Opportunities

20–40 hours/week • $35–$55/hr DOE • Santa Cruz County

The Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County (FSCSCC) is seeking an experienced Project Manager to support the implementation of a grant‑funded hazardous‑fuel‑reduction project along Soquel San Jose Road.

This is a project‑specific contractor engagement. The role will conclude when the Soquel San Jose Road Evacuation Route Project is completed.

Position Overview

The contractor will provide project‑management services for the planning, coordination, oversight, and documentation of hazardous fuel reduction work designed to improve evacuation safety and wildfire resilience along Soquel San Jose Road.

The contractor will operate independently, using their own business, tools, and professional judgment to determine how services are performed. FSCSCC will define project goals, deliverables, and timelines; the contractor will determine the means and methods of completing the work.

Scope of Services

The contractor may provide services including, but not limited to:

• Define the scope and requirements for all hazardous-fuel-reduction (HFR) activities, reviewing project details against funding agreements.
• Develop pre-project treatment plans with the planning team and track progress and final treatment areas through GIS data.
• Secure required landowner permissions and serve as the primary point of contact for the community.
• Oversee bid requests and evaluate proposals; develop standardized templates for project costing, proposal evaluation, and contractor selection.
• Partner with the project forester to manage environmental permitting and compliance requirements; oversee or execute field layout, flagging, and pre-operation briefings.
• Schedule vegetation treatments, monitor field activities, and evaluate site conditions alongside project coordinators to ensure strict adherence to prescriptions, safety protocols, environmental mitigations, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain detailed tracking spreadsheets for deliverables, schedules, crew allocation, and budgets to ensure all milestones are completed on time, within scope and aligned with grant guidelines.
• Prepare post-project reports, provide regular reporting and presentations to partner agencies and the FSCSCC board as requested, and update written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and documentation processes.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in project management, ideally in vegetation management, forestry, wildfire‑mitigation, environmental project management, or related natural‑resource fields
• Experience with environmental and regulatory processes including CEQA, permitting, biological review coordination, and mitigation measures
• Strong GIS and mapping capability (Google Earth, ESRI ArcGIS) and ability to develop project graphics and treatment maps
• Independent project‑management skills — managing timelines, budgets, deliverables, and multi‑agency coordination
• Field assessment skills — ability to interpret maps, navigate steep terrain (up to 100% grade), and lift up to 40 lbs
• Demonstrated communication skills; able to communicate effectively when handling agency coordination, reporting, and stakeholder engagement
• Proficiency with project‑management and documentation tools
• Bilingual Spanish skills are a plus
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field (preferred, not required)

Required Business & Field Capabilities

• Valid driver’s license
• Reliable all‑weather vehicle suitable for field access
• Proof of insurance 

Relevant Certifications (Preferred)

• NFPA Home Ignition Zone Assessor certification (preferred; may be completed independently during the contract period)

Position Details 

• Hours: 20–40 hours/week with timing that varies according to project requirements, including occasional weekend and after-hours. 
• Compensation: $35–$55/hr DOE (contractor invoices for hours worked)
• Work Environment: Field‑based project work along Soquel San Jose Road; fully remote administrative work; and on‑site coordination meetings with partner agencies within Santa Cruz County 
• Status: Independent contractor; this engagement is project‑based and limited to the Soquel San Jose Road Evacuation Route Project
• Duration: Contract concludes upon completion of this grant‑funded project

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit a resume and letter of interest to with “HFR project manager” in the subject line. 

Note: Professional references will be requested from final candidates during the interview process.

About the Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County

The Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping residents, neighborhoods, and landowners reduce wildfire risk and build long‑term community resilience. Through partnerships with local Firewise communities, fire agencies, land‑management organizations, and volunteers, the Council supports hazardous‑fuel‑reduction projects, home‑hardening education, and wildfire‑preparedness programs across the county.

Our mission is to empower communities with the knowledge, resources, and collaborative support needed to prepare for wildfire, protect lives and property, and create fire‑adapted landscapes. We coordinate grant‑funded projects, community programs, and work closely with partner agencies to advance practical, science‑based wildfire‑resilience strategies throughout Santa Cruz County.

We’re seeking dedicated volunteers to support critical wildfire‑resilience work across Santa Cruz County. Current opportunities include:

• Administrative Support — organizing records, assisting with internal systems
• Bookkeeping Assistance — tracking expenses, supporting financial workflows
• Grant Management Support — research, documentation, reporting
• HIZ Assessors — conducting Home Ignition Zone assessments and helping residents understand mitigation steps
• Firewise Outreach Ambassadors — supporting neighborhood engagement, Firewise education, and community preparedness
• Outreach & Communications — newsletters, social media, contact list curation, tabling at community events, and website management
• Education & Community Engagement — workshops, presentations, Firewise/HIZ program support
• And more! 

Whether you have a few hours a month or want to take on a larger role, your expertise helps us build a safer, more resilient community.

For more information, send us an email at .