Preserve Manager/Land Steward

The Preserve Manager/Land Steward develops, manages, and advances conservation programs, plans and methods for preserves, conservation easements, and other land holdings in Southwest Montana. 
 

The Nature Conservancy Preserve Manager/Land Steward is responsible for stewarding the Centennial Sandhills Preserve and conservation easements across Southwest Montana, supervising multiple crews of seasonal staff, and working collaboratively with landowners and agencies to advance conservation on private and public lands. Activities include conservation easement stewardship, weed management and monitoring, stream and watershed restoration projects, grazing management using electric fences, and prescribed burning. Facilities and equipment maintenance require basic carpentry, mechanical, plumbing, and electric skills.  Position offers an exciting opportunity to deliver measurable conservation with a dynamic team of public and private partners.    
 

• Supervising seasonal stewardship staff, work crews, and volunteers.
• Ensures high level of safety among crews using 4x4s, ATVs, chainsaws, herbicide, and working around water.
• Resolves routine issues independently.
• Makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment.
• Develops resolution plans with supervisor for unusual or complex issues.

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years experience in natural resource management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing staff.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Must have valid driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• M.S. or B.S. degree in a natural resources curriculum, knowledge of natural systems, experience applying ecological land management principles in adaptive management framework.
• Strong leadership skills and proven supervisory experience.
• Proven experience managing facilities and equipment including basic carpentry, mechanical, plumbing, and electric skills.
• Experience performing physical work, facilities maintenance, electric fences, and equipment maintenance.
• Fire qualifications for prescribed burning, experience with chainsaws and water pumps.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with herbicide calibration, application, and safety.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS highly preferred.
• Ability to collect and report scientific data through detailed notes and careful data management.
• Ability to use of GPS and interface with PC to store and organize data.
• Experience in training and curriculum design.
• Willingness to work with and learn from people with different backgrounds and perspectives.
• Ability to work in isolated locations under sometimes adverse outdoor situations.
• Ability to work cooperatively with a number of staff and external parties, sometimes under pressure, in order to complete project work and goals in a timely manner.
• Formulate ideas and communicate clearly with others, both orally and in written form.
• Experience working in rural communities is highly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

• The position will work in variable weather conditions, in remote location, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• These conditions require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain with an ability to repeatedly lift 100 pounds.
• These conditions present frequent possibility of injury.
• These conditions require long hours in isolated settings.

• Preserve Manager must live at the Sandhills Preserve (tax-free housing provided) during field season (May-October) and would have to find their own housing the remainder of the year.

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 42826, 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 February 22, 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.