Local recruitment: Program Manager, Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust

Position Summary:

The Program Manager, Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust (GSLWET or Trust) will support  water transactions and habitat projects that benefit the hydrology of Great Salt Lake and its wetlands. In 2022, the GSLWET was established pursuant to an Act passed by the Utah Legislature, to enhance water quantity and water quality for Great Salt Lake and its surrounding wetlands.

This position reports to the GSLWET Executive Director and works closely with our partner, The Nature Conservancy of Utah (TNC).  Additionally, they will work with a broad range of external partners, including farmers, wetland managers, canal company managers, local, state, and federal agencies, community members, and other conservation organizations, as we launch the water Trust.

The ideal candidate will have water acquisition and leasing transaction experience, knowledge of agricultural irrigation practices and experience working in the agricultural sector, preferably wetland or other conservation experience, or some experience with hydrology or skills that are transferable to these types of experience.

Compensation:

$54,000 – $64,000 / year

Essential Functions

• Identify, develop, prioritize, and work with landowners, wetland managers, water rights owners, and water managers to secure water and improve flows to Great Salt Lake.

• Support and undertake analyses of water rights and water shares for possible water transactions for Great Salt Lake.

• Develop active partnerships with farmers, landowners, and land managers, as well as federal, state, and municipal agencies, and conservation organizations to implement farm management and / or wetland practices to benefit the Great Salt Lake ecosystem and improve wildlife habitat through restoration and enhancement projects.

• Host meetings with landowners, agencies, and other organizations to gather and disseminate information. Assist with planning and leading high value site visits around Great Salt Lake.

• Manage or co-manage projects that help implement the objectives of the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust Five-Year Strategy.

• Assist in the development of grant applications and management of grant funded projects to support implementation of the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust Five-Year Strategy.

• Assist in managing the GSLWET wetland grant program.

• Assist with documentation, monitoring and gauging efforts for water transactions.

• Work with consultants, as needed, by establishing work objectives and priorities.

• Provide content in support of Audubon communications, both internal and external.

• Ensure equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated into our GSLWET work.

• Other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, hydrology, ecology, natural resources management, or related field, advance degree a plus.  An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• 5+ years project management experience with demonstrated success developing collaborative conservation strategies and working with diverse stakeholders.

• Experience working on field research or monitoring projects; work in an agricultural setting a plus.

• Experience with science-based conservation initiatives and/or on-the-ground restoration efforts, desired

• Knowledge and appreciation of the current issues facing the Great Salt Lake watershed, desired.

• Knowledge of water distribution and management practices desired.

• Strong project management skills, including but not limited to setting and implementing effective goals and objectives, problem-solving, time management, contract and grant management, creating and maintaining collaborations with other organizations, developing public awareness activities, preparing reports, etc.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate with colleagues at all levels across the organization.

• Ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Experience working with multigenerational audiences and diverse cultural communities and a commitment to increasing equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging as a core component of our work.

• A self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively manage a complex workflow.

• Exceptional organizational ability, attention to detail and a can-do attitude are essential.

• Demonstrated interest in, and a commitment to conservation.

• A working knowledge of the latest ArcGIS/ArcGIS Pro technology preferred.

• Willing to conduct some in-state travel, occasional out-of-state travel and be comfortable with working evenings and weekends as job responsibilities demand.

• A flexible approach to work and willingness to take on new projects or tasks as needed.

• Ability to engage in outdoor activity and endure outdoor field conditions including cold and wet winter weather and extreme heat with or without accommodation.

• Valid driver’s license required.

This position is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA).

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

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