Sandhills Stewardship Manager

The Nature Conservancy · Southern Pines · $66,000–$73,000 (stated in the posting)

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What We Can Achieve Together:

The Sandhills Stewardship Manager develops, manages and advances conservation programs, plans and methods for large-scale geographic areas. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Sandhills Stewardship Manager (Conservation Practitioner VI) provides technical leadership and support to a business unit or Division by planning, directing and implementing preserve management programs and stewardship.  They address critical threats to natural systems and individual species, fosters cross-site learning among an international conservation community, and supplies conservation planning teams (formerly called “eco regional” planning teams) with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning process. They develop and implement conservation strategies, employ a full range of protection tools to acquire varying degrees of legal interest in land and implements a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities.  They coordinate community support and maintain preserve areas frequented by the visiting public.

This position has three major focal areas:

1) Leading the restoration, management and stewardship of longleaf pine ecosystems in the Sandhills to help meet the organization’s goal of creating resilient and connected landscape. 

2) Leading the Sandhills fire management program, including planning, implementing, maintaining, and evaluating all aspects of the program to enable the safe and long-term management of natural communities in the region.

3) Managing direct reports and fostering partner relationships.  Interacting with staff, colleagues, and partners in a way that fosters information sharing and learning, collaboration that leads to positive and strategic conservation actions, and leveraging of resources to increase the impact and influence of the Sandhills stewardship and fire management programs within the region.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

The Sandhills Stewardship Manager is responsible for the restoration and management of TNC’s network of nature preserves located in the Sandhills of North Carolina. They lead the development and implementation of ecological restoration and land management plans for TNC preserves, TNC’s prescribed fire program in the Sandhills, and oversee conservation easement monitoring. They work closely with partners in planning for collaborative fire management and stewardship efforts and wildfire responses.

The Sandhills Stewardship Manager works closely with the Southern Coastal Plain Program Director and the NC Fire Manager. The position supervises the Sandhills Conservation Coordinator, a limited term full-time Sandhills Land Steward, and two limited term full-time Fire Crew Managers, and seasonal fire crew members. The position also oversees contractors, volunteers, and interns.

They are managed by the Southern Coastal Plain Program Director. This is a full-time, exempt position with benefits.

STEWARDSHIP AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

• Lead the restoration and management of TNC preserves in the Sandhills and surrounding areas for biological diversity, ecosystem function, and resiliency.  Develop and implement restoration and management plans on preserves, including prioritized restoration actions, consideration of federally protected and rare species, ecological monitoring, adaptive management approaches, and managed public access.
• Oversee all aspects of fire management on TNC preserves in the Sandhills in coordination with the NC Fire Manager and Southern Coastal Plain Program Director. Comply with TNC Fire manual SOP’s, prepare and update burn plans and maintain wildfire response plans, including the readiness of all fire equipment and vehicles. 
• Responsible for keeping abreast of new stewardship and burn techniques and equipment to enhance knowledge and capacity.  Maintain and advance professional fire qualifications. 
• Assist in maintaining a Sandhills restoration and management database and geospatial data.
• Financial responsibilities include working within and managing budgets, accurate expense coding and approval, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
• Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Oversee hunting leases, manage timber sales, tree and grass planting, invasive species control, and coordinate other stewardship activities, as required.

COMMUNICATIONS, OUTREACH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

• Develop and maintain cooperative and action-oriented relationships with federal, state, and local conservation partners, local municipalities, commercial timber producers, and private landowners to encourage sustainable and ecologically compatible stewardship practices in strategically important areas.
• Build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where TNC works. This may include participation in wildland fire suppression activities in partnership with state and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee, or as a volunteer or short-term employee of the partner entity.
• Represent TNC on local, state and national working groups and conservation partnerships. 
• Provide technical expertise in fire management and stewardship to TNC colleagues and partnerships in the Sandhills region.
• Occasionally provide preserve tours to assist with philanthropy and to provide outreach to landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general-public to recruit support for TNC and publicize TNC efforts.
• Interact with media and participate in public events, such as conferences and symposium.
• Assist with grant proposal development.
• Work with academic institutions in developing partnerships and building capacity.

SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION

• Supervise four full-time staff with responsibility for performance management and career development.  Establish clear directions, provide guidance and mentorship, support growth and development.
• Manage seasonal fire crews, including hiring, on-boarding, organizing housing, day-to-day oversight and planning of work, and providing training opportunities.
• Administrative duties include maintaining restoration and GIS databases, credit card accounting, budgeting, timecard approvals, vehicle and equipment maintenance records, maintaining supplies, maintaining burn boss documentation for prescribed fire activities, and overseeing management of the Sandhills office space, equipment, fleet and shop.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

We’re Looking for You:

Want to help save the planet? From the mountains to the sea, the North Carolina Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make North Carolina unique. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS, law or business degree and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of supervisory experience.
• Must meet one of the following fire qualifications: 1) NWCG RXB2; or, 2) NWCG ENGB working towards ICT4 (incident commander type 4 task book open); or, 3) experienced state agency burn boss with demonstrated skill working in Longleaf pine ecosystems.  Note: NWCG RxB2 qualification is highly preferred.  For applicants who are not RxB2 certified, preference will be given to those who are closer to achieving this certification (e.g. ENGB or RxB3 working towards ICT4) and those with greater experience burning in Longleaf pine ecosystems.
• Experience working effectively and positively with a diverse array of people.
• Experience working independently with strong problem-solving and organizational skills; coordinating multiple projects, setting priorities with realistic deadlines, and working productively without close supervision.
• Experience developing, negotiating, and implementing contracts, agreements and plans. 
• Experience using common software applications, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, ArcGIS products (mobile and desktop), and Web browsers. 
• Willingness to work long hours, especially during the burn season, and/or perform physically demanding and sometimes dangerous work, at times under adverse conditions.

Desired Qualifications

• Understanding of forest restoration ecology and techniques.
• Strong inter-personal skills, including excellent communication (verbal and written) with staff, colleagues, partners and the public, effective leadership skills, the ability to work in a team environment, an understanding of conflict resolution, and a positive attitude.
• Ability to interpret guidelines, evaluate information, and modify processes and plans to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Ability to apply diversified knowledge of scientific principles and practices to a variety of assignments and to cultivate and develop creative ideas to improve conservation strategies.
• Familiarity with the plants, animals, and ecosystems of the Sandhills.
• Experience communicating with the media both in writing and verbally.
• Ability to simplify and explain the principles of conservation science and practices to technical and non-technical audiences.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. 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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $66,000 – $73,000 annually. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

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