Watershed Planning Project Manager

LOS ANGELES, CAPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

• Job post source

  This job is directly from Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority

• Job overview

  The Watershed Planning Project Manager at Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority manages urban river restoration, park development, and open space conservation projects, impacting public access and environmental planning in the Los Angeles area.

• Responsibilities and impact

  The role involves managing multiple projects, coordinating with contractors and consultants, grant writing, budgeting, scheduling, community engagement, and ensuring compliance with regulations and grant agreements to support capital improvements and conservation efforts.

• Compensation and benefits

  The position offers hourly wages ranging from $27.27 to $37.15 depending on classification level, with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid leave, retirement plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and employee assistance programs.

• Experience and skills

  Candidates must have a B.A. or B.S. in relevant fields and at least two years of project management experience including problem solving, technical writing, and budgeting; Spanish language proficiency is required; experience in public speaking, community outreach, and construction management is desired.

• Career development

  The Project Analyst III level offers potential advancement into team leadership and project direction roles, with opportunities to focus on park development, landscape architecture, or maintenance funding management based on MRCA needs.

• Work environment and culture

  The MRCA promotes a collaborative, flexible work environment with some remote work options, values diversity and inclusion, and emphasizes community and political support for conservation projects.

• Company information

  Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority is a joint powers authority established in 1985 to protect and preserve park and open space lands around Los Angeles, working with multiple public agencies to conserve natural wilderness and wildlife habitat.

• Team overview

  The position may report to executive-level staff such as the Chief of Watershed Planning or Chief of Park Development and involves collaboration with multi-division teams but does not supervise other staff.

• Job location and travel

  The job is based at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens with travel to various locations; it offers some scheduling flexibility and potential for hybrid or remote work subject to approval.

• Application process

  Applications are accepted online via CalOpps with submission of a resume and letter of interest; accommodations are available upon request; the position remains open until filled and includes background checks and physical exams as conditions of employment.

• Unique job features

  The role includes unique opportunities to lead urban watershed and park development projects, engage in community outreach, and participate in outdoor activities like hikes and kayak trips with stakeholders.

Company overview

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a public agency in Southern California dedicated to acquiring, preserving, and managing open space, parkland, and wildlife habitat in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Simi Hills, and the Santa Susana Mountains. MRCA generates revenue through grants, public funding, and partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as by offering educational programs and collecting park fees. Established in 1985, the MRCA has played a significant role in protecting over 75,000 acres of natural land and providing public access to trails and recreational areas. The agency collaborates closely with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and local communities to balance conservation with public enjoyment. Candidates should be aware of MRCA’s commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and sustainable land management practices.

How to land this job

• Position your resume to highlight your project management experience in urban river restoration, watershed planning, park development, and land acquisition, emphasizing your ability to manage multiple projects and budgets simultaneously.

• Focus on showcasing your skills in grant writing, contract management, community engagement, and collaboration with government agencies and non-profits, as these are key responsibilities for the role.

• Apply through multiple channels including the official MRCA job portal on CalOpps (https://www.calopps.org/mountains-recreation-conservation-authority/job-20455366) and LinkedIn to maximize your chances of visibility.

• Connect with current MRCA employees in watershed planning or park development divisions on LinkedIn; use ice breakers like commenting on recent MRCA projects, asking about their experience managing urban watershed initiatives, or expressing enthusiasm for MRCA's mission to preserve open spaces in Los Angeles.

• Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'watershed planning,' 'grant proposals,' 'project scheduling,' 'budget management,' 'contract oversight,' 'community outreach,' and 'Spanish language proficiency' to ensure it passes automated screenings.

• Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate targeted applications, identify multiple application portals, and discover LinkedIn contacts for networking, allowing you to focus more on preparing for interviews and refining your candidacy.