POSITION TITLE: Conservation Program Manager STATUS: Full Time REPORTS TO: Conservation Programs Director LOCATION: Yerington, Nevada , with frequent travel within the Walker Basin and additional travel to Reno and Carson City, Nevada and elsewhere as needed.
BACKGROUND: The Walker Basin Conservancy (WBC) was established in 2014 to support development and implementation of the Walker Basin Restoration Program (Program) (www.walkerbasin.org). The nascent and dynamic nature of the WBC and its diverse management obligations provide unique opportunities to develop operations from the ground level up, working closely with staff who are passionate about their mission. The WBC was initially established to assist with land and water stewardship activities on properties associated with the Program's mission. The WBC currently manages thousands of acres of land and assets in the Walker Basin. Land planning activities are underway on all of these properties. Planning efforts focus on assessing public use opportunities, conservation values, long term land ownership and stewardship, and active and passive revegetation and restoration activities. JOB PURPOSE: Reporting to the Conservation Programs Director this position will work closely with key partners and other program managers to develop long-term opportunities related to water conservation and improving flows to Walker Lake. This position will be responsible for monitoring instream flows to Walker Lake, working closely with local ditch companies (Walker River Irrigation District and the US Board of Water Commissioners) on water management and future improvements within the system. This position will play a fundamental liaison role with partnering government agencies, nonprofit organizations and individuals focused on comprehensive improvements to the water system and making key strides in the development of longstanding opportunities that will help facilitate streamflow restoration. This is an evolving position, which offers opportunities for the right candidate to develop independent projects and further develop opportunities in collaboration with the Conservation Programs Director. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Project Management (30%) * Ability to track, develop next steps and move projects forward with support and guidance as needed; * Ability to anticipate next steps; provide guidance and recommendation for senior leadership to weigh in; * Work with the Conservation Director to develop new projects that promote Program purposes; * Support field operations out of WBC's Yerington office(s). Outreach and Development (30%) * Develop and expand existing relationships with key partners and water users in the Basin; * Attend Irrigation District meetings, Ditch Company meetings, etc.; * Clearly speak for the WBC, represent the WBC in these forums and pursue WBC objectives; * Assist in the overall expansion and development of new opportunities for the Program. Water Management (30%) * Field Monitoring instream flows during the irrigation season: o assisting in the development and implementation of a water monitoring plan; o field measurements/observations; o tracking water use information; and o coordinating with river and ditch riders on water management. * Assist in the development and management of water use plans on an annual basis (i.e., tracking water rights, leasing and transfer of water rights, etc.). * Manage all field needs related to ditch use and maintenance, be point for the water managers when issues arise. * Work closely with the Stewardship Program and the existing farm leases to manage and track use of Program water. Management of Acquisition Databases (10%) * Assist in the management of existing databases used to track water assets and inform water management decisions; and * Work closely with other staff on water management use in the field and the administrative tracking of water rights and other assets. QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor's degree in applicable field. Master's degree or equivalent preferred; * A minimum of 3 years in management position with progressively increasing responsibility and impact, in areas including responsibility for project management and successfully implementing new projects and/or growing existing major projects; * A minimum of 3 years' experience in employee management; * Highly independent, proactive and entrepreneurial with experience developing and implementing projects; * Significant experience building partnerships with people and entities with diverse viewpoints; * Previous experience in conservation, Western water and agriculture knowledge preferred; * Strong oral and written communication skills, including mediation and negotiation experience; * Excellent computer skills and proficient in GIS, Excel, Word, Outlook, and Access; and * Team player with a strong work ethic and is always up for a new challenge. COMPENSATION PACKAGE: A salary range of $47,000 to $62,000 based on the level of experience. Benefits include generous health, dental vision care and life insurance plans. Paid leave includes three weeks of paid vacation (increasing to four weeks after one year of service), 10 Federal holidays, a floating week at the Christmas holiday, two personal days and twelve sick days annually. Retirement 403(b) includes a 6% automatic contribution by the WBC. Position will remain open until filled. Only top candidates will be contacted. Please send cover letter and resume to: Amy Gladding [email protected] Subject Line: Conservation Program Manager Please call (775) 463-9887 x116 with questions. Walker Basin Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. Equal Opportunity Statement - Walker Basin Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. WBC does not discriminate against any employee, applicant, director, officer, contractor, or any other person with whom it deals because of race, creed, color, disability, age, sex, veteran status, religion or political affiliation. WBC complies with all federal and local statutes prohibiting discrimination in employment. Disclaimer - The statements contained herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the employees in these positions. The statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in each position. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be assigned and management retains the right to add or change the responsibilities, duties, and skills at any time.
