Position Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Reserve Operations & Land Stewardship: 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.
• Facilities & Infrastructure Management: Direct maintenance and improvement of reserve facilities, utilities, roads, communication infrastructure, and tenant agreements (including tower operations), ensuring operational continuity and emergency responsiveness.
• Environmental Compliance & Risk Management: Interpret and apply environmental regulations, land use agreements, and university policies to ensure compliance across reserve activities and external collaborations.
• External Partnership Coordination: Represent SDSU in regional conservation and land management initiatives, including wildlife corridor efforts and co-stewardship models with tribal partners.
• Program Budget & Resource Planning: Assist with budget monitoring, infrastructure planning, and long-range operational forecasting to support reserve sustainability and capital needs.
• Research & User Support: 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.

Why Join Us?

• Lead Conservation Strategy: Shape the long-term stewardship and operational direction of ecologically significant research reserves.
• Work at the Science–Policy Interface: Collaborate with tribal governments, public agencies, conservation organizations, and university leadership on land management initiatives with regional impact.
• Drive Operational Excellence: Manage complex infrastructure, budget, and partnership responsibilities within a mission-driven academic program.
• Advance Research & Education: Support hands-on scientific research and experiential learning in native California ecosystems.
• High-Impact Role: Influence strategic decisions that affect conservation outcomes, academic programming, and long-term institutional partnerships.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position. 
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. 
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs. This position requires the ability and willingness to work outside of normal business hours as needed to address emergencies or urgent operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work at the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve in Temecula, CA.

Department Summary

The College of Sciences consists of eight departments (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geological Sciences, Math and Statistics, Physics, and Psychology) and about 170 full-time faculty members. The College operates a number of major off-campus instructional and research centers which include the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve, Sky Oaks Field Station, Mount Laguna Observatory, and Coastal and Marine Institute.

The SDSU Field Station Programs (FSP) is a university-wide resource that supports academic programs by providing opportunities for teaching and research that deal with native California ecosystems and natural landscapes. The primary mission of the FSP is to manage land for research, education and the preservation of native habitat and biodiversity. The management and oversight of Sky Oaks Field Station (SOFS), Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (SMER), and Fortuna Mountain Research Reserve for research and university programs is the core function of the Program. Program staff and affiliated faculty represent SDSU in the larger field oriented scientific community, including collaborations with the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, UCSD’s HPWREN, and field stations nationwide. The Program works cooperatively with public and private organizations on projects of mutual interest, and in general promotes the university in the region, nationally, and internationally. The FSP manages lands owned by SDSU, the SDSU Research Foundation, the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the Riverside Metropolitan Water District (MWD). SMER borders on urban areas (Temecula, Fallbrook) and tribal lands (Pechanga). SMER and SOFS are ancestral lands of several tribal groups.

For more information regarding the College of Sciences, click here.

Education and Experience

Entry to this classification requires general knowledge and skills in the applicable administrative and/or program field with a foundational knowledge of public administration principles, practices, and methods. This foundation would normally be obtained through a bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training and administrative work experience involving study, analysis, and/or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of administrative policies, procedures, practices, or programs.

Key Qualifications

• 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.
• 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

Licenses and Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30  days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 10 ($7,627) for highly qualified candidates.
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,382 – $9,297 per month (Step 1 – Step 20).
• Future increases

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• 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.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by March 26, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Taylor Smith at tjaress@sdsu.edu.