Stewardship Coordinator, Southern CA

The Stewardship Coordinator supports the Conservancy’s strategic goals by performing stewardship operations on protected wildlands located in southern California. The primary focus of this role is coordination and implementation of land maintenance and ecological management activities on dispersed properties throughout southern California that are composed of a mix of habitat types, such as chaparral, coastal sage scrub, oak woodland and grasslands. The Stewardship Coordinator monitors ecological integrity of conservation areas, assists in invasive species management, manages preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, maintains monitoring tools and equipment, reviews spatial imagery of properties, and manages GIS, photo and audio data, as needed. The Stewardship Coordinator manages external contractors, and conducts ecological management, compliance monitoring and reporting, and develops and implements grant applications. The Stewardship Coordinator also works closely with the project team to support land acquisitions of properties and contributes to conservation planning goals.

The Stewardship Coordinator functions will require work in an office 80% of the time and 20% time in the field. This position's home office must be based in this roughly 50-mile area: the greater Escondido, Poway, Fallbrook, Rainbow, Temecula, and Murrieta area. (Could be visualized as the Interstate 15 corridor between Murrieta to the north and Poway to the south.)

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Ecological monitoring and management of conservation lands

• Property maintenance (e.g., monitor and abate trespass and dumping; install and maintain fences, gates, locks, and trails)

• Coordination of site visits and volunteer events with project partners, researchers, and the public

• Contractor management: oversight, access, coordination, payments, budget management

• No supervisory responsibilities, but may lead or monitor volunteer work groups

• Administrative and financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.

• Serves as point of contact with community members, particularly neighboring property owners

• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.

• Participating in tours and events with supporters to provide local expertise

• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.

• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience in natural resource management or similar field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

• Experience working on the ground in natural systems.

• Experience in ecological land management principles.

• Experience working independently and in a team environment.

• Experience completing tasks independently in remote locations and with respect to timeline(s).

• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

• Experience communicating and working with diverse communities.

• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.

• Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• Experience building and maintaining relationships to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., government employees and local non-profit and land trust staff

• Experience operating and/or repairing various types of field equipment and tools.

• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.

• Knowledge of ecological land management principles.

• Knowledge of or interest in learning to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.

• Experience managing volunteers.

• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.

This position 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." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting annual pay for this position is within the range of $70,304 – 72,575. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and whose county of employment is Orange, Riverside, or San Diego County. Where a successful candidate’s pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including location, qualifications, skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
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. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.
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TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.