Mad Island Marsh Preserve Manager

The Mad Island Marsh Preserve Manager is responsible for planning, directing and implementing a comprehensive stewardship program on the 7,063 acre Mad Island Marsh Preserve near Collegeport, TX. This includes management of wetlands and native coastal prairie, maintenance and management of preserve facilities and equipment; overseeing compatible farming and grazing operations with lessee’s to meet conservation strategies; planning and implementing habitat restoration, management, & enhancement;  supervise preserve technician and volunteer work crews, seasonal staff and interns; coordinating visits and providing hospitality for visitors and overnight guests, and, cultivating partnerships with the local community, private landowners, public agencies, and industry partners.  Writes burn plans and creates maps.  Ability to secure and maintain Fire Fighter certification – The Nature Conservancy has adopted the Work Capacity Test (WCT) as the method for assessing fitness for fire qualification.  The WCT for an arduous fitness level consists of completing a three-mile hike within 45 minutes while carrying a forty-five pound pack.  The person selected for this position is required to pass the arduous WCT within 30 days of starting employment.  Additional duties include one or more of the following functions:

• Performs or oversees administrative, financial, and personnel matters for the preserve, including working with energy and utility leases, contractors, and TNC legal staff on legal issues related to the preserve, and making timely payments of preserve bills
• Furthers the Conservancy’s strategic goals
• Coordinates community support for preserve
• Develops and implements preserve management plans (ie., rotational grazing plans, wetland management plans, Rx fire planning, habitat restoration, exotic species control) and participates in biological monitoring and research.
• Maintains preserve infrastructure including lodging areas frequented by preserve visitors, shop, office, education building, pavillion, and boardwalks
• Maintains tools, equipment, fences, roads, drainage ditches, and canal structures
• Operates heavy machinery (tractors and implements, backhoe)

• BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 1 year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Experience with natural systems.
• Experience in ecological land management principles.
• Experience supervising staff.
• Experience performing physical work.