Sustainable Conservation
Project Manager, On-Farm Water Solutions
Sustainable Conservation, Modesto, California, United States, 95351
Overview
Full-Time Project Manager, On-Farm Water Solutions. Anticipated Start Date: November 15, 2025. Job Type: Full Time, Exempt with benefits. Experience Level: 3+ years of very strong project management experience. To Apply: Please send your cover letter and resume to JOBS@suscon.org, and include “Project Manager, On Farm Water Solutions” in the subject line. Sustainable Conservation advances the collaborative stewardship of California’s land, air, and water for the benefit of nature and people. Please visit www.suscon.org to learn more about our work. Position Summary
Sustainable Conservation has an exciting opportunity to expand the impact of the Waste Not program. The Project Manager will help implement on-farm projects and evaluate and communicate the effectiveness of practices on dairies and farms in the San Joaquin Valley. Under the guidance of the Waste Not program Project Director and in collaboration with team members and external partners, the Project Manager will: Maintain strong relationships with growers and partners to coordinate in-field activities and collect data. Document and share learnings from the field and partners to support evaluation and communication of practices. Work in both field and office settings; bring farming and project management experience, strong analytical and writing skills, and a passion for helping growers understand practices beneficial for business, environment, and communities. Location
Based out of the Modesto office with a hybrid work environment. Travel significantly within the San Joaquin Valley and periodically statewide. Ability and willingness to travel within the San Joaquin Valley is required. Relocation is not required if you live between Modesto and Tulare. Primary Responsibilities
Lead the project lifecycle from planning to closing, ensuring clear objectives, coordination across teams and partners, proactive management, and on-time delivery of high-quality outcomes. Schedule meetings, draft agendas, take notes, identify and communicate action items, and incorporate them into work plans. Engage and maintain relationships with farmers, industry associations, scientists, and private sector companies. Prepare written documents including field notes, project updates, final reports, and guidance on best practices. Coordinate field days and focus groups with farmers and stakeholders to showcase projects and share learnings. Evaluate the effectiveness of nutrient management practices and technologies for California dairies. Collaborate with partners to address regulatory, supply chain, and economic barriers to scaling adoption of practices and technologies. Engage and maintain relationships with a broad range of partners, including farmers, industry associations, scientists, government agencies, and private sector companies. Collaborate with the Waste Not team to develop strategies and work plans responding to project learnings. Any other projects or duties as assigned. Experience and Skills Required
3+ years of very strong project management experience required. Understanding of production agriculture, with 5+ years of experience working with farmers. Strong organizational and project management skills, with ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects. Problem-solving, independent thinking, and ability to thrive in a dynamic environment. Ability to work both collaboratively and independently; productive in field and office environments. Ability to collect, organize, and synthesize project data to generate clear summaries and basic analysis for decision making and reporting. Exceptional communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation) and strong listening abilities. Ability to document conversations and develop written materials such as notes, guidance documents, and reports. Working knowledge of nutrient management and/or agronomics; Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) is a plus. Analytical skills and understanding of technical details; agricultural engineering or similar background a plus. Ability to collaborate with a broad range of partners and cultures; Spanish language a plus. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Keen interest in climate-resilient agriculture and willingness to learn about California agriculture, nutrient management, and water. Excellent computer skills, including MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Valid CA Driver’s License and willingness to travel. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (including booster). Compensation and Benefits
Compensation:
The compensation range is $89,430 – $95,528 annually. Exact pay is determined by factors including education, experience, external labor market, and internal equity. What we offer:
Competitive compensation based on experience, fully paid health insurance benefits, generous 401k match, FSA, EAP, vacation, floating days, sick leave, and holiday leave between Christmas and New Year’s Day. We value culture and diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. How to Apply
To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to
JOBS@suscon.org , and include “Project Manager, On Farm Water Solutions” in the subject line.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Full-Time Project Manager, On-Farm Water Solutions. Anticipated Start Date: November 15, 2025. Job Type: Full Time, Exempt with benefits. Experience Level: 3+ years of very strong project management experience. To Apply: Please send your cover letter and resume to JOBS@suscon.org, and include “Project Manager, On Farm Water Solutions” in the subject line. Sustainable Conservation advances the collaborative stewardship of California’s land, air, and water for the benefit of nature and people. Please visit www.suscon.org to learn more about our work. Position Summary
Sustainable Conservation has an exciting opportunity to expand the impact of the Waste Not program. The Project Manager will help implement on-farm projects and evaluate and communicate the effectiveness of practices on dairies and farms in the San Joaquin Valley. Under the guidance of the Waste Not program Project Director and in collaboration with team members and external partners, the Project Manager will: Maintain strong relationships with growers and partners to coordinate in-field activities and collect data. Document and share learnings from the field and partners to support evaluation and communication of practices. Work in both field and office settings; bring farming and project management experience, strong analytical and writing skills, and a passion for helping growers understand practices beneficial for business, environment, and communities. Location
Based out of the Modesto office with a hybrid work environment. Travel significantly within the San Joaquin Valley and periodically statewide. Ability and willingness to travel within the San Joaquin Valley is required. Relocation is not required if you live between Modesto and Tulare. Primary Responsibilities
Lead the project lifecycle from planning to closing, ensuring clear objectives, coordination across teams and partners, proactive management, and on-time delivery of high-quality outcomes. Schedule meetings, draft agendas, take notes, identify and communicate action items, and incorporate them into work plans. Engage and maintain relationships with farmers, industry associations, scientists, and private sector companies. Prepare written documents including field notes, project updates, final reports, and guidance on best practices. Coordinate field days and focus groups with farmers and stakeholders to showcase projects and share learnings. Evaluate the effectiveness of nutrient management practices and technologies for California dairies. Collaborate with partners to address regulatory, supply chain, and economic barriers to scaling adoption of practices and technologies. Engage and maintain relationships with a broad range of partners, including farmers, industry associations, scientists, government agencies, and private sector companies. Collaborate with the Waste Not team to develop strategies and work plans responding to project learnings. Any other projects or duties as assigned. Experience and Skills Required
3+ years of very strong project management experience required. Understanding of production agriculture, with 5+ years of experience working with farmers. Strong organizational and project management skills, with ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects. Problem-solving, independent thinking, and ability to thrive in a dynamic environment. Ability to work both collaboratively and independently; productive in field and office environments. Ability to collect, organize, and synthesize project data to generate clear summaries and basic analysis for decision making and reporting. Exceptional communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation) and strong listening abilities. Ability to document conversations and develop written materials such as notes, guidance documents, and reports. Working knowledge of nutrient management and/or agronomics; Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) is a plus. Analytical skills and understanding of technical details; agricultural engineering or similar background a plus. Ability to collaborate with a broad range of partners and cultures; Spanish language a plus. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Keen interest in climate-resilient agriculture and willingness to learn about California agriculture, nutrient management, and water. Excellent computer skills, including MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Valid CA Driver’s License and willingness to travel. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (including booster). Compensation and Benefits
Compensation:
The compensation range is $89,430 – $95,528 annually. Exact pay is determined by factors including education, experience, external labor market, and internal equity. What we offer:
Competitive compensation based on experience, fully paid health insurance benefits, generous 401k match, FSA, EAP, vacation, floating days, sick leave, and holiday leave between Christmas and New Year’s Day. We value culture and diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. How to Apply
To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to
JOBS@suscon.org , and include “Project Manager, On Farm Water Solutions” in the subject line.
#J-18808-Ljbffr