Job Details
About Sierra RCD: The mission and function of the SIERRA RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (Sierra RCD) is to take available technical, financial, and educational resources, whatever their source, and focus or coordinate them at the local level, to meet the present and future natural resource needs of the local land user. Offices are in Auberry and Fresno, CA. More information can be found at www.sierrarcd.com
Sierra RCD s service area covers the eastern half of Fresno County and has two main programs in operation that interact with local land users and landowners: the Forestry and Watershed Program which predominantly focuses within the Sierra Nevada Mountains and foothills, and the Agriculture and Rangeland Program which focuses within the Sierra Nevada foothills and Central Valley floor.
The Agriculture and Rangeland Program (A/R Program): The Sierra RCD A/R Program is committed to supporting Fresno County s diverse and productive community of small to mid-scale producers and ranchers by providing technical assistance on soil and water conservation practices with an emphasis on supporting historically underserved producers and ranchers. The A/R Program also participates in partnership support services that improve farm and ranch productivity while strengthening the agricultural industry and its resilience to climate change.
Overview: Sierra RCD seeks an individual with a deep commitment to serving the agricultural community of the Central Valley to fill this position and lead the A/R Program s community engagement work. The Community Projects Manager plays a crucial role in connecting the communities we serve to awareness of resources available, coordinating educational workshops and events, providing technical assistance on funding opportunities, and fostering organizational partnerships. This position will work collaboratively internally and externally and supervise interns.
The Community Projects Manager will be lead on implementing the following programs:
1. (40%) Develop Outreach and Education Opportunities on relevant topics:
Conduct outreach to producers and ranchers; design and coordinate meetings, workshops and other events. Establish and/or maintain relationships with aligned agencies, organizations, community groups and other entities providing relevant expertise and technical or financial assistance for farmers and ranchers. Represent Sierra RCD at public meetings, and make presentations at events and workshops as needed.
Securing land tenure: Producers and ranchers without stable, long-term arrangement for farm or ranchland can struggle to invest in long-term regenerative agricultural practices. The Community Projects Manager will work with regional and local organizations and community groups to connect more producers and ranchers with long-term land arrangements.
Professional development and resource opportunities for producers and ranchers: The Community Programs Manager will survey producers and develop educational opportunities on professional development, and available funding and supportive programs.
2. (40%) Technical Assistance to Producers and Ranchers:
Direct Funding: Contribute to implementation of a direct-funding program to small and mid-scale producers and ranchers providing economic relief from losses due to drought. Work will include communicating program priorities, reviewing applications to ensure eligibility and consistency with program priorities, assisting applicants, reviewing selected applicants with the primary funder, communicating decisions to applicants, and coordinating awards.
Guide and support producers and ranchers in applying for funding that will strengthen their ability to be productive and resilient farm operations.
3. (15%) Grant Administration and Program Maintenance:
With the A/R Program Manager and other staff, report to Grantors on relevant A/R Program grants, including ensuring drought relief Direct Funding grant-making and related procedures are completed professionally and on schedule, consistent with best practices.
With the A/R Program Manager and other staff, identify and participate in applying for relevant grant funding and other fundraising opportunities.
Contribute to evaluating program effectiveness and relevance; identify opportunities to advance goals and objectives of the A/R Program and broader Sierra RCD.
Contributes to managing integrity of recordkeeping, databases, and online storage of sensitive information.
4. (5%) Other appropriate work as this position develops.
Essential Experience and Desired Qualifications:
Bachelor s degree and three-plus years of professional experience in outreach and education in agriculture, natural resource management, resource conservation, or related fields;
Bi-lingual proficiency including interpreting in-person and translating written materials;
Understanding the unique circumstances and history of the agricultural industry and culture of California s Central Valley;
Knowledge and/or understanding of the challenges historically underserved producers and ranchers experience;
Working directly with farmers, ranchers, agricultural and environmental professionals;
Experience in a leadership role on project management;
Experience with grant writing, implementation, reporting, and budget management;
Proficiency with MS Office including excel and other data management programs;
A valid State of California driver s license and reliable transportation.
Reports to: Agriculture and Rangeland Program Manager
Working Conditions: This is a Full-time position (40 hours per week), hybrid schedule of in-office and remote work. Applicants must be primarily located within Fresno County, or live within a reasonable driving distance. This position will require daily speaking on the phone, emailing, online meetings; with periodic in-person meetings and site visits to farms and ranches in Fresno County.
Commitment: Compensation range is $26 to $30 per hour (approximately $54,000 to $62,500 per year) commensurate with experience and qualification. Benefits available include health insurance, paid time off for public holidays, vacation and sick days.
To Apply: OPEN UNTIL FILLED. Send Letter of Interest and Resume to Karin Roux: kroux[at]sierrarcd.com.
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