In Oregon, the Conservancy is bringing people together to solve big conservation challenges and improve livelihoods. We’re working with fishermen, farmers and conservation partners to build a brighter future for Oregon and its communities as well as bringing diverse stakeholders together to protect and restore our forests, grasslands, river and coastal systems, and the communities around them. The Columbia Basin is one such area and we are looking for a Preserves Manager to develop, manage and advance conservation programs, plans and methods for high priority conservation lands at multiple sites in the Columbia Basin of north-central Oregon, including Tom McCall Preserve, Lawrence Memorial Grassland Preserve, Boardman Conservation Area, Lindsay Prairie Preserve and Boardman Research Natural Areas on the Boardman Naval Weapons Training Facility.
The Columbia Basin Preserves Manager provides technical leadership and support on high priority conservation lands in north-central Oregon and plans and directs preserve management programs and stewardship. This entails developing and implementing conservation strategies to address critical threats to natural systems and species, including inventorying and monitoring of sensitive wildlife (breeding birds, raptors and WA ground squirrels), invasive plant management, grassland and shrub-steppe restoration, data management and wildfire mitigation. The Preserve Manager will work with their team to secure public and private support for area projects, as well as grant reporting preparation and submission, and overseeing the budget and contractual obligations tied to grants. This position maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and works closely with staff, volunteers, and external partners including local, state, and federal agencies as well as nonprofit organizations and private stakeholders on joint projects aimed towards achieving our ambitious conservations goals.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgement
- Manages teams with a commitment to inclusivity and respecting team dynamics and strong ability to understand and value diverse perspectives and synthesize multiple perspectives to achieve the best outcomes.
- Leads or monitors work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers
- Develops and manages project budgets within scope of outlined Stewardship Department budget.
- 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.
- Requires frequent travel to the preserves and evening and weekend hours.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience managing staff and volunteers.
- Experience building collaborations and relationships across diverse constituencies and stakeholders
- Experience with communications via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Experience using software applications such as GIS, Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
- Experience in training.
- Must have valid driver's license and good driving record.
- Must be able to obtain related license or certifications as required including CPR, first aid, and herbicide application
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.
- Proven organizational skills and strong attention to detail
- Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
- Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
- Certification or ability to acquire prescribed burning/wildland firefighting qualifications.
- This is a full-time, 35 hours per week, 9-month term position ending March 2019
- Preferred hiring range: $46,400-$49,300