The Preserve Stewardship Manager (PSM) is responsible for the stewardship, land management and administration of lands owned in fee simple by the Land Trust.
The PSM leads the day-to-day land management functions at the organization,
including: ecological habitat maintenance and restoration; scientific research program; management plan development and implementation; volunteer and community outreach; and environmental education. The PSM also works as part of a team to develop new fee-simple conservation projects and uphold the Land Trust’s stewardship obligations for land management.
The Preserve Stewardship Manager reports to the Executive Director; works closely with the Lands Project Manager and Executive Director; and is the staff liaison for the individual Preserve Committees, caretakers and the Science Advisory Committee. The PSM also manages independent contractors, as needed for habitat restoration and maintenance work, volunteers and seasonal interns.
Primary Responsibilities:
Implement and manage all details of appropriate ecological management projects on 6,700 acres owned by the Land Trust, including the use of prescribed burns, invasive species removal, trail maintenance and installation, public access, environmental education, facility maintenance, etc.
Create, update and implement science-based management plans on preserves and fee simple properties, with support from the Science Advisory Committee and Preserve Committees.
Recruit, train and supervise volunteers for stewardship and preserve management committees. Build and maintain positive relationships with property neighbors, donors, and long-term volunteers through communications and events.
Develop a mapping program to document and monitor existing uses on the preserves and fee simple properties, including trail systems, public use, and invasive, threatened or endangered populations.
Research, and apply for, foundation grants applicable to restoration ecology and land management, with assistance from the Development staff or independent grant writers.
Prepare Property Analysis Records and advise board and staff on possible fee simple land purchases and acquisitions.
Solicit, review and supervise scientific research proposals on preserve and fee simple lands including that conducted by students, professors, or contractors.
Assist Development staff to develop marketing, outreach, environmental education, and public use materials for the preserves and fee simple lands.
Respond to general administrative duties, such as creating and administering preserve budgets, approving expenditures, responding to inquiries, and attending staff meetings.
Position Details:
Physical Demands: Lift and maneuver materials and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
Access remote areas of the preserve and fee simple lands sometimes involving strenuous terrain, off trail or traversing dense vegetation.
Work Environment: In addition to work within an office environment, this position requires work outside in various weather conditions and exposure to natural elements (e.g. poison oak, ticks, etc.).
Desired Qualifications:
1. College or advanced degree in natural resources, restoration ecology, environmental or biological sciences and 3 years demonstrated, successful work experience in field.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of restoration ecology and protected land management techniques.
3. Outstanding people skills and an ability to work with a variety of constituents, including donors, volunteers, researchers, caretakers, contractors and outdoor recreationalists. We strive to maintain strong relationships with our constituencies, but must be prepared to make difficult decisions to uphold our organizational stewardship goals.
4. Strong project management, communication, and record-keeping skills, including ability to write and communicate verbally.
5. Excellent skills managing and training volunteer groups and leading these groups to success.
6. Demonstrated proficiency with map orientation and interpretation, GIS mapping, GPS and field marking and associated software applications.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of natural history (specifically natural communities) of northern California, or a strong willingness and ability to learn.
8. Willingness to attend evening and weekend meetings with volunteers.
9. Ability to work independently and collaboratively, under general supervision of the Executive Director and cooperatively with the Lands Project Manager.
10. Excellent attention to detail. Ability to organize and archive important files and documentation.
Salary & Benefits:
Salary commensurate with experience. Full benefits for employee; retirement plan.
Send letter and resume to: lena@napalandtrust.org. No phone calls please.