San Joaquin Valley Project Director

Negotiable within California (northern California preferred). Regular travel to meetings and for outreach to partners in Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Joaquin Valley).

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

Our team at The Nature Conservancy of California is developing nature-based opportunities to help implement two important state policies: achieving sustainable groundwater management by 2040 and generating net zero energy by 2045. Success for both relies on transitioning land use in the San Joaquin Valley, where irrigated farmland must come out of production to reduce water use. TNC is working to create low-water land use options for landowners and communities as this transition occurs.

Three promising future land uses include well-sited renewable energy projects, restoring land to rare desert habitat, and developing wildlife-friendly groundwater recharge projects. To ensure these are viable outcomes as land is repurposed, TNC is developing the necessary enabling conditions. This includes building the partnerships, projects and funding mechanisms needed to make bird-friendly recharge, renewables and habitat restoration attractive options for landowners and communities. TNC is working to do this, in part, by working with an investment fund, which is facilitating the development of these types of projects. This role presents an exciting opportunity to drive innovative approaches to transition to a more sustainable future for California – join us!

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.

We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. The SJV Project Director will manage TNC California’s evaluation of potential projects that are being considered by the investment fund partner, which includes identifying opportunities for bird-friendly recharge, habitat restoration and well-sited renewable energy projects. They will coordinate TNC’s feedback on projects by working across several internal teams with relevant subject matter expertise, and will be responsible for synthesizing input and evaluating benefits and risks. They will also coordinate conservation planning and implementation on projects that are acquired and managed by the investment fund. To help realize conservation outcomes through the investments, this position will lead and support development of the funding sources and capacity needed to make conservation practically and economically viable for investors, landowners, and communities. Our goal is to demonstrate how to make these project types more accessible and feasible for communities and landowners across the San Joaquin Valley.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to drive innovate approaches to transition to a more sustainable future for California – join us!

• BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in the water and/or energy sector or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience synthesizing information to identify risks and opportunities, and creatively offering solutions to reduce risk and reach practical solutions.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects and teams, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
• Experience working with agencies to advance goals
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies
• Experience negotiating

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $87,700 – $123,600 for annual base salary.

San Francisco Bay area: $105,300- $123,500

Merced, Redding, Roseville, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Truckee: $96,400 - $113,200

Chico, Fort Bragg: $87,700 - $103,000

Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID XX, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 8:59 PM PST on April 13. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.