Preserve Manager - Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers

About the Role

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. This role addresses critical threats to natural systems and individual species, fosters cross-site learning among an international conservation community, and supplies conservation planning teams with scientific and ecological information relevant to the planning process.

The Preserve Manager develops and implements conservation strategies and supervises 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 and build community support and relationships with neighbors, partners, and a volunteer base to effectively communicate The Nature Conservancy's conservation messages.

This position involves networking 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. The Preserve Manager collaborates with staff to acquire legal interest in land and implement strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities, including grant writing and management.

The role leads 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. Responsibilities include leading and managing professional staff, gaining cooperation from outside parties, and ensuring program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.

Financial responsibilities include creating and managing a budget, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and meeting fundraising targets. The role may require working in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and implement management programs and stewardship on the 12,000-acre+ Preserve.
• Address critical threats to natural systems and individual species.
• Foster cross-site learning among an international conservation community.
• Supply conservation planning teams with scientific and ecological information.
• Develop and implement conservation strategies.
• Supervise a team of land stewards for habitat restoration and management using tools such as lease grazing, prescribed fire, facilities/equipment maintenance, citizen science projects, research, and invasive species management.
• Maintain preserve areas frequented by the visiting public.
• Build community support and relationships with neighbors, partners, and volunteers.
• Network with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, tribal entities, government entities, donors, board members, underserved communities, and the general public.
• Collaborate with staff to acquire legal interest in land and secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities, including grant writing and management.
• Lead the implementation of the vision plan for the Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve, including facilities construction, recreation planning, event/tour planning, and public use access planning.
• Report to the Director of Conservation and work collaboratively with other TNC teams, external partners, and landowners.
• Lead and manage professional staff, including performance management, training, and career development.
• Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
• Create and manage budgets, negotiate and contract with vendors, and meet fundraising targets.
• Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Serve on the Oklahoma Business Unit’s fire crew and attain qualifications as a Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) within 6 months and NWCG Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1/Squad Boss) within 2 years.
• Achieve physical fitness standards as set by the local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree 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.
• Must 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.
• Valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Desired Qualifications

• MA/MS in natural resources, ecological restoration, environmental science, or similar degree and 7 years of relevant experience.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience, 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.
• Ability to complete 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.
• Experience with firearm possession and use for euthanasia and management of certain animal species to attain conservation goals.

Pay

The starting pay range for this position is $60,000 - $70,000 for candidates whose country of employment is the USA. The actual pay 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.