Project Manager, Water and Agriculture

Sustainable Conservation (a leading non-profit in its field) advances the collaborative stewardship of California’s land, air, and water for the benefit of nature and people. Every day, we bring together businesses, landowners, and government in some of the most productive yet economically disadvantaged parts of California, to steward the resources on which we all depend in ways that are just and make economic sense.

Sustainable Conservation is committed to addressing policies and practices that have historically prioritized economic benefits to some at the ecological, health, and/or economic expense of others. We engage with diverse entities like businesses, non-profits, agricultural communities, government, etc. to partner with us in co-creating solutions to catalyze more substantial improvements in areas of California where the stakes are highest for getting it right. Centering diversity, equity, and inclusion in our mission and vision is the fullest expression of how we aim to support California. Only by weaving these values through everything we do – both within individual programs and the organization, both in the field and at the office – can we help shape a California where all can truly thrive.

Please visit www.suscon.org to learn more about our work.

Position Summary

Sustainable Conservation has an exciting opportunity that will play a key role in helping expand a new program and work with a multi-disciplinary team to build on their success to date. Our newest program in Soil Health works to advance soil practices that improve water conservation and water quality in California’s Central Coast and San Joaquin Valley.

We seek an experienced Project Manager to provide critical project management support to our Soils team by ensuring seamless project operations every day. Under the guidance of the Director of Business Partnerships and in collaboration with program team members, the Project Manager will be an integral part of the Soils team. This role will be responsible for overall project management within the team and will also collaborate with other teams within the organization.

The Project Manager is responsible for integrating team input and helping to track key decisions and actions needed to complete projects. The Project Manager must also be able to communicate effectively and maintain relationships with a broad array of audiences, both internal and external. Following timelines and paying great attention to detail to meet deliverables is essential. Equally important, the Project Manager should have a passion for climate-resilient agriculture and collaborating with a strong, experienced team that demonstrates expertise in soils, agriculture, water, and policy, among others.

• Location: This position will be based at our Modesto office ideally, but we are open to working from our San Francisco or Sacramento offices. Our teams work in a hybrid work environment with an option to work remotely a few days a week. Periodic travel throughout the state will be required.
• Required: 3+ years of very strong project management experience.

Primary Responsibilities

• Initiate, plan, and complete projects to meet deadlines and create high-quality effective work products which may include content creation for specific projects
• Collaborate with internal project team to strategize, develop, monitor and lead work plans, and proactively follow-up on to-dos · Develop and manage projects with external partners: build scope and methodology based on input from internal and external teams, develop and monitor external work plan and follow up with responsible parties as needed
• Plan, schedule, coordinate, manage logistics for the program meetings (internal and external), events, and any other pertinent activities hosted by the team and/or in collaboration with external partners
• Independently schedule meetings, draft agendas, take meeting notes, identify and communicate action items, and incorporate action items into work plans
• Proficiently summarize and synthesize written and verbal information gathered during meetings and presentations into scopes of work, overviews, reports, etc.
• Liaise with partner organizations, build and strengthen relationships, gather information, and represent Sustainable Conservation and its work
• Build relationships with project team by maintaining credibility, trust, communicating actively and effectively, and producing results
• Any other projects/duties as assigned

Qualifications

Experience and Skills Required:

• 3+ Years of very strong project management experience required
• Very strong project and time management skills, including demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks to meet deliverables and established timelines
• Very strong organization and planning skills as demonstrated by the ability to track and document conversations, concepts, action items · Exceptional communication (verbal, written, and presentation skills) and listening skills with emphasis on synthesizing information for diverse audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills including ability to follow-up appropriately – manage up, out, and down
• Proven ability to multitask and balance the management of multiple projects simultaneously · Strong problem-solving and independent thinking skills
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently and in cross functional team settings
• Commitment to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion; desire to work in collaboration with a broad range of partners
• Keen interest in nature-based solutions and climate-resilient agriculture, and knowledge and/or motivation to learn about California agriculture, soil, and water
• Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of MS applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Valid CA Driver’s License and a willingness to travel as required
• Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (including booster) required

Also Desirable:

• Experience using project management tools and/or training or certification in project management
• Understanding of soil health, regenerative agriculture, agroecology, agronomics, and or agricultural management.
• Multi-lingual/multi-cultural skills and/or training
• Event planning and logistics experience · Business or policy background a plus

What we offer:

• A competitive compensation package based on experience includes a salary range of $68,000-$78,000 per year, fully paid health insurance benefits, generous match on 401k, FSA, EAP, vacation, floating days, sick leave, plus the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day as holiday leave.
• Our greatest benefit is our culture. Our staff is collaborative, dedicated, and caring. We believe in articulating and practicing our values (Collaboration, Respect, Results, Honesty, Learning, Well-Being) at work and have a strong commitment to bringing a DEI lens to our work and workplace culture.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email your cover letter and resume to and include “Project Manager (Water and Agriculture)” in the subject line. Applications without cover letter may not be considered.

At Sustainable Conservation we value culture and diversity and as an equal opportunity employer we encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our job openings.