Position Description: Natural Resource Project Manager

Position Type: Full-Time, Salary

Compensation: $65,000–85,000 depending on experience

Location: San Joaquin Valley, CA; Valley Eco is headquartered in Merced, CA

Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) up to 10% employer, professional development opportunities

About Valley Eco

Valley Eco is a natural resource consulting organization that leads on-ground conservation efforts and facilitates natural resource conservation through collaboration within the San Joaquin Valley. Our mission is not to maximize profit but to ensure that future generations inherit an ecologically, economically, and socially healthy San Joaquin Valley.

Valley Eco’s team works hard at navigating complex ecological, agricultural, and social systems across the region, with a strong emphasis on project implementation and partnership building. We work at the intersection of agriculture, water, habitat, and community—partnering with farmers, Groundwater Sustainability Agencies, water districts, conservation organizations, technology leaders, and public agencies to design and deliver resource conservation projects that benefit land managers, ecosystems, and communities.

Some examples of ongoing efforts include:

Implementation of large-scale Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Programs, which include stakeholder outreach, regional coordination, long-term planning, and project design, implementation, and monitoring
Ecological restoration including wetlands, monarch and pollinator habitat, upland and grassland systems on both working lands and protected areas
Development of wildlife-friendly groundwater recharge design
Floodplain and wetland connectivity planning and enhancement
Native seed and plant material development and propagation systems
Conservation program coordination across agencies, NGOs, and landowners

Position Summary

The Natural Resource Project Manager supports the development and implementation of restoration, land transition, and conservation initiatives across Valley Eco’s project portfolio, supports regional coordination, and operates as a nimble collaborator with other Valley Eco employees and partners to get projects done effectively. The position is hybrid, must be located in the San Joaquin Valley, and proximity to Merced County is preferred.

This role combines field-based project management with program coordination and stakeholder engagement. The position works collaboratively with Valley Eco team members and partners to advance conservation strategies from planning through implementation, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with regional ecological and community objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strong project management, communications, and interpersonal reliability are critical to the function of the organization. Valley Eco is small, and at various points, this position is expected to provide direction to other members of the Valley Eco team as a leader on their own projects. Project responsibilities will vary based on portfolio needs and staff strengths but generally include:

Managing restoration, land repurposing, and agricultural projects from planning through implementation and monitoring
Coordinating contractors, consultants, and technical partners
Conducting site visits and field assessments in agricultural and restoration settings
Supporting design development and feasibility evaluations
Tracking project budgets, timelines, and deliverables
Administering state and federal grants, including reporting and compliance
Facilitating coordination among GSAs, water districts, NGOs, landowners, and agency partners
Providing technical assistance to agricultural producers integrating conservation practices
Supporting proposal development and funding strategy efforts
Providing writing support on planning and reporting efforts

Current Project Context

The Natural Resource Project Manager may contribute to projects such as:

Kaweah and Merced Subbasin Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Programs
Regional monarch habitat strategy and habitat implementation
San Joaquin Valley Native Plant Material Development initiatives
Habitat restoration and agricultural sustainability projects
Agricultural conservation and cover cropping initiatives

Qualifications

Valley Eco’s Team is nimble and multi-faceted. This allows the organization to ‘fill in the gaps’ around a prospective team member. If a candidate is specialized in certain areas of this position, but lacking in others, they may still have the capacity to thrive in this position as they continue to develop their skills.

Required

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, agriculture, hydrology, planning, or a related field. A graduate degree is strongly preferred.
3–7 years of relevant experience in conservation project management, restoration implementation, agricultural resource management, or related work
Ability to be measured, understanding, and collaborative to support a variety of partners and collaborators with diverse perspectives and worldviews
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in team settings
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the San Joaquin Valley
Ability to work in outdoor environments safely and effectively on agricultural and natural lands

Preferred

Experience operating in the San Joaquin Valley of California
Experience with agricultural systems
Restoration or construction oversight experience
Grant administration experience (state or federal)
GIS proficiency
Experience with CEQA or environmental permitting
Knowledge of irrigation systems or agricultural water management or restoration implementation
Native plant propagation, identification, or seed production experience

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position includes both office and field work. Field work may involve:

Agricultural lands, wetlands, and restoration sites
Uneven terrain and outdoor conditions
San Joaquin Valley summer heat and winter cold/wetness
Regional travel throughout the San Joaquin Valley
Occasional overnight travel, evening meetings or stakeholder workshops may be required.

Valley Eco Culture

What makes Valley Eco unique and impactful is its culture. Technical and management abilities are key to success, but our organization is driven by a shared understanding of ‘how’ we will be as much as by what we do. We are all unique people, with different strengths, weaknesses and perspectives. However, Valley Eco team members are expected to hold themselves accountable to agreed-upon values; team members strive to be Humble, Emotionally Intelligent, Driven, Responsible, Smart, and Ethical.

Reporting and Collaboration Structure

This position reports to the Executive Director or Director of Planning and Partnerships, and works closely with senior technical staff and project leads.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Valley Eco is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and communities to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Merced, CA 95340

Valley Eco L.L.C.

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Position Description: Natural Resource Project Manager