Point Reyes Program Associate

nature; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy looks for a Point Reyes Program Associate to advance land stewardship, restoration and collaboration around the Point Reyes National Seashore. The role supports targeted grazing and habitat restoration with NPS and partners, applying science-based methods to conservation challenges.

Based in the SF Bay Area or San Francisco office, you will travel to Point Reyes, work evenings/weekends, and serve a three-year term with potential extension based on funding and performance.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in land management, stewardship, or conservation practices.
• Experience with grazing planning principles and applications.
• Experience building partnerships with non-profit partners, community groups, and/or government agencies.
• Ability to travel; work in variable weather conditions and remote locations.

Responsibilities

• Manages relationships with grazing contractors and oversees TNC oversight.
• Coordinates planning and permitting of projects.
• Develops RFPs and manages grazing program design, fencing and water system improvements.
• Facilitates or manages research and monitoring projects.
• Implements stewardship activities with contractors or partners; may include virtual fencing and fence repairs.
• Leads or supports volunteer and citizen science stewardship activities.
• Contributes to organizational culture and mission; participates in trainings and cross-team collaboration.
• Establishes performance standards and budgets; builds collaborations to achieve program goals.

Skills

Land management

Stewardship

Conservation practices

Cross-cultural experience

Project management

Partnership development

Education

BA/BS degree (or equivalent)

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together

The Point Reyes Program Associate for the TNC California Land Program plays a critical role in advancing all aspects of land stewardship, restoration, collaboration and community relations for TNC's partnership with the National Park Service to cooperatively manage and restore over 16,000 acres on the Point Reyes National Seashore. This position serves as the on-the-ground stewardship lead for implementing a targeting grazing and land restoration program in coordination with NPS and partners. They are a key representative for TNC's work with a wide range of stakeholders, like local organizations and community members, the visiting public, researchers, and tribal representatives. Occasional domestic travel, evening and weekend work will be required.

The Program Associate must be based out of either a home office in the SF Bay Area or the San Francisco office, and be able to be on-site at Point Reyes regularly. This position is currently a three year term , with possibility of extension based on funding and performance.

Essential Functions

The Point Reyes Program Associate advances the Conservancy's conservation priorities by supporting field operations, providing technical expertise, and coordinating best practices. This role applies science-based approaches to address ecosystem needs, builds community support, and collaborates with government partners to protect natural habitats, wildlife, and cultural resources.

At Point Reyes National Seashore, the Program Associate contributes to TNC's partnership with the National Park Service by supporting targeted grazing and habitat restoration projects. These efforts enhance landscape connectivity, increase biodiversity, and protect endangered species.

This role is key to implementing on-the-ground stewardship within a highly collaborative initiative to improve ecological integrity, visitor experience, and landscape resilience. Lessons from this work will inform broader coastal ecosystem management efforts.

Responsibilities and Scope

• Manages and maintains relationships and TNC-oversight of targeted grazing contractor(s).
• Coordinates the planning and permitting of projects
• Develops requests for proposals (RFPs) and manages the design and implementation of a wildlife-friendly targeted grazing program, along with installation and management of associated fencing and water system improvements, as well as planned restoration projects.
• Facilitates or manages (on a case-by-case basis) the implementation of research and monitoring projects.
• As needed, implements stewardship activities individually, with contractors, or with partners (e.g. managing virtual fencing systems, repairing fences and water systems, mowing, etc.).
• Leads or supports volunteer and/or citizen science stewardship activities.
• Contributes to TNC culture and helps advance its mission across the chapter and organization, through participation in and cultivation of trainings, sharing of ideas and expertise, relationship-building, etc.
• Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for the department or program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
• Builds collaborations with outside parties to accomplish program goals.
• May work 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.

What You'll Bring:

• 5 years of experience in land management, stewardship, conservation practices with a BA/BS degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Cross-cultural experience.
• Technical understanding of rangeland management and grazing planning principles and application, with direct experience working with farmers or ranchers.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies

Desired Qualifications

• Familiar with the demographics and culture of West Marin County.
• Multi-lingual.
• Experience with restoration project management, including oversight of contractors, permitting, and meeting grant deliverables, timelines, reporting, etc.
• Experience working on projects with significant regulatory oversight such as coastal zone, regional water quality control board, etc.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant science, conservation and/or grazing discipline(s) and experien