Peninsula Open Space Trust Careers

Stewardship Project Manager

Are you a passionate conservation professional with experience in land management and stewardship? This is an opportunity to join one of the most successful land trusts in the country to protect the spectacular landscapes of the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay for the benefit of all.

The Stewardship Project Manager manages a portfolio of stewardship, land management, and infrastructure projects and supports stewardship-related due diligence for new acquisitions and timely transfer of lands to long-term conservation owners. The Stewardship Project Manager plans, coordinates, and implements projects that advance POST’s strategic priorities, reduce land management risks and liabilities, and improve long-term conservation outcomes.

Working in close collaboration with the Senior Land Manager, other Land Department staff, and cross-functional POST teams as appropriate, the Stewardship Project Manager coordinates with partners, tenants, neighbors, agencies, and consultants; manages permitting and compliance; tracks scope/schedule/budget and outcomes; and maintains clear project documentation and reporting.

Why You’ll Love This Role

As a Stewardship Project Manager, you are at the nexus of POST’s mission-critical work to steward land in alignment with our strategic pillars connected to climate resilience, biodiversity and equitable access. You’ll work closely with POST’s leadership, programmatic and land transactions experts, other cross functional teams, external public agency partners, tenants, and consultants. You’ll have the opportunity to manage stewardship projects in service of a mission you believe in, in a dynamic, values driven workplace.

Hybrid Work

POST is currently a hybrid workplace. Our hybrid work policy supports work schedule design for time in the office, field, or remote that optimizes individual and team performance based on specific job requirements. The successful candidate for this job should expect to be in the office (or in the field if applicable) several days per week and must live within a reasonable driving distance to POST’s Palo Alto office, and to its lands on the San Francisco Peninsula and in the South Bay.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement stewardship projects independently and in coordination with the Senior Land Manager and Land Department colleagues, aligning project work with POST policies, management plans, and strategic priorities.
• Manage a portfolio of projects from scoping through implementation and closeout, including schedules, budgets, contractor/consultant oversight, and outcomes tracking.
• Coordinate with transactions staff to assess stewardship risks, liabilities, and project needs in support of acquisition and transfer projects; contribute to stewardship-related due diligence as assigned.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including partner organizations, neighbors, tenants, community members, and consultants, to further POST’s land conservation mission.
• Work with municipalities and regulatory agencies to secure necessary project permits and support compliance requirements (as applicable to assigned projects).
• Supervise and manage contracts for technical professionals, contractors, and consultants; develop scopes of work, support procurement, manage deliverables, and monitor field performance and safety expectations.
• Support stewardship planning and implementation by identifying near-term and long-term property management needs and translating priorities into actionable projects.
• Support building/structure stewardship as assigned, including maintaining an inventory of residences and other structures and coordinating project work to address priority needs.
• Project tracking and documentation: Maintain accurate project information and workflows in Salesforce/TaskRay (or successor systems), ensuring stewardship data is accessible, consistent, and up to date.
• Collaborate across POST (e.g., Marketing & Communications and Fundraising) to support content creation and participate in donor/community events as appropriate.
• Identify and coordinate stewardship volunteer projects on POST properties in collaboration with internal partners, as appropriate to program needs and capacity.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

• None.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum three to five years of directly related experience in stewardship, land management, natural resources, conservation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Undergraduate degree in natural resources, environmental science, biology, planning, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Demonstrated experience successfully managing multiple projects with minimal direct supervision, including budgeting, scheduling, and contractor/consultant management.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with diverse stakeholders and coordinate work across teams.
• Knowledge of land use planning and policy; familiarity with permitting processes and regulatory coordination.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including clear documentation and reporting.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
• Familiarity with database and project tracking tools; experience with Salesforce and/or TaskRay strongly preferred.
• Commitment to POST’s core values and to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in conservation and stewardship work.
• Valid California Driver’s License to facilitate driving to visit POST properties.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regular and accurate communication with others and completion of work tasks involving the use of phone, computer, web, and video technology, the ability to interact effectively with digital and printed materials, and to operate required job-related equipment.
• Ability to drive a vehicle to remote locations for site visits, preferred ability to drive a four-wheel drive, manual transmission vehicle over rough terrain.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. of equipment and supplies in the office or the field.
• Ability to traverse uneven or rough terrain, and to tolerate exposure to outdoor elements and varying weather conditions.
• There are occasional duties that occur outside regular working hours.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to allow a person to perform essential functions.

If you would like to apply:

Please write a cover letter telling us how you connect to our mission and why you are a great match for this role. We are not able to give the same level of consideration to applications submitted without a cover letter.

STARTING SALARY RANGE FOR THIS POSITION:
$98,100-$109,000 depending upon level of skills and experience, plus excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement account contribution & matching, generous time off, paid maternity/paternity/family medical leave, life and long term disability insurance, pet insurance, excellent learning and mental/physical wellness programs, personal mobile/internet usage stipend, commuter benefits, and many more!

POST’s Core Values:

Nature Connects Us All: We believe that we are part of an interconnected web of life and that diversity of all types creates strength and resilience. In our work, we strive to protect and heal the ecosystems that support our collective well-being.

Act Today for the Long-Term: We take action today in ways that support our bold, long-term vision. We accept and balance the tension between the present and the future while staying true to our purpose.

Commit to Learning and Growth: We are creative, curious and courageous in our approaches and willing to change course when necessary. We learn from our successes and mistakes.

Care About How We Work: We believe all living things should be treated with dignity. We acknowledge the many injustices against people and nature. We are dedicated to strive for equity in our actions.

Honor Our Collective Strengths: We have the most positive impact when we work together toward a shared vision. We catalyze, collaborate and complement to support the best outcomes for all.

POST is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant based on legally recognized protected classes under federal, state, or local law. 

Applicants with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation when applying for a position with us. Please contact us if you need assistance applying for this position.

POST is committed to maintaining an inclusive, values-driven workplace where all employees can thrive. We encourage interested applicants with varied backgrounds and/or skill sets to apply for open positions so we may consider individual qualifications and evaluate great candidates whose prior experience may not precisely meet all the posted criteria. 

We look forward to receiving your application for employment at POST!