Disney Wilderness Preserve Manager

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.

Responsibilities

The Disney Wilderness Preserve Manager provides management oversight of DWP, supervising staff responsible for stewardship, facility maintenance, and outreach and volunteer activities. The role ensures facilities maintenance needs are addressed and coordinates daily facility operations. The Preserve Manager also aligns programs with CCI’s mission by working in matrix teams across CCI and collaborates with the CCI Training & Education Coordinator and outreach staff to develop and implement education and training courses. This position engages with onsite visitors and neighboring communities to communicate the ecological and economic importance of protected areas and TNC’s role in conservation. Additionally, the Preserve Manager supports stewardship projects, identifies grant funding opportunities, and provides philanthropy and government relations support as needed.

• 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 toward 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 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
• Employment contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

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.

Pay

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 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 factors such as the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

Benefits

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.

TNC also offers a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of its employees.