Preserve Manager - Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers

The Nature Conservancy (All); Bristow (OK); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Preserve Manager to lead the Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve program in Oklahoma. You will guide conservation strategies, supervise land stewards, and coordinate with partners to implement restoration, recreation planning, and public use access.

Applicants should have a BA/BS and 5+ years in natural resource management, plus experience negotiating complex agreements and managing budgets. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• BA/BS and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements and managing multiple projects.
• Supervisory experience including motivating and setting objectives.
• Knowledge of land management conservation practice and conservation science.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners and government entities.
• Experience communicating with the public and media in writing and verbally.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage professional staff including performance management and development.
• Coordinate with state, federal, tribal and county partners and vendors.
• Prepare and manage budgets and fundraising targets.
• Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Make independent decisions under minimal supervision based on analysis.
• Work in varied weather, remote locations, and challenging terrain.

Skills

Staff management

Stakeholder engagement

Budgeting & contracting

Conservation planning

Public speaking

Multilingual communication

Education

MA/MS in natural resources

BA/BS in natural resource management

Tools

Avenza Maps

Field Maps

ArcMap

Outlook

MS Teams

Zoom

Word/Excel

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve Manager provides technical leadership and support to the Oklahoma Business Unity by planning, directing and implementing management programs and stewardship on the 12,000-acre+ Preserve. They address critical threats to natural systems and individual species, foster cross-site learning among an international conservation community, and supplies conservation planning teams with scientific and ecological information relevant to the planning process. They develop and implement conservation strategies and supervise a team of land stewards to conduct habitat restoration and management on the Preserve, using tools such as lease grazing, prescribed fire, facilities/equipment maintenance, citizen science projects, research, and invasive species management. They maintain preserve areas frequented by the visiting public.

The Preserve Manager builds community support and relationships with neighbors, partners and a volunteer base to effectively communicate The Nature Conservancy's conservation messages and promote its conservation and community/outreach-involvement efforts. They also network with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, tribal entities, government entities, donors, board members, underserved communities, and the general public to recruit support for and publicize TNC priorities and events for the preserve. They collaborate with staff to acquire legal interest in land and implement a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities, including grant writing and management.

They lead the implementation of each phase of the vision plan for the Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve, which includes facilities construction, recreation planning and coordination, event/tour planning and implementation, and public use access planning. This position reports to the Director of Conservation and works collaboratively with other TNC teams, external partners, and landowners.

• Leads and manages professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.
• Gain cooperation from outside parties, including the state, federal, tribal and county partners, neighbors, rural fire departments, lease and rights of way operators, and contractors to accomplish program goals.
• Financial responsibility includes creating and managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and meeting fundraising targets.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

We’re Looking for You:

If you are ready to leave your mark for generations to come and build a preserve from the ground up, we are looking for you.

From grasslands to forests, rivers to mesas, we envision an Oklahoma where our rich natural heritage is valued and protected, and people are inspired to conserve nature for future generations. If you envision nature in the same way we do, we’d love to have you join our team!

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements and managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Knowledge of land management conservation practice and conservation science.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Avenza Maps, Field Maps, ArcMap, Outlook, MS Teams, Zoom, and Web Browsers.
• Experience with principles of land acquisition.
• Must serve on the Oklahoma Business Unit’s fire crew and be a Qualified RXCM (Prescribed Fire Crew Member) or the ability to achieve within 6 months and be willing to attain NWCG Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1/Squad Boss) within 2 years, and/or equivalent experience. Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by the local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual. See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: http://www.tncfiremanual.org

Desired Qualifications

• MA/MS, natural resources, ecological restoration, environmental science or similar degree and 7 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated, including experience working with tribal partners, underserved communities and/or the accessibility community.
• Experience interfacing with the public for nature-based outreach, education and recreation purposes.
• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.
• Completing tasks independently with respect to timelines.
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• NWCG Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1/Squad Boss) qualified, including coursework, physical fitness, and experience requirements.
• Firearm possession and use for euthanasia and for the management of certain animal species to attain conservation goals.

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 the 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 $60,000 - $70,000. 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 our 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. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

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 of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the