Conservation Associate

Background The San Mateo Resource Conservation District (RCD) seeks a Conservation Associate to join a team working to improve habitat and protect water resources in beautiful coastal San Mateo County. RCDs across California act as local hubs for conservation, connecting people with the technical, financial, and educational assistance they need to conserve and manage natural resources. RCDs help landowners, land managers, government agencies, and others voluntarily protect, restore, and enhance natural resources on private and public lands. A defining characteristic of RCDs is that our assistance is non‑regulatory, confidential, and free. Position A Conservation Associate supports water resource and habitat enhancement teams, advancing efforts to restore wildlife habitat, enhance streamflow, and improve water security for local agriculture and domestic use. The role involves assisting with conservation projects and other activities that improve natural resources for wildlife and people. Example projects include enhancing creek and wetland habitat, removing barriers to fish migration, managing vegetation, water storage and conservation, and other activities that support natural resources. The Associate often works with internal staff as well as outside organizations, government agency staff, and public and private landowners, and may support other RCD programs or administration as needed. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Coordinate with advisors and partners to support projects from conception to completion, including design, planning, permitting, implementation, monitoring, and documentation. Help track project budgets. Draft reports to funders and permitting agencies. Conduct pre‑ and post‑project monitoring activities such as collecting field data, data entry, equipment preparation, maintaining supplies, and preparing monitoring reports (training will be provided). Support biological monitoring during construction, including preparing daily monitoring forms and species training materials, identifying and relocating species from active construction areas, and communicating measures with contractors to ensure species safety. Prepare or assist with preparation of materials for documents such as grant and permit applications, biological resource evaluations (including site component maps and GIS analysis), and monitoring reports. Assist with responses to requests for help from community members as appropriate, often involving site visits and occasionally after‑hour community meetings. Provide administrative support as needed, including scheduling meetings, taking notes, managing files, reviewing and proofreading documents, and coordinating communication with external partners. Foster positive relationships with staff and partners. Assist, coordinate, contribute to, or help lead communication, outreach, and educational activities ranging from social media to workshops, meetings, etc. Participate in training to increase individual and organizational capacity. Contribute to overall RCD goals and mission through assigned tasks and special projects as needed or assigned. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in conservation and contribute to implementation of the RCD’s DEIJ Plan. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience that includes in‑field biological work, natural resource management, use of technologies such as GIS, community engagement, and/or project coordination. Administrative skills. Demonstrated ability to implement conservation projects. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills and ability to work with a variety of community members with diverse cultural backgrounds, worldviews, interests, and temperaments. Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, and/or demonstrated ability to learn new programs/systems. Highly organized, motivated self‑starter with the ability to prioritize in a fast‑paced work environment. Ability to work collaboratively on a team as well as independently. Ability to occasionally walk on rugged terrain or in creeks, walk or stand for extended periods, lift and carry supplies, and use hand‑held equipment during all seasons. Problem‑solving abilities, flexibility, and strong desire to learn. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Valid California driver’s license. Desired Qualifications Knowledge in one or more of the following areas: watershed stewardship, natural resource management, hydrology, soil science, native plant and animal communities, restoration ecology, fisheries, water resources and conservation, or similar fields. Experience working with watershed, restoration, or other conservation groups. Experience conducting outreach or community engagement. Experience coordinating projects. Experience supporting educational programs such as workshops, trainings, and webinars. Familiarity with resource conservation districts. Experience with budgets. Experience with grant writing and reporting. Familiarity with the ecosystems, regulations, and/or stakeholders of coastal San Mateo County. Fluency/proficiency in Spanish or Chinese. Compensation and Benefits Financial compensation for the Conservation Associate will be $33.50–$38.70 per hour, commensurate with applicable experience. Benefits include a fixed monthly amount for combined health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off starting at 18 days annually (including sick time); a 401(k) retirement plan; 12 paid holidays; ability to work remotely as appropriate (field and office work is also required); and a fun, fast‑paced, positive work environment with excellent coworkers. This position is full time, non‑exempt. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion We recognize the diversity in our community and seek to create a future where the land and communities of San Mateo County are healthy and resilient in the face of climate change. We intentionally work toward that future through a strategic plan and provide paid time for staff to attend affinity groups and professional development opportunities. The RCD is an equal‑opportunity employer. Application Information To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and three references as a single attachment to View email address on click.appcast.io with the subject “Conservation Associate.” Applicants may later be asked to submit a driving record. Applications will be accepted through June 7, 2026. Interviews are expected to be held mid‑to‑late June. The Conservation Associate is anticipated to start work in August 2026, with some flexibility. The RCD is an equal‑opportunity employer. Contact To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email or cover letter where you saw this job posting. #J-18808-Ljbffr tendersglobal