ACE- Senior Project Manager, Pacific West

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities that harness the idealism and energy of a volunteer labor force to help restore America's public lands. ACE has a national reputation for providing exceptional training and support to enable crews to safely and economically implement technically complex and physically demanding conservation projects for the US Forest Service, BLM, National Park Service, USFWS and numerous state and local land management partners.

Job Title: Senior Project Manager

Location: Sacramento, CA and Ridgecrest, CA

Department/Division: CREW, Pacific West

Status: Regular Full-Time, Salaried (Exempt)

Schedule/Hours: Flexible schedule with varying shifts; 40 hours/week with additional hours as needed

Reports To: Associate Director of Operations

Travel: Yes, significant regional travel required

Compensation: Competitive pay with a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision and supplemental insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, designated holidays, and 401k retirement for qualified employees

Start Date: Early March 2021 desired.

The Senior Project Manager (On Site) (SPM) serves in a senior leadership role within the ACE Pacific West (PW) Crew Operations Team and is responsible for the management of complex conservation projects throughout the Pacific West region, primarily in the state of California. Under the supervision of the Associate Director of Operations, the SPM provides leadership and direction for Project Managers while leading initiatives for the Operations Team. Based out of one of ACE Pacific West's field offices (Sacramento, CA and Ridgecrest, CA) SPMs also hold primary responsibility for operations of that particular ACE Pacific West base location. The SPM has three major areas of responsibility:

1. Training and division-wide skills program development
2. Supervision and oversight of Project Managers (PMs)
3. Lead management of operations out of one of PW's base locations.

The SPM serves as warehouse and operations manager, supervising Project Managers and other Operations Team staff while collaborating with Member Resources Team staff. The role has direct responsibility for deliverables, timelines, and budget development and oversight of projects and programs. The SPM will also support division development efforts that help forward strategic objectives and outcomes.

This position is tied to one of ACE PW's field base locations in Ridgecrest, CA and Sacramento, CA and requires significant regional travel (60%) alongside office and warehouse work (40%). Travel includes overnight stays in a variety of accommodations including camping.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Training and Division-Wide Skills Program Development:

• Serve as the PW Division trainer and technical lead in a designated area of expertise (forestry/chainsaw, trails, or restoration/herbicide).
• Develop and implement a division-wide training program in the designated area of expertise.
• Collaborate with ACE Solutions staff to develop skills, obtain certifications, plan and implement trainings, ensure PW Division meets ACE and other standards, and otherwise develop support for the PW Division in the designated area of expertise.
• Outline skills and leadership development goals for Project Managers.
• In tandem with the ACE Solutions team, provide support as needed for PW Division-based projects in the designated area of expertise.
• Oversee and manage assets related to the designated area of expertise for PW branches. Work with the Associate Director of Operations and Division Director to develop relevant aspects of the PW budget.
• Provide training for Project Managers, Crew Leaders, and members as needed.

Supervision and Oversight of Project Managers:

• Supervise Project Managers as assigned, primarily on projects served from the SPM's home base location. Adjust level of support for Project Managers depending on the complexity of each project.
• Provide general mentorship, training, leadership, discipline, and other support for Project Managers.
• Work with Project Managers and Crew Leaders to resolve interpersonal conflict.
• Conduct Project Manager check-ins and performance reviews. Outline skills/leadership development goals for Project Managers.
• Ensure Project Manager reporting is completed on time, is accurate, and is to a high standard.

Management of Operations out of a Base Location:

• Oversee all Project Managers and operations out of the SPM's home base location and serve as the primary operational point of contact for ACE at that location.
• With the Associate Director of Operations and Division Director, develop capacity to meet our partners increasing needs while prioritizing projects that fit ACE's desired work schedule and outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Operations to schedule projects.
• Conduct site visits with Project Managers as needed.
• Work with Project Managers and Crew Leaders to resolve interpersonal conflict and to mediate interpersonal conflict between partner staff and ACE staff.
• Oversee warehouse systems, processes, and inventories. Ensure that the warehouse meets OSHA compliance and ACE standards and is clean and orderly.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating branch asset inventories.
• Responsible for directing Crew Leaders and Project Managers in conducting new member orientations and trainings including onboarding logistics and training content.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• 5-6 years of experience working in field conservation positions, with 3-4 years serving in a leadership role, preferably within a Conservation Corps.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED certificate. BA/BS degree from an accredited college/university preferred.
• Extensive experience and demonstrable knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and techniques used in a wide variety of conservation field work including environmental restoration, trail construction and maintenance, and other conservation tasks.
• Current Wilderness First Aid (WFR preferred), CPR, and BBP certification.
• Ability to develop systems and processes to minimize risks and hazards and to prevent, analyze and resolve safety issues; possess knowledge of safety procedures as applied to field operations and experience in encouraging and enforcing compliance with safety policies.
• Possess and maintain skills and certifications in a wide variety of conservation/environmental operations, including advanced skills and certifications in the designated area of expertise.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, rules, and policies governing field operations in environmentally sensitive areas.
• Strong organizational and communication skills and experience leading, training and motivating multiple subordinates with competing priorities in a safe, organized and professional manner.
• Working knowledge of young adult development, team-building and motivational techniques.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of heavy manual labor, for extended periods of time, often under adverse weather conditions and in various climates
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports.
• Ability to understand and follow ACE systems and processes including key responsibilities of crew leaders
• Must maintain a positive, constructive work environment conducive to team dynamics
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members, partner agency staff, and the general public.
• Ability to adapt to dynamic work environments and conditions that can change frequently.
• Ability to maintain a positive, constructive work environment conducive to team performance.
• Ability to analyze and resolve complex safety issues
• Ability to handle concurrent operations in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel and camp out for extended periods of time.
• Must be flexible and possess a high work ethic.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions

Other Requirements:

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Valid driver's license and an insurable driving record
• Proficient in English
• Ability to pass a federal criminal background check
• Willing to abide by ACE Policy and Federal Drug Free workplace policies and laws. ACE reserves the right to drug test at any time.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talks and hears. Manual dexterity required for use of hand and power tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently lifts up to 50 lbs., ability to lift up to 60 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools
• Travel: This position requires domestic travel.

To Apply: Navigate to the ACE website: https://usaconservationstaff.applicantpool.com/jobs/ to fill out an application. You must include a resume, one-page cover letter and three professional references. Qualified applicants will be contacted by email to arrange an interview. Applicants must follow all application instructions in order to be considered for this opportunity.

American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

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