Land Stewardship Manager

About the Role

The Idaho Land Stewardship Manager coordinates, manages, and implements Idaho’s conservation easement stewardship program, overseeing TNC’s compliance with legal monitoring and reporting requirements to protect conservation values on each easement. They manage most of the conservation easements held by the Idaho Business Unit, with a geographic range across western, central, and northern Idaho.

As the lead steward for TNC conservation easements in the state, the Land Stewardship Manager coordinates the easement monitoring team and provides training and resources for other staff and interns who participate in easement monitoring activities. The role also includes management, maintenance, and oversight of day-to-day operations on multiple TNC-owned conservation properties in Idaho. Responsibilities involve implementing annual operating plans, conducting onsite stewardship and land management activities, and planning and executing resource management projects as outlined in preserve management plans.

This position may use a full range of conservation tools such as regenerative agriculture and grazing management leases, cooperative weed management partnerships, and collaborative restoration projects to support TNC conservation priorities. The Land Stewardship Manager develops and relies upon strong working relationships with private landowners, business and community leaders, community organizations, land trusts, and public agencies to accomplish stewardship goals. This position requires travel throughout Idaho approximately 50% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage Idaho’s conservation easement stewardship program, ensuring compliance with legal monitoring and reporting requirements.
• Oversee conservation easements held by the Idaho Business Unit across western, central, and northern Idaho.
• Lead the easement monitoring team, providing training and resources for staff and interns.
• Manage day-to-day operations on TNC-owned conservation properties, including implementing annual operating plans and conducting onsite stewardship activities.
• Plan and implement resource management projects as outlined in preserve management plans.
• Utilize conservation tools such as regenerative agriculture, grazing management leases, cooperative weed management, and collaborative restoration projects.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with private landowners, business leaders, community organizations, land trusts, and public agencies.
• Travel throughout Idaho approximately 50% of the time.

Requirements

• BA/BS in natural resource management, conservation, environmental studies, or a related field, and 5 years’ experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with resource stewardship, conservation easements, land management, or farm and ranch management.
• Experience building relationships and partnerships.
• Strong communication skills for engaging with internal and external stakeholders, both in writing and verbally.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in managing files and databases, and using common software applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, web browsers).
• Willingness to travel extensively within Idaho (up to approximately 50% of time) and possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to periodically travel to TNC properties within Idaho on nights or weekends.
• Comfort working in variable weather conditions and at remote locations.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.
• Knowledge of land management conservation practices.
• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource protection.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with attention to deadlines.

Location & Travel

This position will be based in Idaho, preferably within 150 miles of Hailey (on-site or hybrid), though other locations (remote) are negotiable. The role 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." Employment is contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Pay

The starting pay range for this position is $68,085 - $72,090 for candidates whose country of employment is the USA. The final pay will be based on factors such as location, qualifications, and experience. Note that countries outside the USA will have a different pay range in the local currency.

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 and disability coverage.
• Employee assistance program.
• Additional life and work well-being benefits.

TNC also supports a flexible work environment to promote the health and well-being of employees.