Conservation Program Manager

~ Conservation Northwest, a regional non-profit organization working in Washington state and British Columbia, has a 30‐year track record of success protecting wildlands and connecting habitat across the Pacific Northwest to support the recovery of our region’s most iconic wildlife. ~

Our campaigns and groundbreaking collaborations reflect our science-based, tenacious, and pragmatic approach to effective conservation. We work on the ground to engage agencies and communities to find common ground and collaborative solutions that improve ecological resilience of forest and aquatic habitat from the Olympic Peninsula and Cascade Mountains to northeast Washington and southern British Columbia.

Position Overview

We are seeking candidates for the position of Conservation Program Manager. This person should be an outgoing, energetic, and technically proficient person to join our ~20 person staff leading forest, wildlife and habitat conservation efforts on the Okanogan Wenatchee and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie national forests and associated public lands.

• Hours: Full time with regular business hours and occasional evening or weekend commitments. Some regional multi-day travel.

Position Responsibilities

The objective of this position is to lead program work developing and implementing strategies that protect and restore wildlife habitat, increase habitat connectivity across barriers, and foster scientific, social, and political networks. Program work is diverse, ranging from technical analysis to community relations around ecologically-based forestry and watershed restoration, innovative financing, and organizing and communications for public engagement and advocacy. Must be able to work independently, lead within our Forest Field, Central Cascades Watershed Restoration, and Habitat Connectivity Programs, and maintain tight coordination with staff in Twisp, Spokane, Bellingham, Olympia and Seattle. Team leadership and management skills are essential.

Duties:

• Oversee the design, development, funding, and implementation of landscape-scale forest and watershed restoration blueprints and projects;
• Seek out and work in coalition with agency, tribal, private interests, and others to improve methods, efficiency, and ecological and social outcomes;
• Develop and present materials (fact sheets, blogs, articles, alerts, presentations) for policy reform, development and outreach efforts, and education and grassroots and grasstops advocacy;
• Organize gatherings, lead field trips, and coordinate science meetings and other events. Serve as a spokesperson and ambassador, representing Conservation Northwest in collaborative groups and with the media;
• Maintain operational knowledge of science, policy, and practices related to forest and watershed restoration, habitat connectivity, and wildlife conservation and recovery;
• Defend public lands, and support the Northwest Forest Plan, Okanogan-Wenatchee restoration strategy, Roadless Area Conservation Rule, and other state and federal conservation policy and law; and
• Manage staff and contractors, as needed.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have at least five years professional experience in forest, wildlife or natural resource management and conservation.
• The ideal candidate will be an organized and resourceful self-starter with a strong passion for wildlife conservation, familiarity with Washington landscapes, culture, and critters, and the ability to serve as a visible community leader on these issues.

Minimum Requirements Include:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education or experience in forest, wildlife, or natural resource science; Master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Strong work ethic, ability to problem solve, creative thinking and attention to detail.
• Strong organization and project management abilities, including interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, handle deadlines, determine and juggle priorities, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Solid understanding of science, policy and law related to Pacific Northwest national forests, fish and wildlife, habitat connectivity and conservation.
• Demonstrated ability to apply science in policy and project development.
• Experience organizing events and conferences, public speaking, engaging officials, working with reporters, and public relations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel); GIS competence desired.
• A passion for wildlands and wildlife conservation.

Compensation

• $55,000 to $67,000 depending on experience with medical/dental, Simple IRA benefits, and generous vacation/leave.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email resume and one-page cover letter detailing interest and qualifications to Dave Werntz, Science and Conservation Director.
• Finalists will provide references and writing samples.
• Please mention how you learned of this opening.