Work With Us

Save The Bay is the largest regional organization working to protect and restore San Francisco Bay for people and wildlife. We advocate to improve the health and safety of the Bay against threats from climate change and pollution, restore crucial wetlands, and connect people of all ages to the Bay shoreline.

For 60 years we have been the voice of the Bay, leading effective advocacy campaigns to stop massive landfill projects, boost access to the Bay through shoreline parks and trails, expand the nation’s largest urban wildlife refuge, reduce trash flowing to the Bay, create $500 million in public funds to accelerate marsh restoration, and mobilize volunteers to restore the shoreline. Inland and upstream from the shoreline, we work to create Bay Smart Communities where nature grows and people thrive, resilient cities where greater equity and environmental justice create a sustainable future in a time of rapid climate change.

We are always looking for talented and passionate Bay Savers to join our team. To apply for a position at Save The Bay, send your cover letter and resume to jobs@savesfbay.org. Include the position title in the subject line.

Available Positions

Habitat Restoration Director

Save The Bay announces an exciting opportunity for an experienced habitat restoration professional to lead our next phase of program development and strategic growth. Over two decades, Save The Bay has become a Bay Area leader in the science and practice of habitat restoration, focused on tidal marsh transition zone habitat at landscape-scale for recovery of endangered species, and for ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change. We enlist thousands of volunteers annually to restore the shoreline, and educate Bay Area students to be the next generation of Bay stewards through hands-on experiential education and on-line learning.
Read more about our programs here: Restoring our Wetlands, Student Programs, Outdoor Learning Online

The Habitat Restoration Director sets and achieves ambitious goals for Save The Bay’s on-the-ground habitat restoration, community engagement and youth education programs, leading a skilled team to advance Bay restoration science and best practices. Expanding engagement and relationships with underserved communities is a high priority organization-wide for Save The Bay. The Director plans for strategic program growth and sustainability, creates and manages high-level partnerships with government agencies and stakeholders, and helps raise program implementation funds. This position reports to the Executive Director and serves on the organization’s management team.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement Save The Bay’s habitat restoration program to achieve strategic goals in tidal marsh transition zone habitat restoration, community engagement, youth education and institutional partnerships.
• Ensure delivery of high quality, inclusive volunteer programs for adults, students and businesses that achieve restoration, education and community outreach goals; evaluate program effectiveness to ensure excellence, impact and advancement of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion objectives.
• Design and implement scientific techniques for successful on-the-ground restoration projects and natural shoreline features that help wetlands and communities adapt to climate change.
• Supervise, mentor, support and evaluate the Restoration Program Manager and Associate Director, Native Plant Nurseries; hire and manage contractors and consultants as needed; oversee the Habitat Restoration Team of 10 staff and fellows to meet work plan goals.
• Ensure all staff employ restoration best practices, scientific techniques, and rigorous data analysis; share appropriate information with key restoration practitioners, decision makers and stakeholders.
• Engage directly with scientists, regulatory agencies, and decision-makers to advance implementation of Baylands Habitat Goals and regional plans for tidal marsh and transition zone habitat.
• Identify and pursue partnership opportunities, new restoration project sites, and other strategic opportunities, including those that advance with our diversity, equity and inclusion objectives.
• Contribute to organizational goals and strategies for climate adaptation, restoration policy and funding to ensure scientific integrity and credibility.
• Serve as Save The Bay spokesperson with target audiences; create opportunities to promote the organization’s leadership in restoration science and implementation.
• Lead fundraising efforts to grow habitat restoration program and help secure grants and contracts to support program implementation; manage grant and contract invoices and reports.
• Serve on the organization’s Management Team with other senior directors to advance collaboration, coordination and integration of organization operations; attend and periodically present at Board of Directors meetings.
• Establish annual work plan goals and develop and manage departmental budget.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Five+ years of experience in wetland restoration ecology, advocacy and program management, and three+ years of experience in staff leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of estuarine ecology, wetland restoration and wetland biology; experience in overseeing community engagement and environmental education programs highly preferred.
• Strong supervision and management experience, with demonstrated success leading and motivating employees to set and accomplish ambitious objectives; demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and cultivate new audiences.
• Strong writing and speaking skills; ability to synthesize complex concepts into clear messages for general and diverse audiences.
• Enthusiasm for Save The Bay’s mission; creativity and flexibility, with strong problem solving skills and sound judgment.
• Strong attention to detail, goal-setting, deadlines, and managing priorities; computer proficiency with Windows and Internet research applications.
• Master’s or other advanced degree in environmental science, natural resource management, earth systems, botany, or biology, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to conduct restoration field work that involves lifting at least 40 pounds; clean background check.
• Valid California drivers license; vehicle ownership (or unrestricted access) to use for work purposes is highly desired.

Work Environment and Values:

We welcome people of all cultural backgrounds, gender expression and sexual orientation to apply and thrive with our growing team. Save The Bay is an equal opportunity employer that strives to recruit a diverse workforce and provide an equitable, and inclusive workplace for all.

Save The Bay’s office is closed during the current health pandemic and all 25 employees are working remotely. This position includes significant work at shoreline sites where Save The Bay staff are conducting safe restoration operations. We offer a flexible, virtual work environment and provide equipment, training and frequent virtual opportunities to connect.

Salary and Benefits:

Annual starting salary for this full-time position, exempt position is $110,000, depending on experience. We offer an excellent benefit package including medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, and life insurance; paid vacation, paid holidays and sick time; 403(b) retirement plan.

How to Apply:

This position is open until filled. To apply, please send cover letter and resume to jobs@savesfbay.org. Please make sure to include the position title – Habitat Restoration Director – in the subject line.