Field Stations Reserve Lead (Administrative Analyst/Specialist, Exempt III)

CSU Careers • San Diego, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Field Stations Reserve Lead provides on-the-ground leadership and operational management for the College of Sciences’ Field Station Programs, including the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (SMER) and Sky Oaks Field Station (SOFS). This position is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of reserve lands, facilities, infrastructure, and external partnerships to ensure that research, education, and conservation activities are conducted safely, sustainably, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. Reporting to the Director of the Field Stations Program and the Dean of the College of Sciences, this role requires substantial independent judgment, technical expertise in land and facilities management, and the ability to respond to emergent operational issues, including environmental events and infrastructure needs. The position combines strategic planning with practical field-based oversight in a complex, multi-partner environment. Please note, this position is onsite at the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve in Temecula, CA.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in conservation planning, land stewardship, and land use management within complex regulatory or multi-stakeholder environments.
• Experience overseeing operations and maintenance of remote or field-based facilities, including coordination of contractors, infrastructure systems, and site logistics.
• Experience leading staff and providing operational leadership, preferably in ecological reserves, field stations, research sites, or comparable natural resource settings.
• Experience managing operational budgets, monitoring expenditures, and supporting capital or infrastructure planning.
• Familiarity with wildlife corridor planning, habitat connectivity strategies, and landscape-scale conservation efforts.
• Experience with grant writing, fundraising, and developing external partnerships to support program sustainability and growth.
• Experience in risk management, emergency preparedness, or incident response within natural resource or environmentally sensitive environments.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with tribal governments or Indigenous communities, including engagement in co-stewardship or culturally informed land management practices.
• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Ability and willingness to work outside of normal business hours as needed to address emergencies or critical operational needs is required.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree in environmental science, ecology, conservation biology, land use/regional planning, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience working with public agencies, nonprofit conservation organizations, and/or research institutions in support of land management initiatives is preferred

Responsibilities

• Oversee active management of SMER and SOFS, including coordination with public agencies, tribal governments, conservation partners, and neighboring jurisdictions on land use, fire mitigation, habitat management, and regulatory matters.
• Direct maintenance and improvement of reserve facilities, utilities, roads, communication infrastructure, and tenant agreements (including tower operations), ensuring operational continuity and emergency responsiveness.
• Interpret and apply environmental regulations, land use agreements, and university policies to ensure compliance across reserve activities and external collaborations.
• Represent SDSU in regional conservation and land management initiatives, including wildlife corridor efforts and co-stewardship models with tribal partners.
• Assist with budget monitoring, infrastructure planning, and long-range operational forecasting to support reserve sustainability and capital needs.
• Serve as a technical advisor and operational contact for faculty, researchers, visiting scholars, and program users to coordinate site access, research logistics, and field activities.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off : 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement : CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage : Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support : CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings : FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community : Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level