Preserve Manager - Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers

The Nature Conservancy•Bristow, OK

11d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve Manager provides technical leadership and support to the Oklahoma Business Unity by planning, directing and implementing management programs and stewardship on the 12,000-acre+ Preserve. They address critical threats to natural systems and individual species, foster cross-site learning among an international conservation community, and supplies conservation planning teams with scientific and ecological information relevant to the planning process. They develop and implement conservation strategies and supervise a team of land stewards to conduct habitat restoration and management on the Preserve, using tools such as lease grazing, prescribed fire, facilities/equipment maintenance, citizen science projects, research, and invasive species management. They maintain preserve areas frequented by the visiting public. The Preserve Manager builds community support and relationships with neighbors, partners and a volunteer base to effectively communicate The Nature Conservancy's conservation messages and promote its conservation and community/outreach-involvement efforts. They also network with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, tribal entities, government entities, donors, board members, underserved communities, and the general public to recruit support for and publicize TNC priorities and events for the preserve. They collaborate with staff to acquire legal interest in land and implement a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities, including grant writing and management. They lead the implementation of each phase of the vision plan for the Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve, which includes facilities construction, recreation planning and coordination, event/tour planning and implementation, and public use access planning. This position reports to the Director of Conservation and works collaboratively with other TNC teams, external partners, and landowners. · Leads and manages professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development. · Gain cooperation from outside parties, including the state, federal, tribal and county partners, neighbors, rural fire departments, lease and rights of way operators, and contractors to accomplish program goals. · Financial responsibility includes creating and managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and meeting fundraising targets. · Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements. · Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context. · May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

Requirements

BA/BS and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience negotiating complex agreements and managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
Knowledge of land management conservation practice and conservation science.
Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Avenza Maps, Field Maps, ArcMap, Outlook, MS Teams, Zoom, and Web Browsers.
Experience with principles of land acquisition.
Must serve on the Oklahoma Business Unit’s fire crew and be a Qualified RXCM (Prescribed Fire Crew Member) or the ability to achieve within 6 months.
Must be willing to attain NWCG Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1/Squad Boss) within 2 years, and/or equivalent experience.
Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by the local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
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.

Nice To Haves

MA/MS, natural resources, ecological restoration, environmental science or similar degree and 7 years of experience.
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated, including experience working with tribal partners, underserved communities and/or the accessibility community.
Experience interfacing with the public for nature-based outreach, education and recreation purposes.
Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.
Completing tasks independently with respect to timelines.
Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
NWCG Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1/Squad Boss) qualified, including coursework, physical fitness, and experience requirements.
Firearm possession and use for euthanasia and for the management of certain animal species to attain conservation goals.

Responsibilities

Planning, directing and implementing management programs and stewardship on the Preserve.
Addressing critical threats to natural systems and individual species.
Fostering cross-site learning among an international conservation community.
Supplying conservation planning teams with scientific and ecological information relevant to the planning process.
Developing and implementing conservation strategies.
Supervising a team of land stewards to conduct habitat restoration and management on the Preserve.
Maintaining preserve areas frequented by the visiting public.
Building community support and relationships with neighbors, partners and a volunteer base.
Networking with diverse groups to recruit support for and publicize TNC priorities and events for the preserve.
Collaborating with staff to acquire legal interest in land and implement strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities.
Leading the implementation of each phase of the vision plan for the Preserve.
Leads and manages professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.
Gaining cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
Creating and managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and meeting fundraising targets.
Ensuring program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
Making independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
Working in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.