Careers
Friends of the Yampa is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.
Employment opportunities
Environmental Program Manager
Full-Time | Exempt | Salaried (40 hours/week)
Read full job description here.
Position Overview
Friends of the Yampa (FOTY) is seeking an Environmental Program Manager to lead science-based watershed initiatives, river health monitoring, community engagement, and the day-to-day management of the Yampa River Fund (YRF) across the Yampa River Basin.
This position is central to advancing FOTY’s environmental mission, with a primary focus on long-term river health monitoring, collaborative conservation, and public engagement around water and watershed issues. In addition, this role ensures that the Yampa River Fund’s grantmaking, board and steering committee facilitation, partnerships, and conservation investments are strategically aligned with basin-wide science and successfully performed each year.
Working closely with the Environmental Program Director, partners, YRF board and committees and community stakeholders, this role connects environmental data to on-the-ground action. The Environmental Program Manager is a collaborative, solutions-oriented professional who can translate science for diverse audiences, manage complex programs, and represent Friends of the Yampa and the Yampa River Fund in basin-wide water conversations.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in environmental science, natural resources, watershed science, conservation, or a related field
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience preferred
• Experience with river health monitoring, field data collection, and environmental analysis
• Ability to translate scientific information for community and stakeholder audiences
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects, budgets, and contractors.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to collaborate with, listen to, and empathize with diverse stakeholder groups
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365
• Comfortable learning and using new software and data tools
Preferred Qualifications
• Knowledge of Western water issues and river health concepts
• Familiarity with Yampa Valley geography and in-basin water concerns
• Experience with collaborative conservation, nonprofit organizations, or grant programs
• Grant writing or grant administration experience
• Event planning, outreach, or facilitation experience
• Some experience with GIS (ESRI or similar)
• Familiarity with river recreation issues and terminology
Work Environment & Conditions
• Reports to the Environmental Program Director
• Combination of remote work, in-person, and outdoor fieldwork
• Employee must be based in the Yampa River Basin
• Occasional evening or weekend work required for meetings, field activities, and events
• Fieldwork may involve variable weather, uneven terrain, and physically demanding conditions
Pay & Benefits
This is an exempt position and will be salaried. The starting annual pay range is $60,000-$75,000, commensurate with experience. Work hours will average 40 hours per week over the year; schedule will be determined with Environmental Program Director.
Benefits include a monthly health stipend, cell phone reimbursement, active health stipend, 80 hours starting accrued paid time off, 9 paid holidays, 1 paid flex holiday, 48 hours sick time, paid time off for days between Christmas and New Years Day, FMLA plan, flex time, and other perks.
How to apply: Applications are due May 10, 2026. Please send cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to emily@friendsoftheyampa.com. Email any questions.
Contract opportunities
There are no contract opportunities at this moment.