Environmental Conservation Program Manager

Texas Health Institute; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Water is seeking an Environmental Conservation Program Manager to lead a newly formed Land Management Team focused on the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and Water Quality Protection Lands. The role will drive planning, staff development, and execution of ecological stewardship projects that protect water resources and wildlife.

The position requires establishing priorities, guiding complex field programs, and building a high-performing team to confront challenges from urbanization to

Qualifications

• Experience leading land management or conservation programs.
• Ability to establish priorities and guide implementation of complex field programs.
• Strong staff development and team-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a newly formed Land Management Team for Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and Water Quality Protection Lands; set priorities and guide field program implementation.
• Plan and execute ecological stewardship activities including prescribed fire, wildfire fuels mitigation, habitat restoration, invasive species management, and erosion control.
• Develop staff and build a cohesive, high-performing team within the program; shape the future of conservation land management for a large municipal portfolio.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Project planning

Wildland conservation

Job description

About This Position

ABOUT AUSTIN WATER:
For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, were not just keeping upwere leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation.

Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.

ABOUT THE POSITION:
Austin Waters Wildland Conservation Division protects more than 49,000 acres of conservation land for the benefit of water, wildlife, and people. The Environmental Conservation Program Manager will lead a newly formed Land Management Team responsible for planning and implementing a broad range of ecological stewardship activities across the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and Water Quality Protection Lands. These activities include prescribed fire, wildfire fuels mitigation, habitat restoration, invasive species management, oak wilt treatment, cave and karst management, erosion control, ecological restoration, and other land management projects that promote healthy, resilient ecosystems.

This position will establish priorities, guide implementation of complex field programs, develop staff, and help build a cohesive, high-performing team within a newly organized program. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of conservation land management for one of the nations largest municipal conservation land portfolios, building on decades of successful stewardship while preparing these lands to meet emerging challenges such as rapid urbanization, increasing wildfire risk, invasive species, and climate change.