Conserve Research Program Manager - Land and Water Conservation

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States

Economic Development

Research/Scientific

Regular Full-time (Benefits eligible)

Closing at: Aug 15 2025 - 22:55 CDT

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $101,900 - Midpoint: $142,700 (Salaried E15)

Department/Organization: 750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Job Summary: The Conserve Research Program Manager directs the identification, pursuit, and capture of federally sponsored projects, including leading the preparation of competitive DoD proposals. Leads all operational aspects of CONSERVE’s DoD program portfolio, managing internal staff and subcontracted partners in the execution of complex restoration and sustainment projects. Ensures compliance with all applicable federal laws. May supervise staff and provide supervisory guidance to external stakeholders assisting with the project.

Additional Department Summary: The Alabama Water Institute (AWI) is one of five University of Alabama research institutes. AWI serves as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration across the University’s various colleges, uniting engineers, computer scientists, biologists, social scientists, economists, and more to tackle the pressing water challenges faced by Alabama and the world. AWI-affiliated researchers specialize in water security and quality, remote sensing, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and watershed management through synergies with AWI research programs, including the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology, the Global Water Security Center, and the CONSERVE Research Group.

Direct and lead high-level strategic initiatives within the Alabama Water Institute (AWI) and the CONSERVE Research Group. Provide institutional leadership, operational oversight, and expert guidance in environmental science, resource management, and Department of Defense (DoD) research partnerships to drive organizational growth and national prominence. Lead and manage the full lifecycle of sponsored research development for federally funded environmental programs, with a strategic emphasis on land and water conservation initiatives on military lands.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of research experience at an institution of higher education; OR master's degree and two (2) years of research experience at an institution of higher education.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Must have valid U.S. driver's license. Must be at least 19 years of age at time of hire and have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report that is in compliance with University policies. Applicants under the age of 21 will have some driving restrictions.

Skills and Knowledge: Proven experience implementing land reclamation projects, including allocation and oversight of heavy equipment, and management of soil, water, and vegetation resources. Proficiency in administering subcontracted land management activities, ensuring compliance with the cooperative agreement scope of work (SOW) and established quality standards.

Experience conducting quality control assessments of both staff and subcontracted work, and providing technical guidance to ensure adherence to SOW requirements.

Ability to oversee land management operations in rugged, wooded environments, including travel by vehicle (e.g., ATV) or on foot across uneven terrain, under hot and humid conditions. Demonstrated experience identifying and documenting land restoration needs while working on Department of Defense training lands. Working knowledge of heavy equipment types and their operational capabilities as applied to environmental restoration and land management practices.

Recognized as a trusted and effective leader, with a strong reputation for collaboration, integrity, and impact. Exceptional communication skills, with expertise in oral and written communication, interpersonal engagement, facilitation, and negotiation. Strong history of successful staff performance management, professional development, and mentorship across various career stages. Demonstrated success in recruiting, training, and mentoring researchers and staff, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

Comprehensive knowledge of externally funded grants, contracts, and research funding strategies, with experience in government contracting and/or grantmaking related to Department of Defense support considered a plus.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Management, Forestry, Geology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or a related field relevant to land management or other discipline relevant to AWI’s research portfolio with 12 years of relevant experience.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.