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
