Stewardship Coordinator, Southern CA

The Nature Conservancy•San Diego, CA

2d•$70,304 - $72,575•Hybrid

About The Position

The Stewardship Coordinator supports the Conservancy’s strategic goals by performing stewardship operations on protected wildlands located in southern California. The primary focus of this role is coordination and implementation of land maintenance and ecological management activities on dispersed properties throughout southern California that are composed of a mix of habitat types, such as chaparral, coastal sage scrub, oak woodland and grasslands. The Stewardship Coordinator monitors ecological integrity of conservation areas, assists in invasive species management, manages preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, maintains monitoring tools and equipment, reviews spatial imagery of properties, and manages GIS, photo and audio data, as needed. The Stewardship Coordinator manages external contractors, and conducts ecological management, compliance monitoring and reporting, and develops and implements grant applications. The Stewardship Coordinator also works closely with the project team to support land acquisitions of properties and contributes to conservation planning goals. The Stewardship Coordinator functions will require work in an office 80% of the time and 20% time in the field. This position's home office must be based in this roughly 50-mile area: the greater Escondido, Poway, Fallbrook, Rainbow, Temecula, and Murrieta area. (Could be visualized as the Interstate 15 corridor between Murrieta to the north and Poway to the south.)

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience in natural resource management or similar field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Experience working on the ground in natural systems.
Experience in ecological land management principles.
Experience working independently and in a team environment.
Experience completing tasks independently in remote locations and with respect to timeline(s).
Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
Experience communicating and working with diverse communities.
Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
A valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Nice To Haves

Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Experience building and maintaining relationships to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., government employees and local non-profit and land trust staff
Experience operating and/or repairing various types of field equipment and tools.
Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
Knowledge of or interest in learning to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
Experience managing volunteers.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.

Responsibilities

Ecological monitoring and management of conservation lands
Property maintenance (e.g., monitor and abate trespass and dumping; install and maintain fences, gates, locks, and trails)
Coordination of site visits and volunteer events with project partners, researchers, and the public
Contractor management: oversight, access, coordination, payments, budget management
No supervisory responsibilities, but may lead or monitor volunteer work groups
Administrative and financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
Serves as point of contact with community members, particularly neighboring property owners
Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
Participating in tours and events with supporters to provide local expertise
Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.