Senior Project Manager, Pacific West

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities for youth, young adults and emerging professionals of all backgrounds to explore and help restore America's public lands while gaining practical professional conservation experience. As a national conservation corps, ACE holds an established reputation for providing exceptional training and support to allow field crews to safely implement and complete technically complex and critical conservation projects on public lands for the US Forest Service, BLM, National Park Service, Fish & Wildlife Service and numerous state and local land management partners.

Job Title: Senior Project Manager, Pacific West

Location: Palm Springs/Coachella Valley, Ridgecrest, Sacramento, California

Department/Division: Crew: Pacific West

Status: Regular Full-Time, Exempt

Schedule/Hours: Full-time. Flexible schedule with varying shifts; 40 hours/week with additional hours as needed. Some evening and weekend hours may be occasionally required.

Reports To: Associate Director of Operations
Travel: Yes, significant regional travel required
Desired Start Date: June 2023
Position Summary:
The Senior Project Manager (On-Site) (SPM) serves in a senior leadership role within the ACE Pacific West (PW) 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 and skills training programs for members and the Operations Team. The SPM has three major areas of responsibility:

• Skills training for members and operations staff, particularly focused on field conservation skills
• Supervision and oversight of Project Managers (PMs) and Crew Leaders
• Project development in one or more particular areas of expertise

The SPM serves as the primary skills trainer in their branch location and/or in a particular field skills set, supervising Project Managers and other Operations Team staff while collaborating with Program Managers and their staff. The role has direct responsibility for deliverables, timelines, and budget development and oversight of projects related to their area of expertise and/or branch location. The SPM will also support division development efforts that help forward strategic objectives and outcomes embodying and advancing ACE's core values of quality, inclusion, professional development, stewardship, and partner immersion. This position will be based at ACE PW's Sacramento, CA base location. It requires regional travel (up to 40%) alongside office and warehouse work (60%). Travel includes field work and overnight stays in a variety of conditions and accommodations including camping.

ACE Pacific West is soliciting applications from those interested in the Senior Project Manager role in any of three geographic locations: Sacramento, CA, Ridgecrest, CA, and Palm Springs, CA. Applicants interested in any of these locations are welcome to apply.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Skills Training for Members and Operations Staff

• 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 and other extra-divisional 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 and Crew Leaders.
• Provide training for Project Managers, Crew Leaders, and members as needed. Collaborate with Program Managers to conduct new member orientations.
• Develop and implement a robust PW Crew Leader training and onboarding program in collaboration with other ACE staff.

Supervision and Oversight of Project Managers and Crew Leaders

• 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 and Crew Leaders.
• Work with Project Managers and Crew Leaders to resolve interpersonal conflict.
• Develop and enforce field safety processes and standards that meet industry norms and all applicable regulations.
• Conduct Project Manager and Crew Leader check-ins and performance reviews. Outline skills/leadership development goals for Project Managers and Crew Leaders.
• Ensure Project Manager and Crew Leader reporting is completed on time, is accurate, and is to a high standard.
• Act as a Crew Leader or Project Manager in the event of illness, vacation, or other absence.

Project Development in an Area of Expertise

• Provide leadership and support as needed for PW Division-based projects in a designated area of expertise (forestry/chainsaw, trails, or restoration/herbicide).
• 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.
• In collaboration with the Division Director and Associate Director of Operations, serve as the point of contact for project partners while working to develop the scopes of work, budgets, itineraries, and other project planning details and documents needed to successfully solicit, bid, prepare for, complete, and report on a conservation field projects.
• Reply to RFPs and other solicitations as needed.
• Conduct field site visits and partnership meetings.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Operations to schedule projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• 4-5 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 but not required.
• 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 or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire, (WFR preferred and in some cases may be required), 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 Project Managers and Crew Leaders.
• Must maintain a positive, constructive work environment conducive to effective 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.
• Adhere to ACE safety policies and procedures.
• Foster an environment that is anti-bullying, anti-harassment and anti-discrimination.
• 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.
• All ACE members and staff must verify that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by the time they start their term/position or request a medical or religious exemption.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions

• 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 30 lbs., ability to lift up to 45 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.

Compensation: Starting salary of $70,000.00 based on relevant experience (assuming 40 hours/week for 52 weeks)

Medical/Health Benefits: ACE offers competitive medical and ancillary plans (health, mental health, dental, vision and other supplemental benefits). ACE Staff members are also eligible to participate in ACE's 403b retirement plan with a 1% employer contribution.

Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time: As an ACE staff member, you will be eligible to accrue up to 80 hours of paid vacation time annually during your first two years of continuous employment, then it increases to 120 hours annually. Additionally, ACE observes 11 paid annual holidays and provides 10 days (or 80 hours) of paid sick time annually.

Additional Benefits:
Outdoor Perks - As an ACE staff member, you will be eligible to receive pro deals which include deep discounts on outdoor gear providing 30 - 50% off retail prices on 100s of established outdoor gear brands.
Phone Reimbursement Option: You have the option for monthly phone reimbursement for personal device/number use for this position.

To Apply: Please submit a resume, one-page cover letter and contact for three professional/academic references to the application link. 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. This position may close at any time.

The preceding statements describe the general job responsibilities and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of tasks and skills required. This job description may be reevaluated and/or modified at any time without notice. Employees are expected to comply with all company policies and procedures, as well as, state, federal and safety regulations.

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.
Learn more about ACE on our WEBSITE or check out our INSTAGRAM!

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