Program Manager

Program Manager

SpecPro is seeking a motivated professional to lead the Mojave Desert Tortoise Monitoring, Translocation, and Husbandry operations at Ft. Irwin, CA. This Program Manager role is ideal for an individual who thrives in hands-on environments, enjoys supporting dynamic field operations, and is looking for flexible opportunities within an environmental and biological services program. The selected candidate will oversee Fort Irwin's Mojave Desert tortoise conservation program activities, coordinating multidisciplinary field teams of biologists and GIS professionals, and ensuring project objectives and deliverables are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

This position requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities in remote field-based settings. The Program Manager will serve as the primary liaison between field personnel, Fort Irwin staff, subcontractors, and regulatory stakeholders while supporting day-to-day operational planning, scheduling, reporting, and resource management.

Candidates should be comfortable working in outdoor environments and supporting projects that involve wildlife monitoring, habitat assessments, environmental compliance activities, and logistical coordination in support of Ft. Irwin's Mojave Desert tortoise conservation program. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental conservation efforts while working alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative and mission-focused environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise and coordinate field biologists, biologist team leads, GIS and data specialists, subcontractors, and independent contractors supporting Mojave Desert Tortoise monitoring, translocation, husbandry, and related conservation activities.
• Assign daily work, coordinate field schedules, monitor field operations, and ensure staff are properly aligned to project priorities, seasonal requirements, and approved conservation protocols.
• Provide leadership, guidance, training, and performance feedback to project personnel regarding field procedures, wildlife handling requirements, data collection standards, safety expectations, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as the primary operational point of contact between field personnel, Fort Irwin staff, subcontractors, regulatory stakeholders, and internal management.
• Oversee staffing, onboarding, scheduling, resource planning, and labor coordination to ensure continuity of operations and timely completion of project requirements.
• Monitor project budgets, staffing needs, equipment needs, and resource allocation to support efficient and cost-effective execution.
• Review and approve field data, survey records, GIS/data products, inventories, schedules, technical reports, and other project documentation for accuracy, completeness, and quality.
• Oversee preparation, review, and finalization of weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual, and other required project reports.
• Ensure work is performed in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations, Endangered Species Act requirements, permit conditions, client requirements, and company policies.
• Promote and enforce a safe work environment by ensuring personnel comply with health, safety, environmental, and field operating procedures during all project activities.
• Identify performance, safety, staffing, compliance, or operational concerns and implement corrective actions as needed to maintain project quality and continuity.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day execution of Mojave Desert Tortoise monitoring, translocation, husbandry, health assessment coordination, transmitter replacement, GIS/data management, and reporting activities at Fort Irwin.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee project activities related to husbandry care, field monitoring, habitat assessments, health assessments, translocation planning and implementation, transmitter replacement, annual reporting, inventory updates, data analysis, and GIS support.
• Coordinate biological field surveys, population monitoring, telemetry tracking, habitat assessments, data collection, and related field activities in accordance with approved methodologies and project requirements.
• Support development and implementation of project schedules, work plans, staffing plans, budgets, and resource plans to ensure timely and effective project execution.
• Assist with development of the disposition plan and other planning documents required to support tortoise translocation and monitoring activities.
• Oversee transmitter-related activities, including affixing transmitters, replacing existing transmitters, maintaining the transmitter replacement schedule, and ensuring work is completed in accordance with ESA Recovery Permit ES63428D instructions.
• Coordinate and support post-translocation monitoring and health assessment activities in accordance with applicable project plans, permit requirements, and regulatory guidance.
• Review, analyze, and interpret biological, environmental, GIS, and monitoring data related to tortoise populations, habitat conditions, movement, survival, and conservation outcomes.
• Prepare, review, and support submission of technical reports, survey summaries, data updates, GIS deliverables, environmental documentation, and other required project deliverables.
• Conduct site visits and field oversight to confirm data quality, safety compliance, proper documentation, and adherence to project objectives.
• Maintain accurate project records, including permits, field logs, schedules, budgets, inventories, correspondence, reports, and regulatory documentation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including biologists, data analysts, GIS specialists, regulatory professionals, subcontractors, and client representatives.
• Ensure proper handling, monitoring, and protection of tortoises in accordance with the Endangered Species Act, applicable permits, approved plans, and client requirements.
• Monitor project progress and provide regular updates to management regarding schedules, deliverables, staffing, risks, and overall project status.
• Identify project risks, resolve operational issues, and implement corrective actions to maintain performance, compliance, and continuity of service.
• Support proposal development, cost estimating, client coordination, and business development efforts related to the project, as needed.
• Promote continuous improvement in field methodologies, data quality, operational efficiency, safety performance, and environmental compliance practices.
• Deliver high-quality work products on time, within budget, and in accordance with project requirements.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Minimum 10 years of professional terrestrial biology experience
• Previously approved by CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife as a Designated Biologist on projects
• Valid recovery USFWS permits for listed species (Mojave Desert Tortoise)
• Valid Scientific Collecting Permit (SCP) from CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in technology and equipment used in environmental inspections.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 or similar software.
• Ability to work away from primary work location in excess of normal work day
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions
• Valid California Driver's License with a clean driving record

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Master degree preferred, or in a related field such as environmental science
• Experience with Mojave Desert Tortoise
• Experience preparing biological monitoring reports
• Experience conducting surveys and monitoring for wildlife species in Southern California

Physical Requirements:

• Physically able to conduct inspections and carry equipment used for inspections.
• Ability to hike long distances over varied terrain and weather conditions
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to operate a company truck while onsite.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Diversity:

• Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.

Ethics:

• Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• The employee will