Land & Water Program Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Colorado.

📋 Description

• Create and execute strategies, programs, and initiatives that promote watershed health through the integrated management of forests, rangelands, riparian zones, wetlands, and water resources, in alignment with WLA’s strategic objectives.

• Formulate annual work plans, budgets, performance metrics, and implementation strategies; oversee grants and projects to guarantee the successful execution of the program.

• Recognize new opportunities and challenges impacting watershed health and devise collaborative, landowner-driven solutions that enhance working lands and landscape resilience.

• Gather landowners, producers, partners, and other stakeholders to establish priorities and propel watershed stewardship initiatives forward.

• Facilitate the execution of voluntary, on-the-ground stewardship projects that enhance watershed function, ecosystem resilience, and the productivity of working lands.

• Design and lead peer-learning opportunities, workshops, field tours, webinars, and other platforms to foster knowledge sharing.

• Cultivate partnerships with agencies, conservation organizations, universities, Tribal governments, and other stakeholders to further program objectives.

• Identify and promote public policy and economic initiatives that support voluntary conservation, watershed stewardship, and resilient working lands by offering technical expertise and stakeholder insights.

• Collaborate with WLA communications personnel to create educational materials, technical guidance, reports, and other outreach resources related to watershed stewardship.

• Act as an organizational representative on watershed and working lands matters with partners, funders, decision-makers, and the public.

• Supervise, mentor, and oversee program staff, contractors, and consultants.

• Monitor outcomes, assess program effectiveness, and compile reports for funders and organizational leadership.

• Assist in fundraising efforts through proposal development, grant writing, and donor engagement.

• Perform other assigned duties.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution or equivalent professional experience is required.

• A minimum of five years of experience in watershed management, natural resource conservation, working lands stewardship, forestry, rangeland management, or a related domain.

• Proven knowledge of watershed processes and the interconnected management of forests, rangelands, riparian systems, and agricultural landscapes.

• Strong understanding of USDA conservation programs and various public and private conservation funding opportunities.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to cultivate and sustain positive working relationships.

• Experience collaborating with landowners.

• Experience and a track record of success in working cooperatively with multiple stakeholders towards a shared objective.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; detail-oriented, with a strong independent work ethic; and capable of managing multiple priorities in a dynamic work setting.

• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.

• Willingness and capability to maintain confidentiality and work with diverse populations.

• Strong technological proficiency and adaptability, including the ability to learn and effectively utilize new software, digital tools, and collaborative platforms.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid time off.

• Parental and medical leave.

• 403b retirement savings plan with a discretionary match.

• Life insurance.

• Short-term disability benefits.

• Employee assistance program.