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Exciting New Position Available at EPIC: Program Director


The successful candidate for EPIC’s new Program Director position will have a host of skills and qualities relevant to EPIC’s ongoing work to protect and restore Northwest California’s ecosystems. They will have several years experience in environmental advocacy and litigation, and substantial knowledge of both federal and California natural resource law and policy, in particular NEPA, CEQA, the Northwest Forest Plan, ESA, and clean water law. Excellent written and oral communication skills, and public speaking skills are a must. The ability to dialogue and work effectively with a variety of stakeholders is critical. Tolerance, flexibility, and humor are also vital qualities. Application Deadline is February 11, 2011

Program Director Job Description:

Position Title: Program Director Reports to: Board of Directors Supervises: Program staff Position Type: Full time, salary Location: Arcata, California Salary and Benefits: DOE

Position Summary:

The Program Director is principally responsible for developing, implementing and managing the policy agenda for EPIC’s four intersecting Program areas: Public Lands, Industrial Forest Lands, Biodiversity, and Clean Water. The Program Director is part of the EPIC leadership team, and serves as the anchor for EPIC’s conservation advocacy for the North Coast and Klamath-Siskiyou bioregions in northwestern California. The Program Director works both independently and in collaboration with diverse teams, supervises staff and volunteers, and represents the organization as needed, especially in public fora.

Organizational Background:

The Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) is a community-based, non-profit organization that works to protect and restore forests, watersheds, coastal estuaries, and native species in Northern California. EPIC was founded in 1977 when Humboldt County residents came together to end aerial applications of herbicides. EPIC has played key roles in the protection of the Sinkiyone Wilderness State Park, Headwaters Reserve and many other areas; has a long record of effective advocacy on state-regulated forestry issues; and has successfully litigated dozens of cases, including key precedents and cases before state and US Supreme Courts.

For more than 30 years, EPIC has been at the forefront of environmental protection, ensuring that state and federal agencies follow their mandate to uphold environmental laws and protect endangered species. EPIC uses an integrated, science-based approach that combines public education, citizen advocacy and strategic litigation to secure protection for the globally significant biodiversity of the North Coast and Klamath-Siskiyou.

Responsibilities:

Coordination/ Advocacy

Applicant will represent EPIC to:

  1. Media (including monthly radio show)

  2. Members

  3. Allies

  4. Key regulatory venues

  5. Public

In addition, the applicant will

  1. Stay up to date on key issues and developments in:

  2. Local, state and federal environmental policies, planning, regulations and laws

  3. Local and regional governmental and private projects

  4. Science, as it relates to programmatic work

  5. Monitor and respond to key proposals and initiatives

  6. Advocate for improved resource management, support appropriate proposals

  7. Comment, exhaust administrative remedies, and prepare for litigation where necessary

  8. Coordinate with allied groups and advocates

  9. Research, develop and orchestrate EPIC’s campaigns, independently and in coalition with other organizations

Administration

  1. Coordinate with Administrative Director, Development Director and Board of Directors on EPIC organizational logistics including strategic planning and selection and prioritization of EPIC projects, campaigns and litigation

  2. Supervise and direct Program staff, including:

  3. Creating work plans, deadlines and schedules

  4. Mentoring

  5. Coordinating staff development and training as needed

  6. Performance reviews

Minimum Qualifications:

  1. Advanced degree in environmental science, environmental policy/law, natural resource management, or related field strongly preferred. Multiple years of professional experience, plus relevant Bachelor’s degree may substitute.

  2. Experience with environmental advocacy and non-profit organizations, preferably with progressive supervisory responsibilities.

  3. Knowledge of federal and California environmental laws, regulations and policies, specifically those affecting California’s northern forests, rivers and biodiversity.

Desired Skills and Competencies:

  1. Ability to develop working relationships with stakeholders across the spectrum on a range of issues including multiple partner agencies/organizations, elected officials, community supporters, staff, and volunteers.

  2. Expertise in public and private land conservation techniques, land use, forestry, and natural resource management; legal and planning knowledge preferred.

  3. Extensive knowledge of northern California’s water and fisheries issues.

  4. Extensive knowledge of northern California’s threatened/endangered species and species of concern.

  5. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking, negotiation, and consensus building.

  6. Demonstrated resourcefulness and strong problem-solving skills.

  7. Ability to organize and manage diverse activities, set priorities and meet deadlines.

  8. Flexible and able to work well under pressure, with limited supervision.

  9. Ability to work some non-standard hours, including attending evening and weekend meetings and events.

  10. Ability to travel significant distances and navigate challenging terrain with aplomb.

The Ideal Candidate will possess the following qualities:

  1. A flexible personality, sense of humor, and real passion for conservation are essential.

  2. Ability to maintain a balanced perspective, critical analysis, and cool composure when discussing contentious issues and confronted with strong opinions on all sides.

  3. Desire to live and work in fairly small, but interesting, communities in a semi-rural region, surrounded by wild places, several hours from urban centers.

To apply send cover letter, resume, references and a writing sample by February 11th to EPIC’s Search Committee at jobs@wildcalifornia.org.

No phone calls please.

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advocating for northwest california since 1977

The Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) is a grassroots 501(c)(3) non-profit environmental organization founded in 1977 that advocates for the science-based protection and restoration of Northwest California’s forests, watersheds, and wildlife with an integrated approach combining public education, citizen advocacy, and strategic litigation.

Open by appointment

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