Regional Director - North Coast

POSITION: Regional Director – North Coast

OFFICE LOCATION: Arcata CA

FUNCTIONAL AREA: Program

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time, Exempt

REPORTS TO: Darren Mierau, Science Director

COMPENSATION: $120,000 - 142,000 / Annually

Position Summary: 

CalTrout is seeking an experienced and strategic Regional Director to oversee conservation efforts in the North Coast region. The North Coast Director is responsible for leading regional initiatives, setting and achieving conservation goals, managing staff and partnerships, and delivering on CalTrout’s mission to ensure resilient wild fish in healthy waters. The Regional Director will spearhead the development and implementation of CalTrout’s Watershed and Salmonid Recovery Program to protect and restore ecological health across these critical landscapes.

We are accepting applications until 2/16 and will begin interviewing candidates then.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Regional Leadership & Oversight

• Lead and manage CalTrout’s conservation programs in the North Coast region.


• Develop and implement strategic plans, conservation priorities, and project funding opportunities for the region.


• Ensure successful delivery of conservation initiatives, restoration projects, and advocacy efforts.


• Supervise and support regional conservation and administrative staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team.


• Serve as a key representative for CalTrout in the region, strengthening relationships with stakeholders, agencies, and partners.

Goal Setting & Conservation Strategy

• Establish and track measurable conservation goals that align with CalTrout’s statewide initiatives.


• Oversee project development, implementation, and evaluation to maximize ecological impact.


• Secure and manage funding for regional conservation projects, including grants, partnerships, and philanthropic support.


• Advocate for science-driven conservation policies that support the region’s watersheds and salmonid population recovery.

Restoration Program Implementation

• Oversee development of engineering designs and permits, bid solicitation and contracting, and project implementation for annual phases of landscape scale restoration projects.


• Seek public funding and oversee grant management and administration for multi-year projects.


• Work with marketing and communications staff to develop social media, short videos, short posts and long-form articles, and presentation materials highlighting work accomplished in the region.

External Relations & Advocacy

• Build and maintain partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, NGOs, and other conservation stakeholders.


• Represent CalTrout in public forums, stakeholder meetings, and policy discussions related to regional and statewide conservation efforts.


• Engage with local communities, tribes, and private landowners to promote sustainable water and fisheries management.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in fisheries science, ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or a related field.


• 10+ years of experience in conservation leadership, program management, or ecosystem restoration, preferably in California.


• Strong knowledge of CA North Coast watersheds, salmonid populations, and conservation opportunities and challenges.


• Demonstrated success in program development, fundraising, and partnership-building.


• Experience managing staff, budgets, and complex conservation projects.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.


• Ability to work independently while collaborating within a statewide team.


• Passion for CalTrout’s mission and a commitment to advancing conservation efforts for native fish and healthy waters.

Physical Demands:

1. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.


2. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.


3. Ability to operate a motor vehicle to commute to/from remote work sites.


4. 
   Ability to occasionally tolerate uncomfortable outdoor working conditions (rain, cold temperatures, hot sun) and navigate uneven terrain.

Benefits: California Trout offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience; health benefits (medical, dental, and vision), retirement plan with matching contributions, and generous holiday and vacation benefits

California Trout (CalTrout) is a highly recognized and effective 501(c)3 conservation organization headquartered in San Francisco. For over 50 years, CalTrout has championed a remarkable number of initiatives focused on solving complex resource issues that balance the needs of fish and people. CalTrout has six regionally based offices located in key geographies where wild fish influence local communities. Our professional staff drives innovative, science-based solutions that work for the diverse interests of fish, farms, commerce and the community. CalTrout is backed by a passionate Board of Directors, along with highly committed donors and a strong membership base.

Diversity:  CalTrout does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.

We’re passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Companies that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective are proven to be better companies. More importantly, creating an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work is the right thing to do.