Description
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Public Access Program Manager is a new position that will help shape and steward how the public experiences Solano Land Trust's conserved lands, from running vibrant volunteer programs and building meaningful community partnerships to maintaining safe trails and welcoming facilities.
The Public Access Program Manager reports to the Stewardship Director. This position will lead the day-to-day planning, coordination, and implementation of all public access activities across the land trust’s portfolio of protected properties, with primary focus on Rush Ranch Open Space, Lynch Canyon Open Space, and Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space. They will develop and manage partnerships with public agencies, community organizations, and volunteer groups, oversee trail and facilities maintenance, and ensure that access programs operate safely, equitably, and in alignment with conservation values. This person will also supervise the Facilities and Fleet Coordinator and the Engagement Specialist.
The ideal candidate is a skilled program manager and relationship-builder who is comfortable with a range of public access responsibilities, whether that’s leading a volunteer workday, negotiating a partnership agreement, or developing a safety and facilities maintenance plan. They bring a genuine love of the outdoors, a commitment to community connection, and the organizational skills to manage a diverse and active program portfolio. As this role develops and the organization expands, additional opportunities for growth will arise, including strategic program development, regional partnership cultivation, comprehensive grant management, and leadership in conservation education.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Public Access and Community Engagement
- Assess visitor needs and develop strategies to improve public engagement with Solano Land Trust lands while collaborating with Stewardship staff to balance habitat protection and land management goals
- Provide oversight to staff who plan and coordinate public events, volunteer activities, and community engagement opportunities
- Supervise staff who recruit, train, and manage volunteers for trail maintenance, stewardship events, docent programs, and visitor engagement activities
Partnership Coordination
- Manage all public access partners at Rush Ranch Open Space, including Solano Resource Conservation District, Access Adventure, Crescent Moon, and other user groups, to coordinate programs, schedules, and resource use
- Coordinate use of the Rush Ranch Nature Center, including reservations, scheduling, facility preparation, partner communications, and ensuring proper protocols are followed
- Manage public access coordination with Solano County Parks at Lynch Canyon Open Space and Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space, serving as primary liaison for programming, maintenance, and visitor services
- Lead Solano County Working Groups for Lynch Canyon and Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi, facilitating collaboration, planning meetings, and implementing group recommendations
- Develop and maintain partnership agreements, memoranda of understanding, and collaborative frameworks with all public access partners
- Foster new partnerships to support equitable access to properties
- Coordinate and communicate with telecom and utility owners to ensure the safety and accessibility of workers, visitors, and property; monitor and respond to compliance issues as needed
Facilities Management and Safety
- Oversee safety protocols and infrastructure maintenance at Rush Ranch in coordination with the Facilities and Fleet Coordinator, including off-grid electrical, septic, water purification, and public facilities
- Ensure visitor-facing structures across all properties, including trails, interpretive kiosks, seating, and restrooms, are well-maintained, safe, and accessible
- Participate in the Safety Committee and ensure public access activities comply with organizational safety protocols
- Lead maintenance planning and project manage implementation through staff and contractors
People, Administration, and Program Management
- Lead program development, provide guidance on priorities, project management, and reporting and evaluation
- Supervise and support two direct reports, providing clear direction, supporting performance success, regular feedback, and opportunities for professional growth
- Foster a collaborative, mission-driven team culture that reflects Solano Land Trust’s values of integrity, inclusion, and long-term thinking
- Develop and manage budgets for public access programs, facility operations, and partnership activities
- Research, write, and submit and manage grants for public access enhancements, education programs, and operational support
- Coordinate with staff across conservation, stewardship, communications, and development related to public access initiatives
- Prepare reports for the leadership team, board, funders, and partners, documenting program outcomes and visitor metrics
- Manage telecommunications accounts and partner invoicing
Requirements
DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES
Public Access and Community Engagement
- Demonstrated experience building authentic relationships with diverse community members, organizations, and public agencies
- Track record of developing or expanding public programming that reflects community needs and organizational values
- Cultural competency and commitment to equity and inclusion in program design and outreach
- Experience engaging underrepresented communities in outdoor recreation or conservation programs
- Experience recruiting, training, managing, and retaining volunteers in an outdoor, environmental, or stewardship context
- Familiarity with volunteer management systems and best practices for recognition and engagement
- Ability to motivate and organize groups of varying skill levels to accomplish physical, on-the-ground work
Partnership Coordination
- Experience developing and managing formal partnership agreements with public agencies, municipalities, or nonprofit partners
- Ability to navigate complex multi-stakeholder relationships with diplomacy and clarity
- Experience facilitating working groups, stakeholder convenings, or collaborative planning processes
- Demonstrated ability to guide/project manage volunteers and contractors
- Familiarity with land access, right-of-way, or conservation easement frameworks is a plus
- Patience, humility, and a genuine orientation toward long-term relationships
Facilities Management and Safety
- Familiarity with off-grid facilities management, including electrical, septic, water purification, and public facilities
- Awareness of trail maintenance, erosion control, and ADA accessibility standards for outdoor recreation
- Comfort coordinating with contractors and vendors for trail and facility repairs, improvements, and inspections
- Familiarity with risk management frameworks in a land management or recreation context
- Experience developing and implementing safety protocols for public programs and outdoor activities
- Ability to conduct field-based safety assessments and respond effectively to incidents
People, Administration, and Program Management
- Experience supervising and developing staff, including setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and supporting professional growth
- Experience contributing to a collaborative, mission-driven team culture and serving as a role model to colleagues
- Comfort coordinating across departments and working collaboratively with colleagues in finance, communications, stewardship, and development
- Experience developing and managing program budgets with accountability to funders and organizational leadership
- Experience writing grant proposals and managing grant-funded programs, particularly for public access, recreation, or conservation projects
- Experience supporting boards or advisory committees, including preparing materials, facilitating meetings, and following through on assigned tasks
- Comfort with data tracking, reporting, and program evaluation
Desired Attributes
- Background in parks, recreation, outdoor education, environmental nonprofit, or natural resources management sectors
- Genuine alignment with the land trust’s mission to protect land and connect the community to the natural and agricultural landscapes of Solano County
- A collaborative, people-centered leadership style that builds respectful partnerships and cultivates trust with staff, volunteers, partners, and the public
- Self-directed and adaptable, with the ability to manage competing priorities and shifting conditions reliably and with good judgment
- Familiarity with land trust operations, conservation easements, or fee land management
