Program Coordinator,  Plant Materials Development (Volunteers)

 Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) restores, protects, and enhances our closest connection to nature – our local wildlands. As an innovator in the management of Southern California’s urban wildland, IRC works in partnership with landowners, community leaders, and residents in Orange County and beyond to engage, educate, and foster a shared vision for responsible, long-term care and protection of the natural resources we all share.  

THE PROGRAM AREA 
Plant materials development is the intentional cultivation of seeds, seedlings, and container plants in support of ecological restoration efforts. IRC’s program uses wild seed collection, in combination with traditional farming and nursery practices, to ensure that each restoration includes a diverse set of plant species that are adapted to local conditions.  
 
THE POSITION 
The Program Coordinator contributes to the delivery of projects and activities within the Plant Materials Development program and is responsible for coordinating project team members and resources to deliver outstanding results on IRC’s project and commitments. 
 
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 
Perform a variety of skilled tasks to implement a single project or program. Tasks include coordinating vendors, field work, data collection, data entry and review, reporting, and administrative and other duties related to the project or program under general direction of managers. May also perform tasks across multiple projects or programs. May coordinate the work of others, including directing other employees or volunteers and leading teams. Work with others in the organization as necessary. Other duties as assigned. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 
   
Leadership 

  • Participate in training other project team members and  volunteers. 
  • Participate in team meetings and communicate key information to other team members., including volunteers and public. 
  • ​Effectively maintain relationships with stakeholders, including local and state agencies, academics, and partner conservation and community organizations. 
  • Contribute to communications products such as reports, publications, presentations, articles, tours, and meetings. 
  • ​Participate in professional development opportunities such as relevant conferences, workshops, etc. 
 
Project Coordination 

  • Schedule and coordinate project activities in accordance with established timelines and goals. 
  • Report the status of project activities to project leads. 
  • Coordinate the activities of volunteers and the public.
  • ​​May coordinate with contractors, general labor support. 
  • Coordinate with project team members in other areas of the organization. 
  • Coordinate the acquisition and use of project resources (vehicles, equipment, supplies, etc.) 
  • Ensure quality of work being implemented. 
 
Project Development 
  • Contribute to the development of systems, processes, and techniques aimed at improving project outcomes. 
  • Contribute to the development of volunteer training.   
  • As part of the team, contribute to the development of project plans.  
 
COMPETENCIES 
 
Knowledge and Experience 
  • Experience coordinating and implementing activities for projects with established timelines and deliverables. 
  • Experience leading co-workers, volunteers, and/or the public on specific tasks and activities. 
  • Experience with environmental interpretation and communicating scientific concepts to a general audience. 
  • Experience collecting, processing, and propagating seed 
  • Experience controlling non-native plants using chemical and non-chemical methods 
  • Experience planting native plants in the field.  
  • Familiarity of the local ecology and flora preferred but not required 
  • Experience with Microsoft Office 365, particularly working in the SharePoint environment, and project management software 
 
Skills and Abilities 
  • Customer service oriented
  • Partner/Client focus 
  • Collaboration skills 
  • Communication proficiency, both verbal and written 
  • Learning orientation 
  • Teamwork orientation 
  • Make sound decisions based on established guidelines/policies 
  • Identify problems and propose solutions 
  • Work in and ensure a safety-aware environment 
  • Time management 
  • Thoroughness 
  • Ethical conduct 
  • Initiative 
 
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 
  • High school diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, restoration ecology, or similar preferred. 
  • Three (3) years of experience in a related field. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree: Two (2) years of experience. 
 
CLASSIFICATION 
  • Regular, Full Time (40 hours per week), Non-Exempt (Hourly) (FLSA). 
  • Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. 
 
SUPERVISION 
  • Reports to: Program or Project Manager  (or other position, depending on program structure)
  • Supervises: n/a 
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT 
  • Primarily field-based (outdoors) in all weather conditions, including heat, direct sun, wind, rain, and cold, with some office work. 
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
  • Work involves hiking on and off-trail, up and down hills, through uneven terrain. 
  • Ability to occasionally lift and move objects up to 50 pounds. ​
 
The Irvine Ranch Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin and any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.