Project Manager

PROJECT MANAGER

FULL-TIME

*Please see below on how to apply*

Farmers Conservation Alliance is a 501(c)(3) organization that operates at the intersection of agriculture, water, and energy. The Irrigation Modernization Program (IMP) Project Manager will help accelerate irrigation modernization efforts on behalf of irrigation districts, ditch companies, and agricultural producers across the West. An ideal candidate would enjoy and excel at working with staff and contractors to manage tasks, deliverables, budgets, and timelines associated with irrigation modernization planning, funding, design, and permitting. They would also be passionate about developing solutions that benefit both agriculture and the environment.

ABOUT US

Our staff of 45 strategy consultants, funding specialists, technical professionals, and public policy experts believe that everyone can win – farmers, rivers, and communities. We formed 20 years ago to successfully bring an innovative fish screen technology to market. This farmer-developed technology, now known as the Farmers Screen, helps to keep fish and debris in rivers and out of water supplies.

Since that time, our work has expanded to include the Irrigation Modernization Program—an innovative program to help farmers and ranchers modernize all aspects of their water delivery systems. Staff work with water users, agencies, and organizations to design, finance, and implement large-scale solutions and technologies that improve water delivery systems, reduce operation and maintenance costs, and generate renewable energy.

Our headquarters in Hood River, Oregon, inspires staff in both their professional and personal lives. Hood River’s abundant apple, pear, and cherry orchards and salmon-bearing streams provide daily context for our work. The Columbia River Gorge and nearby Mt. Hood provide endless opportunities for hiking, paddling, cycling, skiing, and wind sports. Hood River’s one-hour commute to Portland provides staff with easy access to a regional transportation hub, facilitating travel to and from our headquarters.

SO THAT’S US. NOW ABOUT THE WORK

The IMP Project Manager will manage planning, funding, design, and permitting associated with irrigation modernization projects that provide agricultural, environmental, and community benefits. As part of our Irrigation Modernization Program, the IMP Project Manager will work closely with our staff, contractors, and partners across the program to ensure that projects align with expected timelines and budgets. They will identify resource needs within the program and work with staff to address those needs. They will help to accelerate irrigation modernization projects and their associated on-the-ground outcomes across the West. In a given day, the IMP Project Manager may

schedule a meeting with irrigation district staff, report on project status to a funding partner, draft a scope of work for a proposal and update a project timeline and budget.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Support FCA staff and contractors in completing assessments of irrigation modernization opportunities on behalf of irrigation districts, ditch companies, and agricultural producers

• Manage tasks, deliverables, timelines, and budgets for irrigation modernization projects

• Support task, deliverable, timeline, and budget development for irrigation modernization projects

• Schedule, participate in, and document virtual and in-person meetings with FCA staff, contractors, and partners

• Manage contractual obligations inclusive of internal and external reporting for irrigation modernization projects

• Draft, review, and update scopes of work for staff, contractors, and partners

• Manage external contractors related to those scope of works with reoccurring status meetings; ensure deliverables, timelines, and budget are met

• Assist FCA staff and contractors in researching potential irrigation modernization permitting needs, funding opportunities, and implementation partnerships

• Assist in proposal management for funding opportunities and develop proposal deliverable content

• Support FCA staff and contractors in collecting, collating, and managing data related to irrigation modernization projects

• Research and writing to develop a range of materials related to irrigation modernization efforts

• Travel to potential project sites and project installations

A QUALIFIED CANDIDATE WOULD HAVE

• 4+ years of academic or professional experience

• Excellent project management and organizational skills

• Demonstrated experience with technical, academic, or professional writing

• Both an attention to detail and the ability to understand broad context

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

• Effective at being able to clearly communicate with cross-functional disciplines and external user groups such as irrigation community leaders, stakeholders, agencies, farmers, etc.

• The ability to work alone and as part of a cohesive team

• Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, with a focus on using Excel and Project as well as familiarity with project management software (Monday, Asana, Wrike, etc.)

• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

AN IDEAL CANDIDATE WOULD FURTHER HAVE

• 2+ years of additional academic or professional experience

• Demonstrated experience in successfully managing multiple simultaneous projects within time and budget constraints

• Academic or professional experience in agriculture, infrastructure, natural resources, or a related field

• Extensive knowledge and aptitude with Microsoft Project, Excel, and project management software

• Experience with estimating and developing project budgets

• Demonstrated success at working with community members representing a broad range of interests, perspectives, and values

• Experience working with agricultural and/or environmental communities, organizations, and/or individuals

• Familiarity with NEPA policies, guidance, and requirements for environmental permitting documents (CE, EA, EIS)

• Experience writing and editing technical, academic, or professional documents

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certifications (CAPM, PMI-ACP, etc.)

INTERESTED? SOME FINE PRINT ABOUT JOINING OUR TEAM

We provide a competitive salary, vacation, health and dental insurance, and a retirement package. We also believe that happy staff deliver the best outcomes. As such, we provide flexibility for staff to spend time doing what they love. We have staff working remotely as part of our normal operations, and we are open to hiring team members who do not reside in Hood River. We will also look for the Project Manager to be in Hood River periodically to connect in person. We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is based on qualifications, merit, and business need; qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

TO APPLY

To apply for the position of Project Manager, please submit an attached cover letter and resume to info@fcasolutions.org with “FCA Project Manager” as the subject of the email. Please do not contact FCA staff directly about this position.

Applications should be addressed to:

Julie Davies O’Shea, Executive Director

Farmers Conservation Alliance

102 State Street

Hood River, OR 97031

• Position is open until filled