Project Manager, Fire Prevention & Managment

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

 THE PROGRAM AREA 
​Too-frequent catastrophic wildfires threaten the well-being of both wildlands and adjacent human communities in Southern California. The goal of IRC’s Fire Prevention and Management Program is to reduce the frequency and severity of wildfires on urban wildlands, including more than 30,000 acres that we manage on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. We focus on a multi-faceted approach, working with a broad regional network of partners, that is based in science and extensive field experience. Program priorities include coalition building, engaging the community (including Orange County Fire Watch), and developing projects and promoting research that prevent wildfire ignitions and facilitate resilient communities. 

 THE POSITION 
The Project Manager oversees the development and delivery of projects and activities within the Fire Prevention and Management Program and is responsible for managing a diverse team of professionals to deliver outstanding results on IRC’s projects and commitments. 
 
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 
Plan and manage projects for the organization. Manage project teams and team meetings, develop project schedules, produce reports and project status updates. Responsible for determining and acquiring resources needed. Serve as liaison between team members and program area management and/or external entity requesting project. Other duties as assigned. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 
 
Leadership and Staff Management 
  • Motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage the performance of project team members. 
  • Provide mentoring, guidance, and training in technical skills to project team members and direct reports. 
  • Represent IRC and its policies and procedures to the project team and direct reports. 
  • Facilitate team meetings and ensure effective communication between team members. 
  • Effectively manage relationships with key stakeholders, including local and state agencies, decision makers, academics, and partner conservation and community organizations. 
  • Develop, facilitate, and contribute to communications products such as reports, publications, presentations, articles, tours, and meetings. 
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures. 
  • Participate in professional development opportunities such as relevant conferences, workshops, etc. 
 
Project Management 
  • Facilitate the development of annual work plans and project budgets. 
  • Plan, schedule, and coordinate project activities in accordance with established timelines and goals. 
  • Measure/monitor project(s) success and report on project outcomes. 
  • Monitor project budget and workplans. 
  • Coordinate with clients, regulatory agencies, and partners. 
  • Contribute to the development of contracts and acquisition of permits. 
  • Coordinate with contractors and general labor support. 
  • Coordinate with project team members in other areas of the organization. 
  • Contribute to the development of project plans. 
  • Coordinate the acquisition and use of project resources (vehicles, equipment, supplies, etc.) 
  • Ensure quality of work being implemented. 
 
Program and Project Development 
  • Contribute to the development of strategies to deepen the impact and raise the visibility of IRC’s Fire Prevention & Management program.  
  • Contribute to the development of systems, processes, and techniques aimed at improving project outcomes. 
  • Participate in obtaining funds/grants/new business. 
  • Participate in the development of program-related research projects. 
 
COMPETENCIES 
 
Knowledge and Experience 
  • Knowledge of ecological/conservation principles and familiarity with the local environment. 
  • Basic understanding of wildfire management and/or fire ecology preferred, not required.  
  • Experience participating in project and work plan development, implementing project tasks with established timelines and deliverables, and managing project budgets. 
  • Experience gathering and synthesizing information from multiple sources.  
  • Staff supervisory experience. Experience leading volunteers and the public helpful but not required. 
  • Experience with Microsoft Office 365, particularly working in the SharePoint environment, and project management software. 
 
Skills and Abilities 
  • Partner/Client focus 
  • Collaboration skills 
  • Project management skills 
  • Communication proficiency, both verbal and written 
  • Learning orientation 
  • Teamwork orientation 
  • Make sound decisions based on knowledge and experience 
  • Identify problems and implement solutions 
  • Work in and ensure a safety-aware environment 
  • Time management 
  • Thoroughness 
  • Ethical conduct 
  • Personal effectiveness/credibility 
  • Initiative 
 
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 
  • High school diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, restoration ecology, or similar preferred. 
  • Four (4) years of experience in a related field. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree: Three (3) years of experience. Candidates with a graduate degree in a related field: 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 to participate in events and respond to emergencies as necessary. 
 
SUPERVISION 
  • Reports to: Program Director or Chief Programs Officer 
  • Supervises: TBD 
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT 
  • Primarily office-based with an outdoor component. Occasional work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, direct sun, wind, rain, and cold. 
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
  • Work in a seated position 90% of the time, while operating office equipment such as computers and printers. 
  • Work in a seated position up to 50% of the time, while operating office equipment such as computers and printers. 
  • Work involves hiking on and off-trail, up and down hills, through uneven terrain. 
  • Ability to occasionally lift and move objects up to 25 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.