Job Title: River Program Manager
Compensation: $56,000–$60,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience
Classification: Exempt
Location: Monticello, Utah (with regular travel to Bluff & San Juan River)
Reports To: Executive Director
Position Type: Year-round, full-time
About Bears Ears Partnership
Bears Ears Partnership (BEP) works to protect and build respect for the cultural and natural landscapes of the greater Bears Ears region. BEP has been an essential local voice for protecting the culturally rich, publicly managed lands of southeast Utah since 2010. BEP accomplishes its mission through five primary focus areas:
- Indigenous Connections: Supporting Indigenous collaborative management through technical expertise, local knowledge, visitation to cultural sites, and advocacy
- Conservation: Carrying out tangible on-the-ground projects to protect resources and improve the visitor experience in a way that blends archaeology with cultural heritage
- Stewardship: Monitoring land uses and visitor impacts to identify and mitigate threats to cultural sites, wilderness values, and natural resources
- Education: Changing visitor behavior by inspiring appreciation and teaching “Visit with Respect” principles, both at the Bears Ears Education Center and out on the landscape
- Research: Enhancing knowledge of cultural and natural resources through documentation, partnerships, fiscal sponsorship, and volunteer support of research projects
Bears Ears Partnership is committed to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in all of our work. We strive to support Indigenous leadership in our work and achieve our mission through collaboration and partnerships.
We believe diversity makes us stronger and we encourage interested candidates who have a strong desire to apply for this position, even if a few of the qualifications or duties may be a challenge for the candidate. Our ideal candidate will be someone who is willing to expand their skills and to develop into an expert on Visit with Respect principles as we grow this program and our organization.
Position Overview
The River Program Manager will lead the coordination and implementation of BEP’s river Education and Conservation programs on the San Juan River. Working with our Education and Conservation teams, this position will lead the overall river program including management of seasonal guides and cross-program river goals. The ideal candidate is an experienced river professional with a strong background in program coordination, seasonal staff management, delivering student & adult education as well as experience or interest in resource management.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Management
- Develop and implement BEP’s River Program strategy.
- Plan, coordinate, and lead river-based fieldwork, education, and monitoring efforts.
- Manage budgets, work plans, and reporting for river-related grants and contracts.
- Supervise seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers engaged in river stewardship and education.
- Oversee the safety and maintenance of river related equipment and materials at the Monticello campus.
Partnerships & Collaboration
- Collaborate with Education and Conservation program leads at BEP on a weekly basis.
- Work with Tribal partners, land management agencies, outfitters, researchers, and local communities to promote river conservation and responsible recreation.
- Represent BEP on river-related coalitions and at partner events.Support Tribal and community-led river projects and initiatives.
Conservation & Stewardship
- Lead BEP’s river conservation program implementation.
- Conduct fieldwork to monitor river health, recreation impacts, and habitat conditions.
- Coordinate with the conservation team on river cleanups, invasive species removal, and restoration projects.
- Ensure safe, low-impact field operations and compliance with all permitting and safety requirements.
Education & Outreach
- Lead BEP’s river education program implementation.
- Help develop and deliver interpretive and stewardship programming on the river for adult & student BEP program participants.
- Work with the Education team in creating river-specific educational materials and contribute to BEP’s communication and outreach efforts.
- Promote best practices for river recreation, including Visit With Respect guidelines and Leave No Trace ethics.
Development and Team Support
- Assist the Development team with donor and fee for service trips on the river.
- Assist in planning staff and board trips on the river as needed.
- Provide pictures and story ideas for BEP’s external communications.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, education, environmental science, recreation management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in river management, conservation, or outdoor education program coordination.
- Demonstrated leadership and field experience on multi-day river expeditions (San Juan River experience preferred).
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and partnership-building skills.
- Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification and valid driver’s license.
Preferred:
- Developing curriculum and delivering outdoor education programming.
- Experience working with Tribal governments or Indigenous communities.
- Familiarity with riparian ecology, water quality monitoring, or restoration practices.
- Swiftwater Rescue certification.
- Program budgeting and reporting experience.
Compensation & Benefits
- $56,000–$60,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience
- Health insurance, paid time off, and retirement benefits.
- Field gear stipend and training opportunities.
- Opportunity for temporary employee housing during work days at/near our Monticello Campus.
How to Apply
Please submit the following materials to
1. Cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience.
2. Resume or CV.
3. Contact information for three professional references.
Applications are due by November 15, 2025.
Bears Ears Partnership follows all state and federal law, as well as organizational policy, designated to safeguard against discrimination on the basis of age, gender, gender identity, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy status, and genetic information.