First review of applications: October 20, 2008. Please refer to #3065 in all correspondence regarding this position.

Director, Sonoma State University Preserves

Administrator II
School of Science and Technology

General Information

Sonoma State University is seeking a qualified, productive and dynamic Director who will manage the 470 acre Fairfield Osborn Preserve (FOP) and the 3,670 acre Galbreath Wildlands Preserve (GWP). The University, with an enrollment of about 8,000 students, is less than 50 miles north of San Francisco in scenic Sonoma County. FOP is just 7 miles east of the campus at the top of Sonoma Mountain and the GWP is located about 60 miles north west of the campus near the town of Boonville in southern Mendocino County. More information on the Sonoma State University Preserves may be found at www.sonoma.edu/scitech/preserves.

Position

Reporting directly to the Dean of the School of Science and Technology, the Director of Sonoma State University Preserves will develop, support and facilitate environmental education, research, nature preservation and stewardship, community outreach, and fundraising at both FOP & GWP. The Director is responsible for the overall management of the Preserves and to support their scientific, educational and stewardship missions by the development and implementation of programs and procedures to maintain and enhance long-term preservation of the Preserves’ natural systems; defining the appropriate scope of use and the coordination of public access; effectively communicating and working with the Preserves’ Advisory Board, neighbors and other stakeholders to create a cooperative atmosphere; coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure compliance with conservation easement terms and existing rules and regulations; serving as the University’s on-site preserves’ representative working with the campus, other Preserve Directors across California, and participates in meetings with other state and national Preserve Directors, providing reports and updates; publicize the Preserves throughout the North Bay community and educational institutions; and supporting the Dean and other campus administrators in developing fundraising strategies and grant proposals to advance the mission and vision of the Preserves and University. The incumbent works directly with the Sonoma County Office of Education to promote awareness and involvement with K-12 programs; recruits, trains, and provides supervision of docent education staff, stewards, student interns and volunteers; and maintains records of educational and research activities. In addition, the incumbent maintains fiscal responsibility and authority for the operating budgets, ensuring accurate records of the Preserves’ activities, condition, expenditures, and equipment; prepares reports as requested; oversees and reviews proposals and implements plans for the construction of new facilities; and provides oversight of the websites and other means of communication and community outreach.

Qualifications

A graduate degree in life sciences, earth, sciences, environmental sciences, geography, or an appropriately related discipline is required. A Ph.D. is preferred. The successful candidate will have significant experience working in and managing nature preserves or similar natural areas, including management of exotic plant and animal species; general knowledge of, or the ability to quickly learn, the natural history of Northern California and the ecological processes that occur; working knowledge of environmental health and safety policies and specific knowledge of natural hazards; knowledge of living off-the-grid conditions, sustainable energy, and green buildings; and the ability to work outdoors under physically demanding conditions and in remote locations. Previous experience working with government/federal agencies and nature conservation organizations; demonstrated effectiveness in budget and fiscal management; and prior supervisory and management experience are required. Prior experience with grant-writing and fundraising is preferred. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with administration, staff, faculty and the community; communicate effectively both in oral and written form, giving effective presentations to diverse individuals and groups, both on and off campus; the ability to efficiently and effectively manage competing work demands; excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to understand the impact from a broad perspective; flexibility; and the ability to work well in an environment of on-going change and ambiguity. Ability and willingness to travel by car and air throughout the state and nation and overnight stays are required. The ability to walk and climb long distances on both flat and uneven ground, in adverse weather conditions; and lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up 50 lbs. are required. Work schedule may include evenings and weekends. A valid drivers license and current CPR certificate are required at the time of hire.  A current certificate in Wilderness First Aid is required within six months of hire.

Qualification Note

Evidence of degree(s) or certificate(s) required at time of hire.

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary is not expected to exceed $70,000. The Director is a member of the Management Personnel Plan and serves at the pleasure of the President. Benefits include extensive health, dental, and vision coverage, vacation accrual, retirement system membership, and fee waiver for approved University courses. A comprehensive benefits summary (pdf) for this position is available by request from SSU Employee Services.

Application Process

A completed SSU Employment Application form is required for each desired position by the filing deadline. Filing deadlines may be extended to meet the needs of the recruitment. The department requests that a resume or curriculum vitae and cover letter be submitted in addition to the application. Please be aware that any resume submitted without a completed application will not be considered. More information on the application process is available. You may also contact Employee Services to have an application mailed to you. Materials submitted with your application will not be returned. Employee Services must receive applications for staff positions by 4:30 p.m. on the filing deadline date, unless otherwise specified. The ADA Coordinator is available to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation in the hiring process.

In addition to meeting fully its obligations of nondiscrimination under federal and state laws, Sonoma State University is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can learn, live, and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility, and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual, without regard to economic status, ethnic background, political views, or other personal characteristics or beliefs. Sonoma State University is an Equal Opportunity /ADA Employer.