The Oak Openings Restoration Manager develops, manages and advances conservation programs, plans, maintenance, management, development and coordination across the 1,300 square mile Oak Openings region of NW Ohio and SE Michigan.
The Oak Openings Restoration Manager (OORM) performs and participates in operations including the maintenance, management, development and coordination of conservation programs across the Oak Openings region. The OORM addresses critical threats to natural systems and individual species, fosters cross-site learning among conservation community, and supplies conservation planning teams with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning process. The OORM will create restoration and management plans for sites throughout the region. They will manage day to day implementation of multiple grant-funded restoration projects and restoration contracts concurrently and in collaboration with multiple project partners. Position is contingent upon funding with funding currently secured through June 2021. They will collaborate with other Oak Openings project staff and partners to obtain funding and maintain and expand capacity. The OORM coordinates community support, ensures the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and coordinates multiple projects, sets deadlines and manages completion.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- Supervises technical, administrative and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
- 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 regular travel throughout the region.
- Some evening and weekend work required seasonally.
- Helps ensure that public and private funds are raised to meet emerging program needs.
- Builds cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
- Seeks and gains legal approval internally, ensures compliance with state and local policies & laws and TNC SOPs
- 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, ArcGIS, etc.
- Experience in training.
- Must have valid driver's license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 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 the flora and fauna of Midwest with ability to identify invasive plant species.
- Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
- Ability to clearly and tactfully present instruction and motivate staff to complete tasks within assigned timeframe
- NWCG Red-card certification as firefighter type 1 (FFT1) or willingness and ability to complete within 1 year and prescribed fire experience required.
- Ohio commercial pesticide certification preferred but not required.
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.