Conservation Manager

The Conservation Manager provides strategic vision and leadership for the Conservancy’s conservation programs primarily in central Idaho and similar conservation initiatives as may become priorities. S/he establishes priority landscape-scale land and water conservation goals in the central Idaho region, with a special emphasis on the Upper Salmon and the Southern Pioneers.  The Conservation Manager develops strategies and uses the full range of conservation tools to achieve priority goals, including strategic partnerships, land acquisitions, community collaboratives and land stewardship projects. S/he will develop strong working relationships with private landowners, business and community leaders, elected officials, community organizations, land trusts and public agencies to implement and finance these efforts. The Conservation Manager leads and is a team member of project teams empowered to achieve conservation initiatives throughout Idaho.  S/he works with staff, trustees, and partners to generate financial support for the Conservancy’s programs.

In addition the Conservation Manager has one or more of the following functions:

• Works closely with science and stewardship staff to plan and implement land management programs, restoration projects and science initiatives within the central Idaho region
• Addresses critical threats to natural systems and individual species
• Fosters cross-site learning among the conservation community
• Works with TNC’s government relations team, other staff and partners to affect policy outcomes at the local, state and national level
• Implements a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities, with a special emphasis on public and private grant writing
• Builds and coordinates community support for conservation projects
• Manages projects of high complexity, often simultaneously, engaging internal and external teams

• BA/BS, law or business degree and a minimum of 5 years experience in natural resource management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience negotiating complex multiparty agreements.
• Experience leading teams to achieve specific outcomes. 
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, Web browsers, etc.
• Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Experience writing, managing and reporting on public and private grants.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS, law or business degree and at least 5-7 years experience in natural resource management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to make sound decisions on legal, financial, conservation and reporting issues    
• Knowledge of land management conservation practice and conservation science
• Experience explaining conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities
• Ability to communicate and work closely with scientists
• Working with media and influential officials, especially governmental, to improve Conservancy programs’ outcomes and policy
• Knowledge of politics and society with respect to environmental affairs
• Familiarity with principles of land acquisition
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles
• Knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and rangeland management is desirable
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, agriculture, ranching, land management, and natural resource preservation
• Demonstrated experience communicating effectively with the public and/or media
• Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s)
• Managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers, GIS). 
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

The Conservation Manager may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions:

• May require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain
• Present possibility of injury
• Require long hours in isolated settings

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
 

To apply to position number 42597, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 2, 2015.

Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer