Job Opportunities

Job Status: Full-time, Exempt

LOCATION

This position is located in Sacramento, California, and is intended to be an in-office role. A hybrid schedule may be considered for the right candidate, provided they work from the office at least three days per week. 

ORGANIZATION

The California Rangeland Trust is a non-profit organization founded by innovative cattlemen and cattlewomen in 1998, and has helped to permanently conserve more than 430,000 acres of privately managed rangeland. The Rangeland Trust partners with ranching families to preserve the Golden State’s working landscapes, air and water quality, wildlife habitat, and local food supply. We connect landowners to conservation resources, facilitate the process of preserving ranching and open space in California for future generations, and help safeguard agricultural jobs and family businesses that support the economic health of the state. We also serve as a bridge for the ranching and environmental communities to cultivate shared efforts in protecting vital natural resources and build our state’s climate resilience. You can learn more about us at www.rangelandtrust.org.

RELATIONSHIPS

• The Programs Manager reports to the Conservation Director and Communications Director

POSITION SUMMARY

The mission of the California Rangeland Trust is to serve the land, people and wildlife by conserving our state’s working rangelands. Part of that service is ensuring that the people working these lands have the tools and information necessary to be successful, regardless of whether they are the fifth generation or the first. By using our relationships with landowners and peer organizations, we are well-positioned to help form the learning and resource connections that many of our constituents have been telling us they need. Conserving the land is only the first part of what we do; making sure it has a healthy future is just as vital.

The Programs Department was created in 2023 to meet these needs. Responsibilities include building a stronger network between Rangeland Trust and existing partner organizations, acting as a liaison between organizations and landowners for additive conservation opportunities, and nurturing a rangeland-specific audience. This includes proactive outreach, organizing meetings, and preparing workshops.

The Programs Manager will serve as a trusted resource to connect California ranchers and landowners to the best available science and tools to support their efforts to enhance land stewardship practices, achieve conservation goals, and to proactively reach and engage a culturally diverse audience.

The ideal candidate should have a background in agriculture and/or rangeland science and demonstrate they are strong in building relationships.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Help set the vision and lead the organization’s work to expand services, resources, and additive conservation opportunities for California’s ranching and rangeland-owner community
• Build strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations focused on conservation, agriculture, and natural resources.
• Nurture and grow an audience of rangeland stewards through consistent outreach, education, and relationship-building
• Expand upon existing programs and develop new offerings that provide meaningful value to ranching families and landowner partners, including:
  • Educational workshops for landowners, such as succession, financial, and estate planning for ranchers; new research and land stewardship tools; and regenerative agriculture practices
  • Educational webinars for landowners focused on new technologies, additive conservation opportunities, and emerging issues affecting working rangelands .
  • Joint offerings with strategic partners to broaden the impact of the programs department
  • Exploration of ecosystem services markets that may benefit landowners and support continued stewardship
  • Researching and providing content for the landowner e-newsletter
• Implement and maintain a resource hub for landowners with relevant tools, program information, partner resources, and educational materials
• Represent the organization at conferences, workshops, partner meetings and industry events to build relationships, identify emerging opportunities and strengthen the Rangeland Trust’s presence in this space
• Provide direct supervision, guidance, and support to the Conservation Technical Assistant, and provide programmatic guidance and support to the Programs Outreach Coordinator in coordination with the Conservation Director and Communications Director, respectively

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in building and maintaining strong relationships with a diverse array of partners
• A background in agriculture and/or rangeland science is required
• Highly organized and efficient. Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs, partnerships, events, and deadlines from concept to completion
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent the organization professionally with landowners, partners, funders, agencies, and other external audiences
• Interest in rangeland conservation, working lands, stewardship practices, ecosystem services, and other topics affecting California’s ranching community
• Ability to think strategically, identify emerging opportunities, and help develop programs that provide meaningful value to ranching families and rangeland stewards
• Experience providing guidance, support, or supervision to staff and project partners, with the ability to lead work collaboratively across departments
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Experience using or managing platforms such as Zoom, Constant Contact, Canva, or similar tools for webinars, newsletters, outreach, and educational content
• Willingness to travel in California as well as work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends. Limited travel out of state
• Bachelor’s degree in Rangeland Management, Natural Resources, Animal Science, Agriculture, or related field is preferred
• Must have a valid CA Driver’s License and acceptable driving record

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• A mission-driven individual with a belief in and commitment to the philosophy of the Rangeland Trust.
• Extremely proactive and is a self-starter. Someone that is solutions-oriented and can work independently. Shows initiative and creativity.
• A good listener and strategist. Intrepid yet tactful.  Determined yet respectful of others’ concerns. 
• Strong commitment to teamwork and commitment to developing and maintaining collaborative relationships.
• Must be highly organized and demonstrate excellent attention to details while pursuing overall goals.
• A resourceful ‘doer’ with a willingness to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of activities.
• Ability to work well with deadlines and adapt easily to changing situations and priorities. Good judgment and consensus building skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Must possess mobility to navigate ranchland terrain and outdoor settings, as well as work in a standard office setting. Ability to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and communicate clearly and articulately in person and over the phone

Must be able to travel and attend meetings and events on a frequent basis (sometimes several a month) at sites throughout the state with occasional weekend and evening events.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, exempt position with a budgeted annual salary range of $70,000-$80,000 based upon experience. We also offer a competitive benefits package including healthcare, vacation, 401k contributions, and more.

California Rangeland Trust is an equal opportunity employer and seeks diversity with respect to race, national origin, religion, culture, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status and physical abilities. All inquiries are held in strict confidence.

Encouraged to participate in professional development depending on prior experience.

TO APPLY

Please send your resume with a cover letter and/or writing sample to jobs@rangelandtrust.org.

California Rangeland Trust is an equal opportunity employer and seeks diversity with respect to race, national origin, religion, culture, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status and physical abilities.  All inquiries are held in strict confidence.