Agriculture Stewardship Manager
A LITTLE ABOUT US
Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.
YOUR POSITION WITH TNC
SUMMARY
The Nature Conservancy in California owns and manages agricultural properties and conservation properties within agricultural landscapes across California as part of its mission to protect the lands and water on which all life depends. We seek an Agricultural Stewardship Manager (ASM) to help manage our restoration projects and land holdings in several key agricultural landscapes across California including the Sacramento – San Joaquin Delta region, and to assist project teams working in agricultural landscapes across the state in developing standards and practices for conservation-compatible farming and grazing. This person will work as a part of a larger matrixed team and manage a team of two restoration professionals. The ASM will conduct outreach to farmers, ranchers and associated entities as needed. They will be responsible for lease management and identifying, developing, and socializing best agricultural practices both externally and internally.
The ASM will be responsible for
- Managing our work at the Cosumnes River Preserve
- Assisting the Associate Director with managing the Staten Island Preserve and adjacent holdings
- Advising on agricultural practices in those regions and beyond, including properties with agricultural activity in the Santa Clara River watershed in Southern California and on rangeland management statewide.
The ASM will report directly to the Land Program Associate Director.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Agricultural Stewardship Manager:
- Develops, implements and monitors habitat restoration projects;
- Assists in developing agricultural and grazing plans for properties involving agricultural activities;
- Prepares budgets, reports, contracts and grants for habitat restoration and agriculture projects;
- Researches best practices for conservation agriculture, and disseminates findings to colleagues statewide;
- Leads outreach activities to partners and collaborators on ongoing projects;
- Participates in outreach to and communications with neighboring landowners, and industry groups in the agriculture sector;
- Researches and identifies potential public and private funding sources for restoration and agricultural projects;
- Contributes to the development, management, monitoring and oversight of activities associated with agriculture and grazing leases, including bid document preparation, bid solicitation, performance management and financial management;
- Coordinates work verbally and in writing with other Stewardship Team colleagues;
- Advises on agricultural and grazing activities throughout California, including policy.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Manages the Conservancy’s activities at the Cosumnes River Preserve;
- Manages a team of restoration professionals at the Cosumnes River Preserve
- Assists in managing the Conservancy’s Staten Island Preserve;
- Assists the Associate Director in preparing and maintaining a statewide agricultural plan and associated set of best practices;
- Completes an annual report on the Chapter’s agricultural activities;
- Advises project teams and colleagues around the state on agricultural best practices, lease management, and other management activities on ag-related Conservancy properties;
- Participates in outreach to local, regional and statewide agricultural institutions and partnerships
- Works closely with Chapter External Affairs staff to advise on agriculture-related policies and legislation at the local, state and federal levels;
- Leads donor and stakeholder tours on Conservancy properties;
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management, agricultural management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Experience managing and tracking multiple projects
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation and agriculture
- Knowledge of land conservation and agricultural issues in California
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Bilingual (Spanish preferred)
- Experience in communications and outreach including developing and/or managing the development of materials e.g., websites, brochures, factsheets, infographics, social media posts
- Basic understanding of The Nature Conservancy’s mission and its niche in the conservation field
- Skills in building and managing relationships with diverse partners, e.g., media, government officials, non-governmental organizations and scientists.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply to position number 48143, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 17, 2019.
Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.
If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.