Western Maryland Land Manager

The Nature Conservancy•GEO / Remote - Maryland, MD

2d•$57,035 - $63,410•Hybrid

About The Position

The Western Maryland Land Manager (WMLM) provides support to the Maryland/DC chapter by helping to plan and execute land management activities on TNC preserves and on partner lands, primarily in western Maryland, to advance TNC’s 2030 conservation goals. This will be a 2-year term limited position. This is a hybrid position with an expectation of multiple in-person days per week across Western Maryland. Frequent travel in the region is expected. Reporting to the Forest Restoration Scientist, the main responsibilities of the WMLM are supporting ecological management on and off TNC preserves and leading preserve custodial management for 14 preserves in western Maryland. They support land management activities including preparing fire lines, prescribed fire operations, mop-up, pre- and post-burn monitoring, and other tasks as assigned. The WMLM collaborates with the Land Management and Stewardship Team to ensure the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, including trail maintenance, mowing, tree removal, invasive species control (including pesticide application), maintain equipment, posting boundary signs, and maintaining neighbor relationships. They shall work to build and maintain positive relationships with partners, local communities where the Conservancy works, and monitor preserves and conservation easements. This role also supports the advancement of TNC's Northeast Division Conservation Portfolio.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 3 years experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience managing staff or volunteers.
Relationship-building experience in working closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, and internal scientists.
Experience completing tasks independently concerning timeline(s).
Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
Experience in training.
Valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Ability to pass wildland firefighter Pack Test (arduous level).
Experience operating equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, two-way radio).
3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
Qualification as a FFT 2 (Firefighter Type 2), and experience participating in prescribed fires or wildfires.
Ability to identify eastern US native and invasive plants.
Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.
Experience or training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with the ability to design and produce field maps supporting land management operations and monitoring.
Ability and willingness to obtain Remote Pilot Certification under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 rules.

Nice To Haves

Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Responsibilities

Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
May supervise contractors, seasonal crews, volunteers, or students doing burn unit preparation including fire lines, invasives control, and road/trail work to enable maintenance.
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.
Supporting ecological management on and off TNC preserves.
Leading preserve custodial management for 14 preserves in western Maryland.
Supporting land management activities including preparing fire lines, prescribed fire operations, mop-up, pre- and post-burn monitoring, and other tasks as assigned.
Collaborating with the Land Management and Stewardship Team to ensure the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, including trail maintenance, mowing, tree removal, invasive species control (including pesticide application), maintain equipment, posting boundary signs, and maintaining neighbor relationships.
Working to build and maintain positive relationships with partners, local communities where the Conservancy works, and monitor preserves and conservation easements.
Supporting the advancement of TNC's Northeast Division Conservation Portfolio.