Water Program Manager

Role Overview

• The Water Program Manager identifies, develops, and implements projects that advance the Land Trust’s Water Plan.
• Develop and manage land & water transactions, including fee title acquisitions and conservation easements.
• Oversee the sale of properties owned and conserved by the CWLT.
• Manage farm leases for properties owned by CWLT.
• Identify and implement water protection strategies for conservation easements and land owned by CWLT; stay informed of new strategies and innovations.
• Partner with agricultural producers to implement on-farm efficiency projects (e.g., piping ditches, automated gates) and soil health projects.
• Represent CWLT in Basin Roundtables, regional water planning efforts, and with irrigation districts/ditch companies.
• Oversee a portfolio of project funds and grants including identifying and pursuing funding opportunities; prepare and submit grant applications; and manage grants throughout the award lifecycle.
• Work collaboratively with members of the Conservation Team and Development Team and CWLT staff at large.
• Prepare and submit reports, and give presentations to the Lands Committee, CWLT Board, funders and partners.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree (or comparable experience) in natural resources conservation, science, agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in water resources management, agricultural conservation, land conservation, natural resource management, or related field.
• Experience working with agricultural producers and managing agricultural lands, leases, water rights, or conservation projects.
• Experience related to real estate transactions or conservation easements, strongly preferred.
• Experience with budget management, grant writing, and grant administration.
• Knowledge of Western water law, water policy, water rights administration, and water resource management.
• Ability to work effectively with farmers and ranchers.
• Ability to build effective collaborations with a diverse set of public and private partners.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills required to accomplish the duties listed in “Professionalism and teamwork” including communication, collaboration, problem solving, and time management.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, negotiate solutions, and find common ground with diverse constituencies.
• Willingness and ability to speak in public; experience in public speaking preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Power Point, Word, Publisher).
• Experience with database applications or demonstrated proficiency in learning to use software.
• Experience with ArcGIS or similar mapping applications.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive safely in urban, rural and some backcountry environments requiring 4-wheel drive.
• Personal qualities of integrity, reliability, and commitment to the mission.

Benefits

• employer paid health insurance
• short-term and long-term disability
• life insurance
• employee assistance plan
• 15 days paid vacation
• 10 days paid sick time
• 11 paid holidays
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match after 1 year
• Additional employee paid supplementary insurance plans available: dental, vision, life, accident, critical illness, and hospitalization.