Forest Health Project Manager

Employer : Napa County Resource Conservation District
Work Location : Napa, California
Status : Full-Time, Non-Exempt (1.0 FTE). This at-will position is fully funded for one year, and continued employment is contingent on additional funding.
Annual Salary Range : $93,766 to $111,946 (dependent on experience)

Napa County Resource Conservation District (Napa RCD) is seeking a Forest Health Project Manager to help shape the future of our forests and watersheds. This position will lead the planning and implementation of projects that improve forest health and wildfire resilience. Working closely with the Forest Health & Restoration Program Director, this position ensures that projects are planned in accordance with management best practices, delivered efficiently, comply with regulations and safety standards, and achieve measurable outcomes that support healthy, resilient forest ecosystems.

This position also serves as a primary point of contact for landowners, partners, agencies, and community stakeholders, providing technical guidance and facilitating access to financial assistance to support forest health and wildfire resilience projects. The Project Manager represents Napa RCD at meetings, workshops, and public events, building trust and strong working relationships that advance program goals. In collaboration with internal teams, the Project Manager supports program development and sustainability through coordination with funding partners, monitoring project progress, and contributing to grant writing and fund development efforts.

If you're a detail-oriented project manager who thrives in a collaborative environment, is driven by a passion for conservation, and energized by the opportunity to lead transformative environmental work, we want to hear from you! Come grow with us—and help shape a more resilient, thriving Napa County.

Organizational Background and Mission
Napa RCD was established in 1945 as a non-regulatory agency that connects communities and individuals to the technical, financial, and educational resources they need to be excellent stewards of land, water, soil, and other natural resources. Our team consists of administrative professionals and conservation scientists who are skilled at developing, implementing, and monitoring many different types of projects. Learn more:

Key Responsibilities

• Design, manage, and implement on-the-ground projects aimed at enhancing forest health and wildfire resilience. Key activities will include planning, project implementation, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and budget tracking.
• Oversee field-based activities and community education efforts, ensuring compliance with safety standards, permitting requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Serve as subject matter expert and as a primary liaison with landowners, community partners, public agencies, consultants, and contractors. This includes providing technical assistance and supporting landowners and land managers in navigating financial assistance programs. 
• Apply strong ecological and technical expertise, including GIS and forest management best practices, to advance equitable, effective, and science-based conservation outcomes. 
• Support fund development by identifying funding opportunities and contributing to grant proposals and funding requests, and by advising on opportunities for fee-for-service program development within the forestry program area.
• Represent Napa RCD and its programming at community meetings and events.
• Coordinate across Napa RCD teams to integrate forest health and wildfire resilience efforts into broader organizational programs.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent coursework in forestry, silviculture, forest ecology, forest management, natural resource management, or other applicable field, plus 2+ years of related experience; or 4+ years of directly related experience in lieu of a degree.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record. 
• Registered Professional Forester (RPF) license or other specialty certifications are preferred.
• Strong proficiency in written and spoken English. 
• Fluency in Spanish is desired.
• Must successfully complete a background check. 

Essential Physical Requirements
The role demands constant alertness, safe work practices, frequent computer use, and extended seating. It involves outdoor work in varied conditions, physical activities like lifting up to 30 pounds, and comprehensive vision capabilities. Frequent travel within Napa County and occasional travel beyond are required, with reasonable accommodations available upon request.

Work Environment
The work environment includes both office and field settings, with noise levels ranging from quiet to moderate in office spaces and potentially moderate to loud at field sites due to equipment. Remote work locations must support professional video meetings with minimal distractions. The role requires frequent fieldwork in outdoor settings with uneven terrain and inclement weather, occasional evening and weekend work, travel to field sites, and occasional off-road driving.

Why Join Napa RCD?
Impact: Contribute directly to the success of vital forest health and wildfire resilience projects that benefit the environment and local communities.
Growth: Be part of an organization that is focused on increasing its reach and impact.
Culture: Work in a positive, inclusive, and collaborative environment with a team that values your contributions.
Competitive Salary: Annual salary range is between $93,766 to $111,946, commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications.
Excellent Benefits: Napa RCD’s full-time employees receive paid holiday, sick, and vacation leave, CalPERS retirement benefits, fully employer-paid health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance plans, cell phone stipend, and access to a voluntary deferred compensation program.

To Apply
Your application should include:

• Resume : Your most recently updated resume.
• Cover letter : This is your opportunity to share why you are interested in and qualified for this position. Share anything that isn’t easily understood from your resume.

Application Deadline : Open until filled. First screening deadline is Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Napa RCD believes in creating a more equitable playing field for applicants and values the depth of relevant skills built through successful education, work, and life experiences. If your background and skills are a close match for this position, you are strongly encouraged to apply.

Napa RCD is committed to further building and maintaining a staff that reflects the full range of communities we serve and is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. Napa RCD encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship or immigration status, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender and gender-diverse people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, people living with disabilities, protected veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals living with HIV are all encouraged to apply.