What We Can Achieve Together: The Upper-Coastal Grassland Preserves Manager will assist with implementation of conservation programs, ecological restoration, and preserve management plans in the Texas Chapter’s Grasslands program. The Grasslands program includes the following preserves: Texas City Prairie Preserve, preserves in the Columbia Bottomlands region, Clive Runnells Mad Island Marsh Preserve, the North Texas complex of preserves that include Clymer Meadow and Smiley Preserves, and any other preserves that might be acquired within a grassland system. The Upper-Coastal Grassland Preserves Manager plans and directs preserve management programs and stewardship under the direction of the Grasslands Project Director. They address critical threats to natural systems and individual species, foster cross-site learning among conservation community, and supply conservation planning teams with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning process. The Upper-Coastal Grassland Preserves Manager develops and implements conservation strategies and employs a full range of protection tools to acquire varying degrees of legal interest in land and implements a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities. The Upper-Coastal Grassland Preserves Manager coordinates community support, ensures the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and coordinates multiple projects, sets deadlines and manages completion.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. The Nature Conservancy has adopted the Work Capacity Test (WCT) as the method for assessing fitness for fire qualification. The WCT for an arduous fitness level consists of completing a three-mile hike within 45 minutes while carrying a forty-five-pound pack. The person selected for this position is required to pass the arduous WCT and will be expected to assist on Rx burning throughout the state. Travels approximately 25% of the time, with periodic overnight and multiple night trips, and work flexible hours that may include weekends.
Job Duties/Responsibilities
- Responsible for land management activities that enhance the conservation value and ecological restoration of preserves in the Grassland program, including but not limited to:
- Herbicide application, mowing/weed-eating, brush control, etc.
- Seed harvest, processing, storage, and planting.
- Oversee stewardship activities across multiple preserves, including:
- Inspect, maintain, and repair buildings, fences, gates, water systems, and other infrastructure.
- Service and maintain vehicles, UTVs/ATVs, and heavy equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
- Operate heavy machinery for land management activities, including road maintenance and habitat restoration.
- Ensure proper maintenance of areas accessible to the public.
- Secure public and private support for conservation priorities.
- Foster cross-site learning among conservation partners.
- Coordinate community support and outreach for conservation initiatives.
We’re Looking for You:
If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Upper-Coastal Grasslands Preserves Manager! Not only will you fulfil conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Texas, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks. Come join TNC and apply today!
What You’ll Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
- Experience managing staff or volunteers.
- Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
- Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. NWCG FFT2 or higher, First Aid, CPR, herbicide application, ATV safety, and driver’s license).
Desired Qualifications
- 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
- Familiarity with principles of land acquisition.
- Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
