NRS Program Coordinator
University of California, Office of the President
Salary: $66,900-$98,400 (Minimum - Midpoint of Range)
NOTE: This is a 65%-time position; the listed salary is for a full-time appointment.

Location: Oakland, CA;  Requisition #20120049
Closing Date: 03/02/2012

The UC Natural Reserve System (NRS) makes available, to the University community and to qualified research, educational, and public service users, an array of reserves that broadly represents California's ecological diversity, managing these reserves as study sites, outdoor laboratories, and "classrooms without walls." The systemwide NRS staff in the UC Office of Research and Graduate Studies, Division of Academic Affairs, coordinates capital improvements, academic programs, management planning, acquisitions, administrative guidelines, budget proposals, fundraising campaigns, databases, and informational materials for 37 sites that include more than 750,000 acres throughout the state, the most extensive University system of protected natural areas in the world.

Under general direction of the Director, the NRS Program Coordinator leads the development of NRS systemwide initiatives, programs, projects, reviews, reserve management plans, policies, and guidelines on behalf of the NRS. Efforts involve coordinating, planning, and administering complex initiatives with multiple stakeholders, managing multiple projects on an ongoing basis. The Coordinator works in close collaboration with and garners support from units within UCOP, the NRS system, the UC campuses, other institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and other state, national, and international organizations. The Coordinator's role as NRS representative will influence the way in which the NRS is viewed within the global environmental community, and accordingly, great tact, sensitivity, and diplomacy are essential.

As the lead responsible for spearheading NRS systemwide initiatives, the Coordinator will address issues of significant complexity and scope and exercise independent judgment. The Coordinator conducts research and analysis on science and policy matters gathering, synthesizing, and applying leading edge knowledge, standards, and techniques in ecosystem management; and researching and engaging with existing UC administrative systems, policies, and procedures, to develop novel multi-campus programs on behalf of the NRS.

Requirements:

• Graduate degree required in the biological or related natural sciences, with advanced knowledge of and experience in the field sciences, field research, and ecosystem management, demonstrated by at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in ecosystem management, preferably within a field station setting.
• Significant knowledge and current understanding of emerging issues and trends in ecosystem studies and natural resource management.
• Outstanding leadership qualities, including a high degree of integrity and commitment to the NRS mission.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in close collaboration with a team of professionals, fostering a positive, supportive, respectful, and collegial work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with constituents from a variety of backgrounds (including faculty, administrators, state and federal governmental agencies, international organizations, NGOs, land trusts, conservation organizations, foundations, private donors, and the general public); to handle sensitive matters on behalf of the NRS with discretion, tact, and diplomacy; and to exercise sound judgment and decision-making skills in representing the interests of the NRS and its systemwide programs.
• Excellent oral and written communication, negotiation, and presentation skills to represent the NRS effectively to a wide variety of audiences, convey complex information, influence outcomes, and tactfully work with complex situations and ideas.
• Knowledge and understanding of strategic planning concepts, practices, standards, and processes.
• Successful project management experience. Demonstrated experience working independently and contributing to team projects.
• Experienced creative thinker and problem solver; meticulous attention to detail as appropriate.
• Ability to adapt to changing workflow and evolving priorities. Includes prioritizing and responding in a timely manner during periods of high activity and tight deadlines, while making appropriate progress on long term goals and objectives.
• Proven ability to work with a high level of independence, self-direction, and creativity, and to represent the Natural Reserve System in a professional manner.
• Proven effectiveness working in complex institutions of higher education.
• Familiarity with the organization of the University, its campuses, and the Office of the President, including knowledge of decision-making procedures within the University and the key personnel within the system who can assist with timely analyses and review of information.
• Thorough understanding of the Natural Reserve System, its organizational structure, available resources, general mission, and specific goals, along with a broad foundation of scientific knowledge.
• Outstanding computer skills, including MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), electronic mail, online calendaring system, and the Internet. Ability to operate Macintosh computers.