Working Lands Conservation Specialist (California)

• Job Title: Working Lands jobshiringnearme.org Specialist
• Location: California (Remote/Flexible within CA); Candidates must reside in California and have access to a dedicated workspace with broadband internet.
• position Type: Full-time
• Starting Salary: $26.44-$33.65/hr  *The starting salary range reflects the California location requirement and associated cost of living and may be higher than compensation for similar MJV roles in other locations. The final starting salary will be based on the candidate’s experience and specific work location.
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and short-term disability insurance; 401(k) with 5% match; paid time off starting at 12 vacation days (increasing with tenure), plus 80 hours paid sick & safe leave, and 12 paid holidays annually.
• Priority Application Deadline: March 29. Early applications are encouraged; the position will remain open until filled.
• Start Date: As soon as feasible

Position Summary

The Monarch Joint Venture is hiring a Working Lands jobshiringnearme.org Specialist to provide conservation technical assistance to agricultural producers and land managers and support habitat conservation on working lands in California, with a primary focus on grassland and grazing systems. This position works directly with producers to plan and implement practical conservation solutions that improve habitat for pollinators and wildlife while supporting resilient and productive livestock and row-crop operations.

The Specialist will lead delivery of a grassland-focused conservation initiative in partnership with Audubon California and other conservation collaborators, working with producers and partners to improve grassland management and expand habitat across California’s working grassland landscapes. This work focuses on strengthening long-term stewardship of grazing lands and helping translate conservation goals into achievable, on-the-ground management practices.

This is a field-based position that depends on regular in-person engagement with agricultural producers and conservation partners and focuses on building strong working relationships and supporting practical conservation implementation. Work will be concentrated in California’s Sacramento Valley and Central Coast grassland regions, and the position is best suited for candidates who can regularly access project areas and collaborate in person with partners and team members based in and around the Winters, Davis, or Sacramento area. Well-qualified candidates located elsewhere in California will be considered if they are willing and able to travel regularly to support fieldwork and partnership activities.

What You’ll Do

Work Directly with Producers

• Meet one-on-one with agricultural producers and land managers to build trusted working relationships
• Conduct regular on-site field visits to discuss grazing management, habitat goals, operational constraints, and opportunities
• Develop practical conservation and grazing management recommendations tailored to working agricultural operations
• Provide technical assistance related to grazing systems, rangeland health, and grassland habitat management
• Support rancher-led rangeland habitat enhancement and restoration projects by developing regionally appropriate native rangeland seed mixes and providing recommendations for site preparation and installation
• Maintain regular communication with participating landowners through site visits, calls, and follow-up support
• Spend significant time in the field across Central Coast and Valley grassland regions

Partnerships and Grassland Initiative Coordination

• Work collaboratively with conservation partners, including Resource jobshiringnearme.org Districts, NRCS field offices, and other non-profit organizations
• Support delivery of a grassland-focused pollinator conservation initiative in partnership with Audubon California
• Participate in regional conservation partnerships and collaborative efforts
• Track conservation activities and outcomes to support program evaluation and reporting
• Conduct pollinator habitat assessments to establish baseline conditions and support follow-up monitoring on participating working lands as needed
• Contribute technical input to outreach and educational materials that support conservation objectives

Travel Expectations

• Travel regularly (~30-40% of time) within Central Coast and Valley grassland regions to meet producers and partners
• Field visits are expected most weeks during the growing season
• Most travel will be day trips by vehicle (vehicle provided or mileage reimbursed)
• Limited overnight travel is expected (generally totaling 2–3 weeks per year)
• Occasional evening and weekend meetings or workshops may be required

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in rangeland management, range science, agroecology, natural resource management, or a related field, or at least 3 years of relevant experience working with grazing systems, rangelands, or grass-based agricultural operations.
• Understanding of grassland ecology
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with producers, their trusted advisors, and partner organizations
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to make day trips regularly throughout the local area to meet producers, as well as occasional overnight travel in other areas of CA
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred:

• Familiarity with Farm Bill conservation programs (e.g., CRP, EQIP, CSP) and their application on private lands
• Experience working in California grasslands and grazing systems
• Knowledge of native plants and key pollinator species relevant to local systems
• Experience providing conservation technical assistance
• Familiarity with row-crop systems in California
• Familiarity with conservation partner organizations
• Experience with pollinator habitat implementation and management
• Passion for agriculture and pollinator conservation.

Characteristics of Strong Candidates:

Strong candidates often have experience such as:

• Providing conservation technical assistance
• Working with agricultural producers
• Range or pasture management
• Seasonal or permanent field-based positions
• NRCS or partner conservation program delivery
• Farm or ranch experience

Candidates do not need experience in all of these areas. If you are excited about this role and believe your skills and experience are a good match, we encourage you to apply.

Physical Requirements

This position will operate in a mix of indoor (office-based) and outdoor (field-based) environments. Field work may include exposure to varying weather conditions, rugged terrain, and wildlife. Specific requirements include:

• Mobility: Capable of traveling to and working from conservation sites in and around the Sacramento Valley, northern San Joaquin Valley, and Central Coast grassland regions.
• Lifting and Carrying: Capable of lifting and transporting equipment, tools, and supplies, occasionally of substantial weight or irregular shape.
• Bending and Stooping: Comfortable with bending down or stooping to pick up items.
• Manual Dexterity: Proficient use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and operating field and office equipment.
• Sitting: Ability to sit for extended periods while performing office-based computer tasks.
• Focus and Concentration: Ability to concentrate on detailed tasks and maintain focus.
• Sensory Abilities: Ability to work with computer screens and written materials and to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The Monarch Joint Venture (MJV) is an equal opportunity employer. As such, MJV offers equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, gender, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. These opportunities include all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, job placement, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, advancement, and termination. All employees are expected to adhere to this policy.

The Monarch Joint Venture is an at-will employer. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.