Water Resources Program Manager

Program Overview

MCRCD’s Water Resources Program is one of four programs at the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District. The program promotes healthy streams, water quality and quantity, and fisheries restoration through grant‑funded projects that include stream bank stabilization, off‑stream storage, and storm‑proofing rural roads to minimize sediment. The program partners with landowners, property managers, schools, non‑profits, road associations, Tribes, government agencies, and the public to enhance, protect and restore water resources in Mendocino County.

The Water Resources Program Manager leads the Water Resources Team in day‑to‑day operations, staff management and executive oversight. The Program Manager manages public works infrastructure projects, maintains relationships with partners, and represents MCRCD at public events and meetings.

• Develop and oversee watershed restoration, water conservation, monitoring and related projects; draft grant applications and funding proposals in collaboration with MCRCD staff, landowners and partners.
• Secure and adhere to regulatory permitting requirements; manage grant‑funded projects that protect water quality, promote water conservation and enhance aquatic habitat.
• Manage project scope, procurement, subcontractor hiring and performance; track and manage implementation quality; draft invoices and coordinate financial aspects using Excel, Quick Books and other project software.
• Prepare project reports for funding agencies, the executive director and MCRCD board of directors; provide staff support and guidance on all aspects of project management.
• Supervise monitoring of physical and biological attributes associated with MCRCD’s projects such as stream and aquatic habitat inventories, groundwater elevation and quality monitoring, invasive aquatic species monitoring and other monitoring to describe site characteristics and to identify natural resource concerns related to watershed health.
• Build partnerships with landowners, Indigenous Tribes, regional, state and federal agencies; represent MCRCD at public events, meetings and functions.
• Assist in developing educational and outreach materials for the MCRCD website, social media and other venues.

• Bachelor of Science in aquatic ecology, hydrology, water resources, or a related natural resources subject, or a project management or engineering degree, or related certificate showing substantial experience in public works project management.
• Field experience working on natural resource‑related projects.
• Excellent organizational, communication, collaboration and leadership skills.
• Experience and expertise in complex project management; proficiency in writing clear, accurate, and effective reports and grants.
• Proficiency with spatial analysis and mapping software such as ArcGIS; proficiency with Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint; ability to build and manage program and project budgets using Excel.
• Management experience with knowledge of basic human resource principles, preferably in a government setting.
• Valid California Driver’s license.

• Experience working with Native American Tribes in Mendocino County.
• Spanish language proficiency.
• Experience conducting sampling and monitoring of aquatic habitats and biological resources.
• Familiarity with the operations of grant‑funded organizations.
• Experience driving off‑road vehicles.
• Project Management (PMI) certifications.
• Experience managing public works projects; knowledge and experience in soliciting public works projects for public bidding; knowledge of prevailing wage principles and experience working with the California Department of Industrial Relations.
• Familiarity with watersheds in Mendocino County.
• Experience working with diverse communities.

Salary commensurate with experience; must work from MCRCD’s Ukiah office; 4 weeks paid time off per year to start; 3% employer match to retirement fund; generous health benefit package.

The position requires the ability to talk, listen, observe, stoop, reach, sit, stand, move, climb and…