Disney Wilderness Preserve Manager

The Nature Conservancy (All); Kissimmee (FL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The Disney Wilderness Preserve Manager at The Nature Conservancy in Florida leads the Disney Wilderness Preserve operations, staff, and outreach programs to advance conservation goals. You will supervise stewardship, facilities, and education activities, coordinating across teams and with partners to promote biodiversity and community engagement.

Ideal candidates have a BA/BS in a relevant field and 5+ years in conservation practice, with strong fundraising, communications, and leadership skills

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Manages Disney Wilderness Preserve (60%) work plans, activities, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinates events at DWP to develop relationships, raise funds, highlight conservation work and increase public awareness.
• Assists with fundraising and donor relations with Central Florida residents and others as needed.
• Works with Tiger Creek Preserve staff to share resources and staff time for operational needs.
• Oversees day-to-day operations and facilities management of DWP; identifies priorities with maintenance staff.
• Develops an annual budget proposal and monitors revenue/expenses to align with budget.
• Leads sustainability efforts to reduce emissions and use sustainable energy across program facilities.
• Works in variable weather, remote locations, and difficult terrain; makes independent decisions based on analysis and context.
• Supports and guides direct reports, helps set annual objectives, and fosters teamwork and accountability.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Fundraising

Public outreach

Partnership development

Education

BA/BS degree in conservation or related field

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Disney Wilderness Preserve Manager is part of the Stewardship and Field Programs (SAF) Department of The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Florida Chapter. The position is based at the Disney Wilderness Preserve (DWP), Poinciana, FL. The 11,500 acre preserve is one of four campus preserves that the TNC Florida business unit operates as part of the Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI). The Disney Wilderness Preserve serves as a critical link in a network of conservation lands that protect Central Florida's ecosystems and the headwaters of the Everglades system. DWP requires active land management through prescribed fire, control of invasive species, and habitat restoration to maintain its unique biodiversity. In addition, DWP serves as an innovative research platform in service of TNC’s conservation strategies, science, and partnerships with state and federal agencies as part of the Center for Conservation Initiatives. CCI is a state-wide center of excellence with a mission to advance conservation knowledge and action and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders. This mission is accomplished through four initiatives that focus on supporting conservation through outreach, education/training, science/strategy, and land stewardship. These initiatives are delivered through on-the-ground programs at CCI preserves, virtual programs, and community engagement.

We’re Looking for You:

The Disney Wilderness Preserve Manager provides management oversight of DWP. They supervise DWP staff responsible for stewardship, facility maintenance, and outreach and volunteer activities. The DWP Manager ensures that facilities maintenance needs are addressed and coordinates daily facility operations with the preserve staff. They also work to ensure programs are supported and aligned with achieving CCI’s mission by working in matrix teams across CCI. In addition, the Preserve Manager works with the CCI Training & Education Coordinator and outreach staff to develop and implement education and training courses and materials. This position works to ensure onsite visitors and neighboring communities understand the ecological and economic importance of protected areas and natural systems and The Nature Conservancy’s role in their conservation through outreach programming, as well as the importance of protecting and conserving flora, fauna, and the benefits to people. In addition, they work with the Stewardship Initiative lead and the DWP’s Land Conservation Coordinator/Manager to support the implementation of stewardship projects on the preserve. They identify and successfully obtain grant funding to support CCI programs and provide philanthropy, and government relations (GR) support as needed. In addition, this position will have other duties as assigned.

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Disney Wilderness Preserve Manager! Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Florida, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!

We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to lead our Chapter and work within our Division. Systems Leadership, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Come join TNC.

Responsibility & Scope

Management of the Disney Wilderness Preserve (60%)

• Manages DWP’s work plans, activities, and other reporting requirements
• Serves as the contact for events at DWP aimed at developing relationships, raising funds, highlighting conservation work, and increasing public awareness.
• Assists with fundraising and cultivating relationships with Central Florida area residents and other donor relations as needed
• Works with Tiger Creek Preserve staff to share resources and staff time for achieving operational needs
• Responsible for the day-to-day operations and facility management of DWP
• Works with maintenance staff to identify priorities and solutions for facilities upkeep
• Develops an annual budget proposal and monitors monthly revenue and expenses to ensure alignment with budget.
• Manages DWP’s sustainability efforts, working towards reducing emissions and utilizing sustainable energy sources for all program facilities
• Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances
• Frequently makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context

CCI Programs (20%)

• Manages visitor use and facilities requests with staff and delegates oversight as needed
• Works with CCI Initiative Leads and staff to deliver focal initiatives (public outreach, education & training, science/strategy, and stewardship demonstration) through onsite, offsite, virtual, and community programs and events
• Coordinates with a broad team of onsite and offsite staff to ensure stewardship of TNC’s lands in the Central Florida area is supported and achieved
• Identifies and seeks grant funding opportunities to support CCI programmatic needs in coordination with supervisor and other CCI team members
• Serves as a training and education instructor/speaker related to school field trips, training courses, and educational events/activities at DWP and across the state for CCI
• Develops and maintains partnerships in support of CCI and for the broader conservation work of The Nature Conservancy
• Participates as a team member with other staff across CCI to develop programs, ideas, and activities directed at the public, partners, and youth engagement

Staff Supervision (20%)

• Supports and guides their direct reports in their work performance and professional development goals
• Works with direct reports to develop annual objectives and goals and participates with them in TNC’s Performance Partnership Process
• Establishes clear directions and sets stretch objectives
• Develops a collaborative work environment to foster teamwork, transparency, and accountability

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies
• Experience negotiating.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with land management stewardship
• Experience with conservation education and public outreach
• Experience with building and facility maintenance requirements
• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 5-7 years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
• Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives or related field.
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising.
• Politically savvy.
• Ability to make sound decisions on financial, conservation, and reporting issues
• Ability to communicate and work closely with scientists
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles
• Demonstrated experience communicating effectively with public officials and the media

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers". To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $75,000.00 – $82,500.00. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
• We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [e-mail] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.