https://careercenter.nrpa.org Latest The NRPA Career Center Jobs Mon, 11 May 2026 11:27:38 Z https://careercenter.nrpa.org/jobs/rss/22215999/executive-director https://careercenter.nrpa.org/jobs/rss/22215999/executive-director Santa Rosa, California, POSITION OVERVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation seeks an experienced and collaborative Executive Director to provide professional leadership and management. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will spearhead the Laguna Foundation's role as a lead conservation organization for the Laguna watershed, moving the organization forward with strategic clarity, financial strength, and authentic community partnership and connection. The Executive Director must be an exceptional leader who combines nonprofit management expertise with a genuine passion for people and the environment—someone who is equally comfortable cultivating major donors, guiding a team of dedicated staff, deepening partnerships with Indigenous communities, and advocating for the organization and the wider watershed among diverse constituencies. The Executive Director will serve as the primary ambassador for the Laguna Foundation, maintaining relationships with key partners, donors, policymakers, Tribes, and other community stakeholders while overseeing the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan and restoration plans. Strategic Leadership and Planning Provide visionary leadership in setting organizational priorities and direction in alignment with the Laguna Foundation's mission Collaborate with the staff and the Board of Directors to implement and update the organization’s strategic plans, restoration plans, programmatic priorities, and associated work plans Foster a culture of cooperation, open communication, and passion for the Foundation's vision and mission Continue to build a collaborative framework with agencies and other partners enabling the implementation of large-scale restoration and conservation projects Financial Management and Operations Develop organizational capacity and financial sustainability as programmatic opportunities grow, with effective internal controls that are monitored and updated regularly Oversee an organizational structure that supports program objectives and internal capacity, including staffing, technology, finances, facilities, and communications Work with staff and the Board of Directors to prepare annual budgets and establish accountability standards for grant and budget tracking Direct financial activities, including oversight of bookkeeping, accounting, grant budgets, and expenditures Present annual budgets and quarterly financial reports to the Board of Directors Engage with the Treasurer and Board of Directors in financial planning and revenue diversification strategies to help build organizational capacity Staff and Human Resources Management Collaborate with the Director of Administration to ensure the recruitment, hiring, and retention of a high-performing, mission-aligned team; provide overall leadership, support, and accountability across all departments Coordinate with and lead department Directors to ensure staffing, roles, and workflows effectively support program delivery and organizational goals Collaborate with the Directors Team to develop, implement, and continuously improve human resources policies and procedures, including onboarding, training, performance management, and professional development Foster a cohesive, fair, and equitable organizational culture to help ensure that staff support, communication, and team development is aligned with organizational goals and objectives Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulations in partnership with the Director of Administration and other Department directors, consulting legal counsel as needed Fundraising and Development Collaborate with the Board and staff to direct and co-create fundraising strategies in support of primary objectives, including core projects, endowments, campaigns, and annual budget needs Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, institutional funders, and foundation partners Lead and/or collaborate on funding proposals and grant applications to secure financial resources for programs and projects Raise the visibility of the organization through sustainable marketing campaigns aimed at corporations and the public Collaborate with the Board and others to expand public awareness of the Laguna Foundation's programs and community value Public Messaging, Partnerships, and Advocacy Serve as the primary ambassador and visible leader of the Laguna Foundation. Advance the Laguna Foundation’s goals and initiatives with government agencies, partners, Tribes, funders, community organizations, and the public Represent the Laguna Foundation at public functions and make effective public presentations Build and maintain relationships with local and state lawmakers, county and state policymakers, task forces, advisory committees, and funding bodies Position the Laguna Foundation as a vital and effective environmental education and stewardship organization in Sonoma County and beyond DESIRED EXPERIENCES AND COMPETENCIES The Laguna Foundation seeks a leader who brings a combination of environmental commitment, organizational acumen, and effective relationship-building ability. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a seasoned nonprofit professional to step into a meaningful leadership role at a well-established organization that has deep community roots and a significant commitment to environmental conservation and stewardship. The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator and creative problem-solver who leads with collaborative energy, is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and brings proven strength in personnel management, financial management, and fundraising. They will be a convener and coalition-builder who sees partnerships as essential to conservation and environmental stewardship. They must be able to balance external relationships and programmatic opportunities with strong internal organizational and fiscal oversight, supporting the organization to thrive and ensuring long-term sustainability. Nonprofit Leadership and Mission Commitment Extensive organizational leadership experience managing budgets, staff, and nonprofit operations with care and accountability, ideally in an environmental or conservation context A strong team builder with emotional intelligence and the ability to motivate and inspire staff, board, and volunteers while maintaining high organizational morale Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion through continuous learning, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias Demonstrated commitment to conservation and the mission of protecting open space and habitat with a genuine appreciation for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and environmental education Financial Management and Fundraising Comfortable and skilled in fundraising—not as a transactional obligation, but as an invitation to make a shared investment in place Proven experience in development, including major gifts and campaign fundraising, ideally from an organization that has successfully completed or navigated a significant fundraising effort Experience developing and executing fundraising strategies to diversify revenue and grow organizational sustainability Ability to understand and communicate financial concepts, including cash flow, budget management, and financial reporting Track record of grant writing and grant management with government and private funders Communication and Community Engagement Skilled at building connections and coalitions with diverse constituencies, from longtime supporters to people who are unfamiliar with the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent the organization effectively to diverse audiences, from community members to elected officials throughout Sonoma County and beyond Experience working with Indigenous communities and/or a deep commitment to developing and honoring those relationships with humility and respect Experience working with media, executing marketing campaigns, and elevating organizational visibility Conservation Expertise Knowledge of community opportunities and constraints related to community-based conservation, watershed restoration, stewardship, and environmental education Understanding of the intersections of conservation, watersheds and wetlands, agriculture, tribal sovereignty, and community well-being Familiarity with California environmental policy, regulatory frameworks, and conservation partnerships preferred This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position. The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $160,000–$180,000, commensurate with experience. A competitive benefits package is included. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:13:08 -0400 https://careercenter.nrpa.org/jobs/rss/22208673/parks-operations-superintendent https://careercenter.nrpa.org/jobs/rss/22208673/parks-operations-superintendent West Sacramento, California, Located in the heart of Northern California, West Sacramento is a thriving, centrally positioned city recognized as a regional leader and an emerging hub for commerce and development. The West Sacramento Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to building a strong, connected community where pride, purpose, and care come together to create inclusive spaces that celebrate diversity and foster a sense of belonging.  This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, forward-thinking team committed to our mission: “Parks Make Life Better.” If you're passionate about community service, innovation, and making a lasting impact, we welcome you to join our team. The  Parks Operations Superintendent  position is a senior leadership position reporting to the Director of Parks & Recreation. We are seeking an innovative, organized and collaborative leader responsible for leading and overseeing the City’s Parks Operations and Maintenance Division. The incumbent provides strategic direction, operational oversight, technical expertise and daily supervision of assigned staff to ensure the effective operations and enhancement of the City’s parks, open spaces, trails, and public landscapes. This role plays a critical part in delivering high-quality, safe, and sustainable public spaces through sound leadership. DEFINITION:   The Parks Operations Superintendent plans, organizes, directs, supervises, and evaluates the activities of the Parks Maintenance Division, as well as maintenance of the City's open space areas, urban forest, trails and public landscapes. The Parks Operations Superintendent is an at-will position that is appointed by and sits at the pleasure of the City Manager.   SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:   Receives general direction from the Director of Parks & Recreation; exercises direct supervision over assigned staff.   CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:   This is a single, management level position.  The incumbent reports to the Director of Parks & Recreation or their designee and has responsibility for providing daily supervision to assigned staff. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   (Illustrative Only):   Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.   Develops goals and objectives of the Parks Maintenance Division. Plans, assigns, directs coordinates and supervises division activities including maintenance of the City's parks, open space areas, trails, urban forest, and other City public landscapes including landscape and lighting districts, community facility districts, and parking lots. Provides oversight and management of volunteer activities taking place in City parks, trails and other open space areas. Coordinates and provides direct supervision over homeless cleanup activities. Reviews the work of assigned personnel engaged in park and recreational grounds, open space, urban forest, trails and public landscapes maintenance, repair and construction. Participates in the selection, training, supervision, evaluation and discipline of division staff. Oversees landscape maintenance activities citywide, including the installation and maintenance of irrigation and sprinkler systems. Directs and participates in the maintenance and preparation of athletic fields. Directs and participates in the planting and care of plants, trees and shrubs and the watering, fertilizing and maintenance of lawn areas. Directs and participates in the preparation and application of chemicals for the control and eradication of plant and lawn pests and diseases. Inspects parks and recreation areas and buildings for maintenance needs and safety hazards. Oversees the work of private contractors engaged in maintenance work for the City. Prepares requisitions for materials and supplies. Manages fleet, equipment, assets and facilities relative to the Department. Evaluates lifecycle replacement needs and provides input on Capitol Improvement Project (CIP) funding. Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports, including schedules, payroll/personnel, risk management, and preventative maintenance. Responds to inquiries and complaints from the public on park and trail maintenance, open space areas, the urban forest and other public landscapes. Attends various City meetings, represents the City at public meetings, presents information and/or staffs appropriate boards or commissions. Maintains and implements the Hazardous Materials use permit through the Yolo Agriculture Department. Coordinates Department activities with other City departments and governmental agencies. Prepares, administers, and controls Park Operations budget. Develops and enforces Standard Operating Procedures and safety policies and procedures. Creates and maintains systems for managing work orders.   EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :    Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and skill.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:   Education:   Sixty (60) units from an accredited college or university with coursework in horticulture, arboriculture, landscape architecture, turf management or parks management.   Experience:   Five (5) years of experience in parks and grounds maintenance or operations, including two (2) years in a supervisory capacity. An additional two (2) years of full-time related experience may be substituted for each (30) units of the educational requirement.   LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES :   Possession of a California driver's license and a valid California Pesticide Applicator's Certificate.   WORKING CONDITIONS :   Ability to wear and use air purifying respirators as regulated by CalOSHA; travel from site to site; exposure to dust and noise; heavy lifting, standing, climbing; may work at heights; work in inclement weather conditions; may be required to work various evenings, weekends and holidays; participates in after-hours, on-call assignments.   PHYSICAL DEMANDS :   Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to work out of doors; strength, stamina and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.  The position involved field work requiring frequent walking over uneven terrain to identify problems or hazards.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above mentioned tools and equipment.  This position bends, stoops, kneels, reaches and climbs to perform work and inspect work sites; lifts, moves, and carries materials and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.   ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS:   Employees partially work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances; and partially work in the field and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards and hazardous physical substances and fumes.  Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. An applicant who qualifies for veterans’ preference and successfully places on an eligibility list for initial entrance into employment with the city shall be advanced one rank on the final eligibility list. Where there are five (5) or less qualified applicants, no veterans’ preference shall apply and all applicants shall be placed on the certification list forwarded to the departments for hiring consideration. The exercise of veterans’ preference shall be exhausted upon appointment to a regular position from an eligibility list. An official City of West Sacramento application form must be filled out, in its entirety and submitted at the City of West Sacramento website. It is the applicant's responsibility to explain their qualifications fully and clearly. In addition, applicants must submit a resume and complete the required supplemental questionnaire (if applicable). Incomplete information on the application, resume and/or supplemental questionnaire may be cause for disqualification. Application packages will be reviewed and screened for qualifications. Additional screening criteria will be developed based on the supplemental questionnaire (if applicable).   Closing date: 5/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:40:10 -0400