Agricultural Project Manager

Solano Resource Conservation District (Solano RCD) is a special district to the State of California that works closely with a variety of local and regional partners to enhance and protect Solano County watersheds through strategic restoration activities, water education and outreach programs, and by offering conservation planning and watershed coordination services to local residents, farmers and landowners.

Solano RCD staff and its Board of Directors strive toward excellence, equity, inclusion, collaboration, and appreciation in the work performed and welcome candidates who share these same values. 

Position Summary

Solano RCD currently has one vacancy for the Agricultural Project Manager (Ag PM) position. The individual selected for this position will report to the Solano RCD office located in Dixon, CA, but will also attend meetings, events, workshops, and work days in various locations throughout Solano County. Meetings and some project activities may also take place virtually. 
 
We are looking for a motivated individual to join our team and take the lead on working with County, State, and local partners to implement a variety of grant-funded projects on primarily working lands. The Ag PM will work closely with farmers, ranchers, and related stakeholders to plan, evaluate, and implement best management practices on their operations that improve soil health and climate resiliency, conserve water use, improve water quality and groundwater recharge, and enhance wildlife habitat. Practices to be planned for and promoted include field borders and hedgerows, nutrient management strategies, cover crops, compost applications, vegetated waterways and more.

Strategies to implement this work will include hosting workshops and conducting outreach to the agricultural community, with a particular focus on reaching historically underserved groups. The Ag PM will work closely with Solano RCD’s Watershed and Operations Manager and partner agencies to implement on-farm water conservation strategies and pilot projects to improve groundwater recharge. The Ag PM will also work closely with our local partners at USDA-NRCS and Dixon RCD to coordinate technical assistance and financial assistance programs with the agricultural community. The Ag PM will also have the opportunity to help shape the direction of SRCD’s agricultural programming through partnerships and grant writing. 
 
The person in this position must be civic-minded and enjoy interacting with diverse communities; work well with a dynamic and collaborative team, as well as independently; and have strong time management and organization skills. The Agricultural Project Manager reports to the Executive Director and may assist with oversight of volunteer crews and contractors on periodic field days. 

Work Hours 

To perform assigned duties, the employee will be required to work primarily during day hours, in the field and in the office. RCD staff may have virtual work days at the discretion of the Executive Director. The regular work time will occur within the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday, with occasional night and weekend obligations.  
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Technical Assistance and Outreach (40%) 

• Work with farmers and landowners to provide technical assistance upon request. 
  Work with farmers, landowners and partners to create conservation plans and connect landowners to funding and additional resources. 
• Work with the Solano County Farm Bureau and partner RCDs in Yolo, Contra Costa, Alameda and Sacramento counties to implement the Healthy Soils Program Block Grant housed with the Farm Bureau. 
• Work with the Solano Groundwater Sustainability Agency and other local partners to implement community outreach, on-farm technical assistance and pilot projects that improve groundwater recharge. 
• Participate in a variety of regional and Statewide collaboratives focused on agricultural technical assistance. 
• Prepare and deliver presentations to diverse groups including project partners, funders, interest groups, grower groups and the SRCD Board of Directors. 

Ecosystem Restoration Project Management (20%) 

• Oversee and implement all aspects of riparian/upland restoration projects primarily on working lands. Work includes reducing weed populations, propagating native plants, installing drip irrigation systems, planting trees, shrubs and plugs, monitoring, and maintenance.  

Support companion projects at the RCD (20%) 

• Support the Ag Water Efficiency Program as needed, including providing TA for nutrient management questions. 
• Work with Dixon RCD and the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program to conduct workshops, trainings and other support as needed.
• Coordinate on-farm wildlife habitat projects with other Solano RCD staff and programs. 

Administration and Miscellaneous (20%) 

• Manage and administer grant funds from local, State and Federal sources. Work includes grant contracting, quarterly progress reports, and quarterly invoicing.
• Work as a team member writing grants to State and Federal agencies for targeted grant projects that address local agricultural priorities.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Deputy Executive Director. 

Qualifications 

Minimum:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in agronomy, agricultural ecology, soil science, ag engineering, biology, ecology, environmental science, or similar field; 
 
Experience: Seven years of relevant professional work experience in planning and implementing on-farm practices that improve resource conservation targets and enhance wildlife habitat. Previous project management experience required. 
 
Desired:

No single candidate is expected to have expertise in all aspects of this operation. We encourage applicants with passion for community service to apply. 

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in related field.
• The ability to speak, read, and/or write in Spanish. 
• Hands-on experience working with private landowners or farmers to implement on-farm projects that include both agricultural and wildlife habitat components.
• Knowledge of agricultural systems and soils in the Central Valley and Bay Area.
• Experience with financial assistance programs available to growers, such as EQIP and the Healthy Soils Program.
• Basic understanding of the natural and cultural history of Solano County and the water resources of the region.
• Experience coordinating meetings and workshops virtually and in the field. 
  Strong public speaking and written communication skills and the ability to work with a variety of people with diverse interests and temperaments.
• Experience writing conservation plans.
• Experience writing competitive grant applications. 
• Strong time management, organization, and prioritization skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS or similar software that creates visual tools for conservation planning purposes. 

Conditions of Employment 

• Must be able to work in a variety of environments, including sitting inside at a computer for long periods of time, and standing/walking outdoors in extreme temperatures as well as on uneven terrain.
• Must be a team player with an ability to work with staff, Board members and local landowners who have a diverse range of backgrounds, motivations and interests.
• Must have and maintain a valid California Class C Driver’s License and have personal vehicle liability insurance.
• Must be able to lift, bend, stoop, kneel, and carry heavy objects up to 50 pounds.
• Employment at the Solano RCD is employment at-will. Employment at-will may be terminated with or without cause and with or without notice at any time by the employee or the District. 

Compensation and Benefits 

This position is an exempt, 100% full-time equivalent position. Solano RCD’s current compensation rate for full time managers ranges from $72,200 to $90,200 per year. There are seven steps within this salary range and the successful applicant’s starting position within this range will be based upon experience and education. As part of employment, the RCD offers medical and dental for employees covered fully by the RCD, optional vision coverage, and paid vacation and holidays. Retirement benefits, which include 10% employer match, are available upon completion of a six (6) month probationary period. 
 
How to Apply 

Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter describing your interest in the position and a detailed resume with three professional references to Caitlyn Morrissey.  at caitlyn.morrissey@solanorcd.org.  The position is open until filled and review of applications will start on May 6, 2024. Mailed application materials are also accepted.   
 
Notification: All applicants will be notified of the status of their application via email, generally within two to three weeks after the closing date. 
 
Selection Process: The application materials for applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed by a screening panel to select the best qualified for testing or interview. Solano RCD reserves the right to set up a written test, performance test, and/or other assessment procedures before or after the interview process. Possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or invitation to test. 

Special Testing Arrangements: If you require special arrangements due to a verified disability or medical condition, please contact Caitlyn Morrissey at (707) 678-1655 x 101.

Solano Resource Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other status covered by local, state, or federal law. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the communities we serve.