Founded in 1990, Laguna Canyon Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the South Coast Wilderness, a 22,000-acre network of open space surrounding Laguna Beach in Orange County, California which is on traditional lands of the Tongva and Acjachemen peoples.
We acquire open space to add to system of protected lands that make up the South Coast Wilderness, offer education programs for school children and the general public, maintain and improve trails, restore habitat and conduct other land management activities throughout the South Coast Wilderness. The Conservation Department currently manages over two dozen conservation projects over more than 300 acres.
LCF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages BIPOC candidates, those identifying as LGBTQIA+ and other people from groups traditionally underrepresented in the environmental field to apply.
Position Summary:
The Project Manager will be responsible for the management of multiple complex habitat restoration projects. They will work closely with LCF staff and field crew, contractors, volunteers, landowners, and partners to plan, manage, coordinate, implement, monitor and report on these projects. They will collaborate with and support all departments and programs to fulfill LCF’s mission.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Plan, manage, and evaluate multiple LCF habitat restoration projects.
- Communicate effectively with project partners, agencies, and contractors to accomplish project objectives.
- Develop stakeholder relationships and actively seek out and identify opportunities for future projects and funding sources.
- Design and develop project cost estimates and proposals for land manager approval and to obtain funding.
- Manage vegetation and wildlife monitoring and reporting.
- Use ESRI products (ArcMap, ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, StoryMaps) for data collection, analysis, planning, reporting, and marketing.
- Track project budgets, reconcile expenses and prepare reimbursement requests.
- Work with Conservation Department staff to coordinate and prioritize work between projects.
- Coordinate and lead volunteer events (approximately one 3-to-4-hour event per month, which may require working on a weekend day).
- Other duties as assigned.
Essential functions of this position include:
- Constantly works outdoors in a wide range of weather conditions.
- Frequently traverses off-trail over rough terrain and steep slopes, sometimes through thick vegetation.
- Frequently lifts and carries loads up to 25 pounds and occasionally lifts loads to 50 pounds.
- Frequently positions self close to the ground to pull weeds, fix irrigation lines, etc.
- Frequently grips and manipulates hand tools such as shovels, cultivators, loppers, hoes, hammers, etc.
- Occasionally uses power tools such as string trimmers, brush cutters, and augers.
- Constantly exchanges information both verbally and in written form with supervisor, co-workers, and others.
- Remains in a stationary position for up to 50% of the time.
Requirements:
- Academic degree or certificate in project management, natural resource management or related field AND 2 or more years of experience in project management, habitat restoration or related field; OR 4 or more years of experience in project management, habitat restoration or related field.
- Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn local native and non-native plants.
- Experience using herbicide in a restoration or wildland setting.
- Familiarity and experience with GIS software.
- Has or can obtain California Pesticide Applicator License.
- Basic computer literacy and the ability to quickly learn new computer programs.
- Excellent interpersonal and verbal and written communications skills.
- Proven experience working outdoors in all conditions.
- Ability and willingness to work some weekend hours and occasional evening hours.
- Access to a reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license and required insurance coverage, and willingness to use a vehicle for work purposes (mileage reimbursement available).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in the Biological Sciences or related field.
- 5 or more years of experience in project management, habitat restoration or related field.
- Familiarity with local environmental agencies and regulations.
- Experience leading field-based volunteer events.
The ideal candidate will be a strong problem solver who is comfortable using an adaptive work management style and has a proven track record working both independently and as a team member. They will be dependable, self-motivated and have a growth mindset.
Salary and Benefits:
- This full time position has an annual salary range of $55,000 – $65,000 and includes health and retirement benefits.
Hiring Details:
- Please send a cover letter and resume to Alan Kaufmann at alan@lagunacanyon.org