| Description |
| | | | ABOUT US | | | The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. | | | ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | | | The Glaciated Plains Land Steward (Land Steward) is primarily responsible for management of the 60,000-acre Matador Ranch and implementation of the Matador Ranch Grassbank, which yearly influences conservation over 220,000 acres. This position requires frequent interaction with grassbank members, landowners, partners, donors, and staff, and the Land Steward must be able to maintain positive relationships in a rural setting. Responsibilities include the ability to complete complex land management planning and implementation, maintain and strengthen a highly successful grassbank, and complete or support annual monitoring or research. The Land Steward will also be responsible for implementing or supervising all aspects of property management, with a heavy emphasis on ranching operations, such as fence repair or construction, irrigation, maintenance of wells and pipelines, and maintenance of buildings and equipment. The Land Steward supervises the Matador Ranch Hand, seasonal staff, and volunteers. Residing on-site is a requirement of the position and housing is provided.
• Implement existing management and develop new approaches for ecological management of the Matador Ranch that incorporates grazing management strategies, prescribed burning, wildlife management for rare and declining species, and a hunting program that meets ecological and community goals. Develop, implement, and monitor annual grazing plans.
• Manage all aspects of an established grassbank that annually provides conservation returns on over 220,000 acres. Maintain positive working relationships with grassbank members and potential members, conduct regular meetings with members, complete yearly monitoring and documentation of grassbank discounts, and manage all financial and conservation components of grassbank.
• Maintain constructive, positive relationships with staff, neighbors, and partners. Serve with the Northern Montana Prairies Program Manager as the main points of contact about the Conservancy in the local community. Work as part of the Chapter’s larger grasslands conservation team and participate in state-level science and stewardship efforts. Provide written materials for Conservancy and community publications.
• Complete all aspects of ranch management required for the Matador Ranch, including fence repair and removal, irrigation and maintenance of irrigation systems, invasive species management, and maintenance of ranching-associated facilities.
• Working with the Director of Science, complete all aspects of research and monitoring on the Matador Ranch, including collection, analysis, and reporting of data and working with contractors or volunteers to complete these activities.
• Supervise the Matador Ranch Hand, 1-2 seasonal staff and volunteers working on land management activities.
• Develop and implement annual leases related to grazing, haying, and buildings. Maintain detailed records documenting activity and complete bills for each.
• Ensure that all facilities, equipment and vehicles are maintained. Work with the Northern Montana Prairies Program Manager to ensure that guest facilities are in good condition.
• Complete all aspects of administration, including development of budgets and ensuring that invoices and expenses are properly managed.
• Provide support as needed for guests of the Matador Ranch, including assisting fundraising activities by providing information on the activities of the Matador Ranch and grassbank.
• Support other stewardship activities within the grasslands of Montana as needed. | | | BASIC QUALIFICATIONS | | | • BS degree and 5 years experience in natural resource management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• 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 | | | ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION | | | WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
The Land Steward will work in variable weather conditions that will exceed cold temperatures of 20 degrees below zero and heat of over 100 degrees. This position is based in a very remote location, with the nearest services 40 miles from the property and nearest large town approximately 100 miles. Work is occasionally conducted on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions may:
• require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain
• present frequent possibility of injury
• require long hours in isolated settings | | | BENEFITS | | | The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond |
|
