Director of Science-Based Stewardship

Responsibilities

The Director of Science-Based Stewardship provides senior leadership for CNLM’s science-based stewardship program. This includes setting strategy, providing organizational leadership for a complex system, and determining how science-based stewardship is best integrated and implemented across the organization. Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring scientific principles are rigorously integrated into stewardship plans and practices.
• Determining how monitoring programs are conducted within an experimental framework.
• Maintaining and advancing CNLM’s reputation as a leader in science-based conservation stewardship.
• Overseeing and supporting conservation operations, including addressing issues at the wildlands-urban interface.
• Providing decision support for resolving issues arising at the wildlands-urban interface, such as encroachments and fuel management.
• Overseeing and supporting stewardship operations in California and the Pacific Northwest, as well as supportive program areas including the conservation program, species research and recovery program, and the native plant nursery.
• Helping to shape and build CNLM’s organizational culture, supporting greater visibility for science within the organization, and contributing to a culture of professional growth, team excellence, and conservation impact.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates should possess:

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in conservation, natural resource management, or related fields.
• A proven track record of leading and managing teams in complex, multi-disciplinary environments.
• A strong understanding of science-based conservation principles and practices.
• Experience in developing and implementing science-based stewardship plans and monitoring programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to navigate independently to various locations for meetings and to work effectively under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Experience working in a virtual office environment and maintaining working relationships with staff and others.

Qualifications

Candidates should have:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, or a closely related discipline.
• A Doctorate degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Experience in leading and managing teams in complex, multi-disciplinary environments.
• Proven success in developing and implementing science-based stewardship plans and monitoring programs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working in a virtual office environment and maintaining working relationships with staff and others.

Skills

The ideal candidate should possess:

• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Experience in developing and implementing science-based conservation strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Experience in navigating independent travel to various locations for meetings.
• Proficiency in using technology and software tools relevant to conservation management and research.

Benefits

The Center for Natural Lands Management offers:

• A full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position.
• Compensation range of $125,000–$135,000, commensurate with experience.
• Home office/phone stipends of approximately $6,000/year.
• Employer contributions to retirement plan.
• Eleven paid holidays and initially three weeks of vacation per year.
• Vacation accrued progressively, with accrual rates of four weeks annually after two years and five weeks after five years of employment with CNLM.

Pay

This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position. Compensation range is $125,000–$135,000, commensurate with experience, plus approximately $6,000/year for home office/phone stipends, with the potential for inflationary and merit-based adjustments over time.

Schedule

The Director of Science-Based Stewardship is based in California and is expected to maintain a home office. Regular travel to meet with staff in California and Washington, visit preserves, and attend meetings or events, including occasional evening and weekend engagements, is required.

Location

The position is based in California, where the majority of CNLM’s preserves and staff are located. CNLM maintains a small physical office in Temecula, CA, but operates within a virtual office structure.

Start Date

The start date for this position is Fall 2026.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit potrerogroup.com/cnlm and select “Apply Here.” Applications should include a resume and a cover letter describing your qualifications that match the position criteria and what you will bring to the role. Interested candidates should apply by August 7 for priority consideration.