Natural Resources & Conservation Manager

DEFINITION

Under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Natural Resources & Conservation Manager plans, coordinates, and implements the San Dieguito River Park JPA’s  programs and projects contained within the Concept and Trail & Management plan including but not limited to: natural resource management, habitat restoration, invasive species management, environmental compliance, grant programs, climate adaptation initiatives and wildfire resilience efforts. This position serves as the agency's technical lead on ecological stewardship, regulatory permitting, environmental planning, restoration project management, and implementation of resource management strategies that support the San Dieguito River Park's mission and long-term conservation goals.

Working in close coordination with the Environmental Planner and the Senior Supervising Ranger who oversees routine maintenance operations, ranger staff, and field activities, this position focuses on strategic resource management, project administration, environmental compliance, grant development and management, habitat, and restoration projects. 

This position plays a key role in advancing the JPA's wildfire resilience, habitat conservation, watershed stewardship, long-term climate adaptation and sustainable recreation goals while balancing public access, recreation, and natural resource protection.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Unlike field operations positions, this role focuses primarily on program management, environmental stewardship, grant acquisition and administration, environmental permitting, ecological monitoring, resource planning, and project management. The incumbent serves as the JPA's lead technical resource on habitat restoration, invasive species management, environmental compliance, and natural resource planning. 

The position is also responsible for oversight of the JPA's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program and pesticide compliance requirements and must obtain and maintain a California Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) within ninety (90) days of hire. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Natural Resource Stewardship & Habitat Management

• Develop, implement, and monitor habitat restoration, enhancement, conservation, and ecological stewardship programs throughout the River Park. 
• Prepare, update, and oversee Habitat Management Plans and other resource management documents. 
• Develop long-range resource management priorities and restoration strategies that support the River Park Master Plan and agency conservation objectives.
• Conduct ecological assessments and evaluate restoration effectiveness through monitoring, data collection, and adaptive management practices.
• Coordinate biological monitoring programs and maintain records documenting habitat conditions, restoration outcomes, and resource trends.
• Provide technical expertise regarding sensitive habitats, native plant communities, wildlife resources, ecosystem health, and ecological restoration techniques.
• Develop resource stewardship strategies that improve habitat connectivity, ecosystem function, biodiversity conservation, and watershed health.

Invasive Species Management & Integrated Pest Management

• Develop and implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to manage invasive plant species and restore native habitats. 
• Obtain and maintain a California Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) within ninety (90) days of hire.
• Serve as the agency's licensed supervisor responsible for pesticide procurement, storage, application oversight, recordkeeping, reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure compliance with California Department of Pesticide Regulation requirements and applicable safety standards. 
• Coordinate invasive species treatment programs utilizing chemical, mechanical, biological, and cultural control methods as appropriate.
• Maintain pesticide use records and prepare required regulatory reports.

Environmental Planning, Compliance, Climate Adaptation & Wildfire Resilience

• Coordinate compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations, including CEQA, NEPA, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and related environmental requirements. 
• Collaborate with the Environmental Planner and other JPA Staff to develop and implement long-range climate adaptation strategies that improve ecosystem health, biodiversity conservation, watershed function, and long-term sustainability of park resources.
• Evaluate the effects of drought, extreme heat, changing precipitation patterns, erosion, invasive species expansion, habitat fragmentation, and other climate-related stressors on park resources and recommend adaptive management responses.
• Incorporate climate resilience principles into habitat restoration, revegetation efforts, trail planning, park infrastructure improvements, and land management decisions.
• Monitor emerging climate science, best management practices, regulatory guidance, and funding opportunities relevant to Southern California ecosystems and open-space management.
• Lead wildfire resilience planning efforts by assessing ecological vulnerabilities, identifying resource risks, and developing proactive management strategies.
• Collaborate with local fire agencies, member agencies, utility providers, conservation organizations, and resource management partners on fuel management, emergency access, wildfire preparedness, and resource protection initiatives.
• Coordinate habitat management and restoration activities that reduce invasive fuel loads, improve vegetation resilience, and support fire-adapted landscapes consistent with ecological objectives.
• Develop and oversee post-wildfire assessment and recovery plans, including evaluation of impacts to biological resources, trails, public facilities, watersheds, restoration sites, and public access infrastructure.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities that support climate adaptation, wildfire resilience, habitat restoration, watershed protection, and ecosystem recovery projects.
• Prepare technical reports and recommendations regarding environmental risks, ecological health, climate adaptation priorities, wildfire resilience initiatives, and stewardship strategies.

Grant Development & Project Management

• Identify, pursue, prepare, and submit grant applications from local, state, federal, private, and nonprofit funding sources. 
• Administer grant-funded projects and ensure compliance with all grant requirements, budgets, deliverables, and reporting obligations. 
• Prepare project scopes, budgets, schedules, and performance measures.
• Manage JPA staff, contractors, and partner organizations involved in restoration, environmental planning, and trail-related projects.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure projects are completed within budget and schedule.
• Prepare reimbursement requests, grant reports, project updates, and closeout documentation.
• Assist the Executive Director with funding strategies and capital project planning.

Trail Planning & Capital Project Coordination

• Provide technical oversight and planning support for major trail construction, trail improvements, trail rehabilitation, and trail connectivity projects. 
• Participate in trail feasibility studies, project planning, environmental review, and design review activities.
• Ensure trail projects incorporate sustainable design principles, accessibility considerations, user safety, and resource protection measures.
• Coordinate trail-related grant opportunities and capital improvement projects.
• Work closely with the Senior Supervising Ranger and Environmental Planner to ensure project objectives align with long-term maintenance capabilities and operational needs.
• Provide technical recommendations regarding trail alignment, trail sustainability, and visitor impacts on natural resources.

GIS & Resource Data Management

• Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and digital mapping tools to support restoration planning, invasive species management, grant applications, permit compliance, and project tracking. 
• Maintain resource inventories, treatment records, biological monitoring data, restoration maps, and asset information.
• Develop maps, exhibits, and data summaries for planning documents, grant applications, board reports, and public presentations.
• Maintain data necessary for adaptive management and long-term resource planning.

Interagency Coordination & Partnerships

• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with member agencies, conservation organizations, resource conservation districts, regulatory agencies, educational institutions, and research partners. 
• Represent the JPA in meetings involving environmental planning, restoration efforts, natural resource management, and regulatory compliance matters.
• Coordinate stewardship initiatives across partner organizations and funding agencies.
• Participate in regional planning, conservation, and resource management efforts that advance the goals of the River Park.

Public Engagement & Stewardship Support

• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and board agenda materials for the Executive Director, JPA Board, advisory committees, member agencies, and partner organizations. 
• Support public education and stewardship initiatives related to habitat restoration, conservation, watershed protection, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship.
• Collaborate with the Senior Interpretive Ranger, Interpretive Ranger staff, and the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy on stewardship-focused volunteer projects and educational programs.
• Participate in community meetings, public outreach events, workshops, and presentations as assigned.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge Of

• Principles of ecology, habitat restoration, conservation biology, watershed management, and land stewardship.
• Native Southern California flora, fauna, habitats, and ecological communities. 
• Invasive species management, integrated pest management, pesticide regulations, and herbicide application practices. 
• Federal, state, and local environmental regulations, permitting processes, and compliance requirements including CEQA, NEPA, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act requirements. 
• Grant development, project administration, budgeting, procurement, and contract management.
• Sustainable trail planning, trail design, accessibility standards, and resource protection principles. 
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and environmental data management.
• Climate adaptation planning, ecosystem resilience, wildfire ecology, fuel management, post-fire restoration, and watershed protection strategies.

Ability To

• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate complex environmental stewardship, restoration, and conservation programs.
• Secure funding through competitive grant programs and manage grant-funded projects.
• Manage multiple projects, budgets, schedules, contracts, and regulatory requirements simultaneously.
• Analyze complex environmental issues and develop practical management solutions.
• Evaluate resource vulnerabilities associated with climate change, drought, invasive species, habitat degradation, and wildfire risk.
• Develop and implement adaptive management strategies based on monitoring data, scientific research, and changing environmental conditions.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with board members, agency representatives, contractors, stakeholders, volunteers, and the public. 
• Coordinate effectively with fire agencies, regulatory agencies, partner organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Work independently and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Conduct field evaluations in rugged and environmentally sensitive landscapes.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Biological Sciences, Environmental Planning, Geography, or a closely related field. 

Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in natural resource management, habitat restoration, environmental planning, environmental compliance, grant administration, or closely related work. 

Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid California Class C Driver License. 
• California Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC), or the ability to obtain either certification within ninety (90) days of hire. 
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification within thirty (30) days of hire. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment

Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments. Responsibilities include grant administration, report preparation, GIS mapping, budget management, public meetings, ecological monitoring, field inspections, project oversight, and environmental planning activities. Outdoor work involves exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, remote locations, wildlife, vegetation, and other environmental conditions. 

Physical Demands

• Frequent walking and hiking over rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to forty (40) pounds.
• Occasional operation of field equipment, hand tools, and monitoring equipment.
• Ability to travel throughout the River Park, attend meetings, visit project sites, and participate in community events.