Employment Opportunities

Colorado River Wildfire Collaborative, a program of the Middle Colorado Watershed Council, seeks Program Manager

Applications accepted through April 10, 2026

Background

The Colorado River Wildfire Collaborative (CRWC), a program of the Middle Colorado Watershed Council (MCWC), was established in 2021 in western Garfield County. The MCWC is currently in the pre-award phase of a Forest Restoration & Wildfire Risk Mitigation grant award that will provide three years of capacity funding for the newly established Colorado River Wildfire Collaborative Program Manager role. Resources:

Program Manager – Job Description

The Program Manager will coordinate and lead wildfire mitigation, woody biomass repurposing, grantwriting and fundraising, outreach and collaborative efforts across the middle Colorado River watershed region. This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to work with diverse partners and stakeholders, and a commitment to advancing community wildfire resilience in the Colorado River Valley.

Key Responsibilities

Outreach & Education

Administrate and lead the Colorado River Wildfire Collaborative
Identify future funding paths and influence regional policy
Develop and deliver community outreach programs on wildfire preparedness
Provide info and presentations to HOAs, municipalities and other local groups to organize cooperative actions
Organize and host community trainings and educational events
Conduct defensible space (D-space) assessments following completion of the ASIP course

Community Fire Adaptation & Vegetation Management Implementation

Support the development of Firewise USA® communities
Guide neighborhoods and subdivisions in adopting fire-adapted community practices
Facilitate homeowner participation in defensible space and mitigation programs, including cost-share programs
Provide assistance to private landowners implementing defensible space projects.
Develop cost-share opportunities through grants and partnerships
Support project implementation using established contractor and utilization company networks
Coordinate and manage community chipper days, either as roaming events in priority neighborhoods or at designated drop sites

Funding & Grant Management

Research, write and submit grant applications in support of Colorado River Wildfire Collaborative projects and priorities
Manage and distribute acquired funds (grants, donations and other sources) to support mitigation efforts
Manage CRWC’s role in serving as the fiscal agent for large-scale vegetation management projects with subdivisions, HOAs, etc.
Track and report on FRWRM grant deliverables.

Contractor & Utilization Coordination

Develop and maintain a list of local contractors to support homeowners and organizations with mitigation efforts
Build and share a directory of wood utilization companies
Coordinate with contractors and partners to support implementation of vegetation management projects

Collaborative Project Workflow

The Program Manager will support and help coordinate the following workflow for projects prioritized by the Colorado River Wildfire Collaborative:

Community Outreach & Education – Lead: CRWC Program Manager; Support: Partner organizations
Project Development – Lead: Partner organizations (e.g., CRFR, CSFS); Support: CRWC
Funding Development & Grant Applications – Lead: CRWC; Support: Partner organizations
Fiscal Agent – MCWC (CRWC), county or partner organizations
Scope of Work Development – Lead: Partner organizations; Support: CRWC
Contracting – CRWC and partner organizations
Contract Administration – CRWC and Partner organizations, with input from grant funder

Qualifications & Skills

Experience in community engagement, outreach and/or education.
Strong grantwriting, fundraising and budget management skills
Knowledge of wildfire mitigation, defensible space and forest/vegetation management practices is preferred
Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including landowners, HOAs, nonprofits and government agencies
Strong organizational and project management abilities
Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting
Valid Colorado driver's license and ability to travel for business purposes. Qualified mileage is reimbursed per current IRS rates.
Bilingual verbal and written English and Spanish is a plus
Past nonprofit administration, public policy and/or natural resources experience is a plus
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and perform physical tasks as required

Location and Work Environment

The Program Manager will work remotely, onsite at project/meeting locations, and at River Stop at 200 Lion’s Park Circle in Rifle, Colorado. This role will demand a combination of desk work, meetings and fieldwork. Working hours will sometimes include weekends and evenings.

Term and Compensation

The CRWC Program Manager is a full-time salaried employee position ineligible for overtime. Compensation is $80,000 annually, with up to a $400 monthly stipend toward the premium associated with a qualified health insurance plan. MCWC offers 18 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year and nine paid holidays. The Program Manager reports to the Executive Director. Employment could begin as soon as April 1, 2026. The first 90 days of employment are a trial period.

Application Instructions

Please send the following materials by email to admin@midcowatershed.org. Package all application materials into one single PDF. Format the email subject line as follows: Program Manager – [Your Last Name].

Resume and cover Letter describing your experience as it relates to the position, your interest in working for the Middle Colorado Watershed Council/Colorado River Wildfire Collaborative, and how you believe your knowledge, skills and professional attributes will make you successful in the position. Please indicate in your cover letter how you found out about the Program Manager role.
Three professional references, including reference name, title, contact information and a brief explanation of your relationship.
Optional: You may include one highly related work product that showcases an example of your skill sets and experience as it relates to this position. It may be sent as a separate attachment or link.

Interview Process:

Candidates who proceed beyond the initial application screening will be offered a preliminary informal interview (held via online video conferencing) with a small team of CRWC stakeholders.
Candidates who proceed beyond the preliminary interview will be offered an in-person interview with a small team of CRWC stakeholders.

Download the CRWC Program Manager job description here.

Volunteers and Board Members

We are interested in strategic partnerships and in like-minded individuals to join our Board and Committees. Volunteering is a great way to get involved in supporting the health of your watershed and the numerous aspects of life it sustains. Please contact us at info@midcowatershed.org or visit Get Involved to get in touch or to sign up for our e-newsletter.