Natural Lands Manager

Natural Lands Manager (PT) - Eldorado Community Improvement Association (Santa Fe, NM)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Natural Lands Manager - PART-TIME
Reports To: Executive Director
Employment Classification: Part Time 24-30 Hours Per Week

POSITION SUMMARY

Support the Executive Director in the successful operation of the Eldorado Community Improvement Association (ECIA) by leading and strategically managing open space stewardship efforts for the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of the 987 acres of Greenbelts and 4,094 acres of the Eldorado Community Preserve.

Serves as a conservation strategist and policy advisor, ensuring these lands remain protected in their natural state while providing appropriate recreational and educational opportunities for the community.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Assist with the development of a comprehensive 5–10-year strategic plan for open space management, conservation, and enhancement and then oversee its implementation
• Create and maintain master plans for trail systems, habitat preservation, and recreational infrastructure
• Lead policy development and recommend updates to ECIA's conservation governance framework
• Drive innovative conservation practices and sustainable land management initiatives
• Develop and implement wildfire risk reduction strategies in keeping with the stewardship plan and in coordination with local fire authorities
• Establish performance metrics and reporting systems to measure conservation outcomes and community impact

Stakeholder Relations & Communications

• Interpret and explain ECIA policies and procedures to residents and the general public; identify and respond to issues and concerns from residents, ECIA staff, Board of Directors, and committees.
• Represent the ECIA with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations.
• Serve as ECIA's primary representative to the Open Space Committee, providing strategic guidance and expertise
• Develop and deliver presentations to the ECIA Board, committees, and at other community meetings
• Write educational articles for ECIA publications

Financial Management & Resource Development

• Assist Executive Director in preparation of the open space annual budget
• Monitor and oversee open space purchases and needed services in compliance with ECIA procurement guidelines.
• Prepare reports related to open space budget and grant budgets
• Prepare RFPs and bid packages for projects, studies, and general services to be performed in the open space.
• Identify, develop, and manage grant opportunities from federal, state, and private sources
• Develop innovative funding strategies and partnerships to support conservation initiatives

Project Management & Implementation

• Lead complex, multi-year conservation projects from conception through completion
• Oversee design and construction of trails, erosion control systems, and habitat restoration projects
• Coordinate with engineers, environmental consultants, and specialized contractors
• Develop and implement volunteer work initiatives and staffing programs
• Direct the work of contractors, consultants, and staff by implementing project management procedures to complete jobs on time and within budget

Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations, permits, and conservation easements
• Conduct regular assessments of infrastructure conditions and safety protocols
• Maintain comprehensive documentation and reporting systems

QUALIFICATIONS

• Effectively communicate with the public and coworkers in a positive and helpful manner. Flexibility, willingness, and ability to deal with difficult situations.
• Knowledge of project management principles and practices, including goal setting,
• Knowledge of modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• Ability to provide a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and ECIA staff.
• Ability to recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services.
• Ability to prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Ability to make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Ability to organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Command of the English language to support effective communication in person, on the phone, in writing, and in various video conference applications.
• Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Resolve problems, mediate conflicts encountered during daily operations, determine appropriate solutions, and promote teamwork. Encourage regular communication and inform staff of relevant business issues and their impact on the organization.

Required

• Bachelor of Science Degree (Preferred)
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in natural resource management, with at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity
• Experience in grant writing and securing funding from diverse sources
• Experience with environmental compliance, permitting, and regulatory processes
• Advanced knowledge of Southwestern ecology, hydrology, and land management principles
• Expertise in trail design, construction, and maintenance best practices for high-desert environments
• Working knowledge and basic experience with GIS mapping and GPS technology.
• Familiarity with conservation planning software and digital mapping tools
• Understanding of wildfire risk assessment and mitigation strategies
• Knowledge of native plant communities and restoration techniques

Additional Requirements

• Valid New Mexico Driver's License and insurability with ECIA's carrier
• Ability to occasionally lift, move, carry objects in excess of fifty pounds
• Physical ability to conduct outdoor field work in varied terrain and weather conditions.
• Perform moderate physical activity frequently
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings for community meetings and events
• Commitment to ECIA's mission and values of environmental stewardship and community engagement

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus comprehensive benefits package.

*ECIA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the character of our community.

Submit your application now and join our growing team!