Preserve Manager - Hot Springs, SD

The Nature Conservancy•Hot Springs, SD

7d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Preserve Manager, you will provide day-to-day project management, leadership, and implementation of conservation projects within and around the southern Black Hills conservation area and develop projects in coordination with internal and external partners. You will address critical threats to natural systems and individual species, foster cross-site learning among the conservation community and local landowners, and supply conservation planning teams with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning process. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing and/or implementing conservation strategies around climate adaptation, fuels reduction, grazing management, and also employ a full range of tools to secure public and private support for TNC’s priorities. You will also contribute to building relationships with local Indigenous communities and Tribal Nations, and partner together for projects and events. Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context. Supervise interns and contractors, and may also supervise technical, administrative, and professional TNC staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development. Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements. Develops, implements, and delivers local programs/projects that align with TNC’s mission and goals. Negotiates/writes agreements and leases and handles compliance issues in cooperation with other staff. Develops and manages budget, negotiating, and contracting with vendors, and supporting fundraising and donor stewardship efforts. Performs ecological management tasks such as biological monitoring, invasive species control, grazing and fire management. Travels to other sites to provide stewardship of other properties, assist other programs, and for trainings or meetings as needed. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and uneven terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. In order to effectively conduct the essential functions of the position, the Preserve Manager is expected to live within a reasonable distance from the Whitney Preserve, near Hot Springs, SD, as agreed upon with the supervisor, so that the Preserve Manager is able to respond to urgent and routine issues and events on the preserve including but not limited to security, equipment failures, and visitors. Housing for the Manager and immediate family is available for lease on the Whitney Preserve.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience managing or leading staff, volunteers, interns, or other teams.
Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment and facilities (ie. tractor, skid steer, chainsaw, small engines, pumps, trucks, ATVs, lawn mower, etc.).
Experience maintaining infrastructure such as corrals, fence, and buildings.
Must be qualified as or able to meet qualifications of a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) and work toward qualifications as needed to implement fire strategies as developed.
Valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Ability to pass annual fitness test (carrying a 45-pound pack over 3 miles of level terrain in 45 minutes or less).
Ability to obtain required licenses or certifications, such as first aid, CPR, herbicide application, and driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Cross cultural experience appreciated.
Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
Familiarity with principles of land acquisition or similar asset acquisition.
Knowledge of ecological land management principles/restoration principles, including range management, wildlife management, invasive species ecology, livestock husbandry, and fire management.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
Experience negotiating agreements.
Experience with Fire/Fuels Reduction and managing woody encroachment.
Knowledge of flora and fauna of the Northern Great Plains and Black Hills.
Experience with GPS and GIS and data management.
Ability to think creatively about how to leverage resources.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day project management, leadership, and implementation of conservation projects.
Develop projects in coordination with internal and external partners.
Address critical threats to natural systems and individual species.
Foster cross-site learning among the conservation community and local landowners.
Supply conservation planning teams with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning process.
Develop and/or implement conservation strategies around climate adaptation, fuels reduction, and grazing management.
Employ a full range of tools to secure public and private support for TNC’s priorities.
Contribute to building relationships with local Indigenous communities and Tribal Nations, and partner together for projects and events.
Perform tasks with minimal supervision and make independent decisions.
Supervise interns and contractors, and may also supervise technical, administrative, and professional TNC staff.
Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
Develop, implement, and deliver local programs/projects that align with TNC’s mission and goals.
Negotiate/write agreements and leases and handle compliance issues.
Develop and manage budget, negotiate and contract with vendors.
Support fundraising and donor stewardship efforts.
Perform ecological management tasks such as biological monitoring, invasive species control, grazing and fire management.
Travel to other sites to provide stewardship of other properties, assist other programs, and for trainings or meetings as needed.
Respond to urgent and routine issues and events on the preserve including but not limited to security, equipment failures, and visitors.