Point Blue Conservation Science (formerly PRBO)
3820 Cypress Drive Suite 11
Petaluma, CA 94954
707.781.2555 pointblue.org
Conservation Science for a healthy planet.
Point Blue Conservation Science Job Description
Job Title: Rangeland Watershed Initiative (RWI) Coordinator
Group: Emerging Projects and Partnerships
Reports To: Wendell Gilgert, RWI Director
Hours/Benefits: 40 hours/wk;
Full Benefits
FLSA Designation: Exempt
Location: Chico, CA
Supervision Given: Yes
Start Date: November 1st, 2013
Approved by: Chief Executive Officer
Point Blue
Point Blue Conservation Science (Point Blue, formerly PRBO) is a growing and internationally
recognized non-profit with over 140 staff and seasonal scientists working across California, the
west and as far away as Antarctica, on land and at sea. Point Blue advances conservation of
birds, other wildlife and ecosystems through science, restoration, education, outreach and
partnerships. Our highest priority is to reduce the impacts of climate change, habitat loss and
other threats to wildlife and people, while promoting adaptation to the changes ahead. Our
20,000 sq. ft. headquarters is located in Petaluma at the edge of protected SF Bay wetlands and
miles of trails.
Initiative Description
In 2011 Point Blue launched a major new initiative, the Rangeland Watershed Initiative (RWI),
to restore and “re-water” rangelands for wildlife and people to reverse decades of degradation
and a buffer against a future of increased drought in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys,
Northern Sierra Nevada and central California coast. Our goal is to implement eco-friendly
grazing practices and restore groundwater, get creeks flowing again, create healthy habitat for
birds and other wildlife, sequester carbon and secure economic benefits in the face of
increased drought and development.
The primary strategy of the RWI is to place ‘Partner Biologists’ in local Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) Field Offices. The Partner Biologists work to gain the trust of local
landowners, put relevant ‘value-added’ conservation practices on the ground, and test and
improve the effectiveness of these practices. We now have six Point Blue Partner Biologists
working in NRCS field offices from Susanville to Mariposa, California. Key collaborators include
the NRCS, UC Davis, Resource Conservation Districts, and Joint Ventures.
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August 7, 2013
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We are working to enhance 1.1 million acres of rangelands over the next 5 years, increasing
natural water retention by the equivalent of two Hetch Hetchy reservoirs in the subsequent 5
years. Through the WRI, we envision that:
• California rangelands hold and store significantly more water, releasing water more
slowly throughout the year;
• Watersheds are linked to valley floor riparian and wetland habitats;
• Our work results in significantly increased groundwater recharge;
• Ranchers and farmers actively partner in wildlife-friendly management;
• Ranching remains a viable enterprise; and,
• The landscape is vastly more resilience to increased drought.
After the RWI’s first full year, 6 Partner Biologists (5 full time and one .25 FTE) were working
with 123 landowners across 60,000 acres of Sacramento Valley foothills. We are now in need
of full-time program management to further grow this top priority effort.
Job Context
The RWI Coordinator assists the RWI Director by facilitating RWI operations to achieve our
ambitious and urgent goals, including managing Partner Biologist hiring efforts, assisting in the
development and implementation of training curricula and workshops, and managing program
reporting, budgeting, scheduling, logistics and communications, among other responsibilities.
The RWI Coordinator will be based out of the Chico office. This is a unique opportunity for the
qualified candidate to play a key role in a significant conservation effort that will be a model for
other rangeland management efforts nationally and globally.
Responsibilities
The RWI Coordinator has three primary areas of responsibility:
1) Biological and Logistical Management
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Serve as point of contact for up to 10 Partner Biologists operating remotely in CA.
Includes coordinating regular check-in teleconferences and team functions;

Assist the RWI Director with scheduling meetings with partners, staff and others,
with hiring process of new Partner Biologists, and with organizing and running
trainings, workshops, field days, annual program retreat, and related activities;

Assist in developing and implementing training curricula and identify important
workshops for ‘Partner Biologist’ development;
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Disseminate information about RWI, maintain RWI webpage, press releases and
other communications;
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Help design and review RWI materials (including handouts, on-line tools, signage,
and formal documents such as Conservation Plans);
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Be familiar with pertinent scientific and gray literature related to habitat
conservation, range management and ecosystems services. Keep team informed of
important new literature; and,
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Assist Partner Biologists and other RWI and Point Blue staff as needed in landowner
relations, outreach, monitoring and other related activities.
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Other responsibilities as determined by the RWI Director.
2) Reporting:

Establish and use a programmatic reporting system to track Program progress and
accomplishments;

Assist with drafting narrative reports, proposals and other write ups, and;

Assist with preparing financial reports based on accounting reports for funders.

Other responsibilities as determined by the RWI Director.
3) Administrative:

Assist in managing program operating budget, contract invoicing and grant fund
allocations to reflect RWI accomplishments and activities;

Assist in the advertising, selection, hiring, training and support of Partner Biologists;

Assist the RWI Director and group director with managing timesheets and expenses
for the team of Partner Biologists; and,

Assist with fundraising activities, including proposal writing and presentations for
funders.

Other responsibilities as determined by the RWI Director.
Other Related Duties
Additional responsibilities and duties may be assigned or acquired as deemed necessary by the
RWI Director.
Qualifications
 Bachelor’s degree in science or equivalent experience.
 Strong organizational and coordination skills.
 Experience working with private landowners preferred.
 Strong communication skills, including writing.
 Demonstrated ability to communicate and coordinate activities of 7-10+ person team.
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Experience working with and managing natural resource professionals a plus.
Experience with budget management.
Demonstrated computer proficiency including use of Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint
and web page maintenance.
Familiarity with Farm Bill, rangeland management, and conservation practices
preferred.
Knowledge of California flora and fauna preferred.
Experience and comfort with public speaking.
Proven ability to work as a team player in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
Possesses high level of integrity as well as a positive, can-do attitude.
Goal oriented and self-directed, works well independently.
Action-oriented, adaptable and innovative.
Passion for conservation and good sense of humor.
Compensation and Benefits
Point Blue offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience, 100% medical and
dental premium coverage, partial coverage of dependents including domestic partners, long
term care insurance, optional vision, life insurance, short term and long term disability
insurance coverage, as well as generous leave time and 401(k) Plan matching contribution, per
conditions outlined in Point Blue’s Personnel Manual.
Application Requirements
Email resume with cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications by email to
wgilgert@pointblue.org by September 16th, 2013. Please put “Rangeland Watershed Initiative
Coordinator” in the subject line.
Position open until filled. No calls please. Point Blue Conservation Science is an Equal
Opportunity Employer. For additional information about Point Blue and highlights of current
programs, see www.pointblue.org.
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