The Sage-steppe Conservation Specialist develops, manages and advances conservation programs, plans and methods for Rangelands in eastern Oregon, with a focus on sagebrush steppe ecosystems for The Nature Conservancy in Oregon
The Sage-steppe Conservation Specialist (Specialist) will lead and/or participate in cooperative efforts with conservation partners to advance an Adaptive Management approach to sagebrush steppe habitats with a goal of increasing conservation outcomes across public and private lands. The Specialist will work with established planning and monitoring methodologies to evaluate efficacy of sage-steppe conservation practices, which may include field-based data collection, data analysis, synthesis and the development and delivery of outreach materials. The Specialist will work directly with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on issues and opportunities related to Rangeland management through a TNC/BLM Assistance Agreement. Working closely with BLM staff, the Specialist will establish and support a Community of Practice network to support the “Land Health” program of work as well as related policies and practices such as Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ESR) in a manner that advances ecosystem restoration and sustainable management. The Specialist will participate in and support collaborative groups such as the SageCon partnership (Oregon’s statewide Sage-grouse conservation collaborative) and SageSHARE (a statewide working group dedicated to creating products for land managers which address complex landscape scale issues). Additional partners may include USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Oregon State University, BLM, USFWS, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and private landowners.
Essential functions may include some or all of the following:
- Assist conservation partners in sagebrush habitat to raise standards and provide land management and monitoring tools for success.
- Support the creation of Oregon multi-stakeholder science-based decision support tools to coordinate conservation investments across public and private land, initially focused on greater sage-grouse.
- Develop new applied science and conservation projects, works with TNC team and partners to draft proposals. Coordinate with TNC Stewardship staff and/or other land-owners to envision, develop and implement on-the-ground conservation demonstration projects.
- Participate in public forums, field trips and meetings to advance cooperative conservation actions in sage-steppe habitat.
- Coordinate fieldwork and logistical support for project development and monitoring
- Perform fieldwork, including habitat assessment/inventory/monitoring using multiple protocols.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- May supervise technical, administrative and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Work effectively with conservation stakeholders engaged in sagebrush-steppe and rangeland management..
- Experience managing staff or volunteers.
- Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
- Experience completing tasks independently with respect to 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.
- Must have valid driver's license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 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.
- Basic skills in GIS mapping and analysis.
- Familiarity with sage-steppe habitats, species and ecological processes.
- Ability and willingness to complete collection of field-based habitat data.
- Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Familiarity with principles of land acquisition or similar asset acquisition.
- Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
The hiring range for this position is $47,700-$50,700 annually.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.