Sandhills Stewardship Manager

The Nature Conservancy•Southern Pines, NC

About The Position

The Sandhills Stewardship Manager leads restoration, management, and stewardship of The Nature Conservancy’s nature preserves in North Carolina’s Sandhills, with a focus on longleaf pine ecosystems and building a resilient, connected landscape. The position directs ecological restoration and land management planning, leads the region’s prescribed fire program, oversees conservation easement monitoring, and coordinates collaborative stewardship, fire management, and wildfire response with partners. The manager provides technical leadership, supports conservation planning, and develops and implements strategies to address threats to natural systems and species. The role also builds community and partner support, maintains preserves frequented by the public, and provides stewardship and fire-management expertise to colleagues and external partners. The position supervises staff and seasonal fire crews, oversees contractors, volunteers, and interns, and manages program budgets, equipment, facilities, records, and administrative processes. This is a full-time, exempt position with benefits. The work may occur in variable weather, remote locations, difficult or hazardous terrain, and physically demanding conditions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS), law degree, or business degree and five years of experience in natural resource management or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Three years of supervisory experience.
Must meet one of the following fire qualifications: NWCG RXB2; NWCG ENGB while working toward ICT4 with an open task book; or experienced state-agency burn boss with demonstrated skill working in longleaf pine ecosystems.
Experience working effectively and positively with a diverse range of people.
Ability to work independently with strong problem-solving and organizational skills; coordinate multiple projects, set realistic priorities and deadlines, and work productively without close supervision.
Experience developing, negotiating, and implementing contracts, agreements, and plans.
Experience using common software applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, ArcGIS mobile and desktop products, and web browsers.
Willingness to work long hours, particularly during burn season, and perform physically demanding and sometimes dangerous work, including under adverse conditions.
Valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program; employment is contingent on completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a motor-vehicle-record review.
Successful completion of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.

Nice To Haves

NWCG RxB2 qualification is highly preferred; for applicants not certified, preference is given to candidates closer to certification, such as ENGB or RxB3 working toward ICT4, and those with greater longleaf pine burning experience.
Understanding of forest restoration ecology and techniques.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; effective leadership; ability to work in a team; understanding of conflict resolution; and a positive attitude.
Ability to interpret guidelines, evaluate information, and adapt processes and plans to changing circumstances.
Ability to apply scientific principles and practices to varied assignments and develop creative ideas to improve conservation strategies.
Familiarity with Sandhills plants, animals, and ecosystems.
Experience communicating with the media in writing and verbally.
Ability to explain conservation science and practices clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

Lead restoration and management of TNC preserves in the Sandhills and surrounding areas to support biological diversity, ecosystem function, and resiliency.
Develop and implement preserve restoration and management plans, including restoration priorities, consideration of federally protected and rare species, ecological monitoring, adaptive management, and managed public access.
Lead and oversee all aspects of TNC’s Sandhills fire-management program in coordination with the NC Fire Manager and Southern Coastal Plain Program Director.
Prepare and update burn plans, maintain wildfire response plans, and ensure fire equipment and vehicles are ready for use in accordance with TNC Fire Manual standard operating procedures.
Maintain professional fire qualifications and keep current with stewardship and prescribed-burn techniques and equipment.
Maintain restoration, management, and geospatial databases and data.
Manage budgets, expense coding and approvals, vendor negotiations and contracts, budget development, and fundraising targets; ensure compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
Oversee hunting leases, timber sales, tree and grass planting, invasive-species control, and other stewardship activities as needed.
Monitor conservation easements and work with partners on collaborative fire management, stewardship, and wildfire response.
Build and maintain cooperative relationships with federal, state, and local conservation partners, municipalities, commercial timber producers, private landowners, and the professional and local fire communities.
Provide technical expertise in fire management and stewardship to TNC colleagues and regional partnerships.
Represent TNC in local, state, and national working groups and conservation partnerships; participate in fire suppression activities with partner agencies when applicable.
Provide preserve tours and outreach to landowners, partners, government officials, donors, board members, and the public; participate in public events and interact with media.
Assist with grant proposal development and develop partnerships with academic institutions.
Supervise four full-time staff, including performance management, career development, direction, guidance, and mentorship.
Manage seasonal fire crews, including hiring, onboarding, housing arrangements, daily oversight and work planning, and training opportunities.
Oversee contractors, volunteers, and interns.
Complete administrative duties including credit-card accounting, budgeting, timecard approvals, vehicle and equipment records and maintenance, supplies, burn-boss documentation, and management of the Sandhills office, equipment, fleet, and shop.