The Catalina Island Conservancy has a regular, full time Plant Conservation Manager position available in the Conservation Department’s Catalina Habitat Improvement and Restoration Program.

POSITION SUMMARY:  

A PLANT CONSERVATION MANAGER plans, prioritizes, and implements management activities to eradicate and/or control targeted invasive plant populations, and conducts small- and large-scale restoration projects, vegetation monitoring, and/or other habitat restoration projects related broadly to the natural vegetation of Santa Catalina Island, other Channel Islands and Southern California. The position will oversee the work of field crew members, contract labor and/or volunteers.  The position is also expected to interact with staff at all levels within the organization and partner organizations, including land owners, contractors, volunteers, and the community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A Plant Conservation Manager will perform any combination of the duties listed below as needed or assigned:

·         Develop and/or implement an invasive plant management program with a focus on ecological processes, invasive plant management and/or restoration techniques that facilitate the maintenance and recovery of plant communities, especially chaparral, coastal sage scrub, grassland, endemic oak and Catalina ironwood communities, on Santa Catalina Island.

·         Formulates annual goals for invasive species control to assure implementation and achievement of the Catalina Island Conservancy’s Invasive Plant Management Plan. Provides goals, direction and delegate’s responsibility to team members for supervision and quality control of day-to-day activities and project completion.

·         Recommends appropriate resource management practices to improve the ability of the Conservancy to accomplish its mission. Effectively communicate progress and results through professional organizations and publications, staff training, presentations to general public, internal/external media.

·         Identifies and pursues funding opportunities from foundations and government agencies to finance monitoring and restoration projects.

·         Coordinates with government agencies, NGOs, universities, and colleges in the conservation of natural areas and open space in the Channel Islands and Southern California.

·         Obtains and maintains permissions and agreements with landowners to allow access and management of invasive plant target species on private lands.

·         Performs essential administrative functions including, but not limited to, the following:  develop and manage operating and capital budgets; purchase services and materials; maintain and care for equipment and tools; maintain payroll and human resource records; conduct performance evaluations for assigned employees; implement safety policy and procedures for assigned areas. 

·         Manages Conservation Department staff, interns and volunteers involved with plant conservation program activities and conducts programmatic outreach with island stakeholders.

·         Provides manages and oversight to facilities including but not limited to: Catalina Island Conservancy Herbarium, and the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden. 

·         Performs duties in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment.  Responds to hazardous situations/potentially unsafe conditions by taking corrective action and notifies supervisor.

·         Updates and enhances knowledge by continuing education for professional growth, i.e., attends relevant conferences, seminars and certification programs.

·         Submits an annual work plan and performs other duties as needed or assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: 

·         Master’s Degree preferred, but not required;  Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management, Botany, Biology, Environmental Studies or related field.

·         Knowledge of threats from non-native species invasions in California or elsewhere.

·         Experience preparing funding proposals and knowledge of funding sources in California and nationally.

·         Five (5) or more years of supervisory and applied conservation management experience.

·         Experience working with manual and chemical control of invasive species in California or elsewhere.

·         Experience with financial and legal administration.

·         Demonstrated experience with various regional, state and federal agencies (e.g. CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and National Park Service) with regards to plant, animal and environmental concerns, protocols and procedures. A familiarity with CEQA, NEPA and CA Coastal Commission and SEA programs preferred.

·         Possession of, or be able to obtain, a State of California qualified applicator license or certificate.

·         Must possess a valid California Driver’s License and be able to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Employee must desire to live and work on Catalina Island and be comfortable with the major aspects of island life including schools, medical care, housing, shopping, and transportation.

To apply for the position, please submit the following documents, preferably in a single PDF file, via email to jobs@catalinaconservancy.org: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Salary Requirement, 4) Three (3) Supervisory References, 5) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s).