The Conservation Practitioner IV develops, manages and advances conservation programs, plans and methods for small to medium scale geographic areas. This position will begin as a part-time, 0.80 full time equivalent (FTE), with benefits. The Nevada Chapter anticipates reevaluating the FTE level within the first two years based on funding.
River Fork Ranch, situated in the Carson Valley at the juncture of the east and west forks of the Carson River, is one of The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) signature preserves in Nevada. Situated just below Lake Tahoe, it is a platform for demonstrating ecological restoration, floodplain function and sustainable agriculture in the context of an important eastern Sierra Nevada river, and for supporting educational, outreach and volunteer programs. Over the past 10 years River Fork Ranch (RFR) and the on-site Whit Hall Interpretive Center (WHIC) have evolved into a hub within the Carson Valley that serves to connect people with nature.
The River Fork Ranch Preserve Manager leads TNC’s efforts to utilize River Fork Ranch and the Whit Hall Interpretive Center to facilitate community-wide stewardship of the Carson River for the benefit of people and nature, and to help advance The Nature Conservancy’s mission in Nevada. The River Fork Ranch Preserve Manager works as a member of the Nevada Chapter’s conservation program team, will receive support from that team in fulfilling the duties at RFR and will selectively contribute to other initiatives of this team outside of the Carson River watershed. He/she will also work closely with Chapter staff in the development and marketing departments.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Manages River Fork Ranch and Whit Hall Interpretive Center to advance the mission of TNC and the statewide conservation goals of the Nevada Chapter.
- Develops, implements and evaluates multiple initiatives at RFR and the WHIC for advancing ecological function, sustainable agriculture, wildlife research, environmental education, trails, and volunteerism to maximize their impact.
- Serves as liaison with community partners related to agriculture, trails, education, tourism, open space, flood control, weed control, and other community interests. Develops and maintains mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Maintains and operates the physical assets at RFR and the WHIC in good working order, including vegetation and habitat, pastures, facilities, equipment, fences, and ditches, among others. Fulfills this responsibility through a combination of partnerships, contracts for services including with the ranch’s grazing lessee, and through direct hands-on implementation.
- Sustains the financial viability of RFR and the WHIC by successfully developing public and private sources of financial support and effectively administering budgets and contracts for services. Works in partnership with TNC Nevada’s Development staff.
- Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- 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.
- 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., NGOs, ranching community, neighboring property owners, business, government officials, scientists and media.
- Experience managing staff or volunteers.
- 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.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated experience building and maintaining partnerships with people and organizations with varying capacities, purposes and perspectives on conservation.
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing outreach, educational and volunteer programs for conservation.
- Familiarity and experience with principles of ranch management, including vegetation, habitat, floodplain ecology, ecosystem restoration weeds, grazing, irrigation, and facilities management.
- Ability to maintain focus on strategic priorities in the face of multiple competing interests and compelling opportunities.
- 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.
- 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 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.