We are seeking an exceptional and highly motivated professional conservation practitioner to join our Conservation team. Based either on-site at Nimmie-Caira in the Murrumbidgee Valley within the Southern Murray-Darling Basin; or nearby, the role will suit a talented conservation practitioner who is passionate about helping conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.
Term: Full-time, initial 2 Year Contract ending on 30 June 2020 (with potential for extension)
The key responsibilities include providing technical leadership and support by planning, directing and implementing property management programs and stewardship. The Manager will address critical threats to natural systems and individual species, foster cross-site learning among an international conservation community, and supply conservation planning teams with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning process. He/she will develop and implement conservation strategies, employ a full range of protection tools to acquire varying degrees of legal interest in land and implement a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities. They will coordinate community support and maintain conservation areas frequented by the visiting public.
A detailed position description is available at The Nature Conservancy Careers website.
The Gayini Nimmie-Caira Property Manager provides technical leadership and support to a business unit or Division by planning, directing and implementing property 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 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 conservation areas frequented by the visiting public.
The Gayini Nimmie-Caira Property Manager is responsible for planning, implementing and monitoring land management activities on Gayini Nimmie-Caira. The Gayini Nimmie-Caira Property Manager will oversee and coordinate contractors and casual project staff. The Property Manager will support the operation of key management and governance committees.
Specifically, the Gayini Nimmie-Caira Property Manager will:
- Oversee and manage Nimmie-Caira in compliance with the terms of the Lease.
- Implement the Nimmie-Caira Land and Water Management Plan (LWMP) including reviews and reporting.
- Develop and coordinate with the Nari Nari Tribal Council to deliver the Land and Water Management Plan.
- Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with Nimmie-Caira consortium partners, Nari Nari Tribal Council, Murray-Darling Wetlands Working Group and the University of New South Wales along with key stakeholders including the Nari Nari, Jita Nari and other local aboriginal communities, New South Wales and Australian Government agencies, other members of the local community and neighbours to promote effective management of Nimmie-Caira.
- Undertake/coordinate natural and cultural resources management activities and monitoring, including fire management, pest animal control, weed control, cultural heritage surveys and works.
- Develop and manage contracts for the supply and delivery of a range of services including research and monitoring, cultural heritage assessments, sustainable grazing and infrastructure repairs and maintenance.
- Direct activities of casual staff, contractors and volunteers.
- Manage infrastructure and assets.
- Oversee all routine repairs and maintenance of all property infrastructure, plant and equipment and manage procurement of consumables.
- Manage access to Nimmie-Caira, including support for donor trips and events, and develop protocols for safety and visitation.
- Manage and implement Workplace Health and Safety policies and procedures to ensure the safety of staff, contractors and visitors to Nimmie-Caira.
- Act as secretariat for the Core group, LMWP Implementation group and LMWP Governance group.
- Prepare and update plans for infrastructure management, cultural heritage management, fire management, weed and pest animal management, salinity management and threatened species management.
- Carry out other related duties and special projects as assigned.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- May manage multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.
- Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
- Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- May manage multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.
- Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
- Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience negotiating complex agreements.
- Supervisory experience.
- Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
- Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
- Experience in training and curriculum design.
- A current unrestricted driver’s licence.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated; including experience in cultural heritage assessment and management.
- Knowledge of land management conservation practice and conservation science.
- Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
- Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Excellent written, spoken and graphical communication skills in English.
- Experience with GIS mapping software.
- Ability to use land management equipment such as a chainsaw, large mowers, brush cutters and a four-wheel drive vehicle.
- ChemCert, chainsaw use and first aid qualifications are desirable.
- Self-directed and strongly motivated with a strong team ethic.
- Willingness to work weekends on a rostered basis and during emergency periods (e.g. bushfire events).
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive remuneration, savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits including subsidised health insurance, 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.