The Walker Basin Conservancy, a Nevada-based nonprofit organization, is seeking a full-time Land Conservation Director.
POSITION TITLE: Land Conservation Director STATUS: Full-Time REPORTS TO: Executive Director POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: Land Manager and Field Manager LOCATION: Preferred reporting location is Yerington, Nevada, with frequent travel to WBC's Reno office, within the Walker Basin and elsewhere as needed. BACKGROUND: Established in 2014, the Walker Basin Conservancy (WBC) is leading the effort to restore and maintain Walker Lake while protecting agricultural, environmental and recreational interests in the Walker Basin (www.walkerbasin.org<http://www.walkerbasin.org>). The dynamic nature of the WBC and its diverse management obligations provide unique opportunities to develop operations from the ground level up, working closely with staff who are passionate about their mission. The WBC team is comprised of approximately 18-20 employees, that increases up to 40 during our field season. WBC manages a complex real property acquisition program, acquiring land, water and related interests from willing sellers in the Walker Basin, for the benefit of Walker River and Lake. In addition, WBC manages and implements significant restoration and stewardship activities on thousands of acres of land in the Walker Basin. The ideal candidate will have the ability to effectively build partnerships, work closely with agencies, develop high-level strategic plans, and be hands on and grow as this organization seeks and obtains additional funding sources and develops new programs and initiatives. The successful candidate will have proven ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization and primary business partners. JOB PURPOSE: Reporting to the Executive Director, this position will primarily be responsible for oversight of the management, development and implementation of all stewardship and land management plans and activities on both private and public lands. This position will guide and direct the Land Manager in detailed and comprehensive planning efforts, provide support in identifying conservation goals, and prioritize those efforts. This position will also provide direction and support to the Field Manager who is responsible for supervision, and management of a large field staff working in ever changing field conditions. The Land Conservation Director is expected to develop and follow an annual budget for all restoration and field activities and approve expenses of the field staff. The Land Conservation Director will build, maintain and coordinate successful relationships with various Federal, State and local private and public entities. This position is ultimately responsible for oversight of the entire stewardship program and field operations of the Conservancy. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Staff Management and Administration (50%) * Ability to successfully coordinate and direct a large field program and to identify priorities; * Ability to direct and support long-term stewardship planning on a large scale (10,000+ acres); * Ability to develop and manage staff effectively and efficiently, laying out schedules well in advance and adapting as necessary; * Ability to identify shortfalls, anticipate potential problems and improve operations and efficiencies; * Ability to help grow existing staff into increasing responsibilities; * Ensure Managers work closely with various staff and contractors for successful implementation of plans and project development; * Work closely with staff, Board and associated committees to ensure information is being shared and effectively communicated; * Coordinate regularly with other Directors and staff to ensure open lines of communication are being promoted; and * Ensure metrics established in WBCs strategic plan are being met, adapt as necessary. Development and implementation of a program specific strategic plan. Conservation Planning and Implementation (30%) * Directly supervise Land Manager and Field Manager for successful implementation of stewardship plans and field activities; * Provide support to Managers to ensure "Best practices" are being identified and implemented; * Ensure water use and land activities are implemented in the most effective and efficient manner; and * Work closely with land owners, lessees, Federal and State Agencies to effectively implement stewardship plans. Management of Assets (20%) * Develop and maintain an annual budget for all field activities; * Oversight of all field tools and equipment including fleet and tractors; and * Ensure Managers are following procurement and expense protocols. QUALIFICATIONS * M.S. degree in natural resources, land management, land planning or similar field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; * Experience in natural resource planning and policy development; * A minimum of 7 years in a conservation management position with progressively increasing responsibility; * A minimum of 7 years of experience in employee management; * Highly independent, proactive and entrepreneurial with experience developing and implementing large conservation projects; * Experience with agriculture (farming/ ranching operations) and irrigation water conveyance systems: drip, sprinkler, flood, pumps (small and large irrigation); * Experience working with conservation/environmental land management organizations and agencies at a management level; * Familiarity with Great Basin ecosystems; * Previous experience in conservation, agriculture knowledge; * Demonstrated organization, tracking and management experience required; * Excellent communication skills, ability to clearly and concisely give direction; * Excellent computer skills and proficient in Excel, Word, Outlook, and Access; and * Team player with a strong work ethic and is always up for a new challenge. SALARY AND BENEFITS: Entry-level salary begins at $68k, final compensation weighed heavily by experience and qualifications. Excellent employee benefits package which includes: * Employer paid health, dental, vision and life insurance plans for employee * Retirement 403(b) plan includes a 6% automatic company contribution * 120 hours of annual paid vacation, increasing to 160 hours after first year of employment * 16 hours of annual personal leave * Company paid holiday week between Christmas and New Years * 60 hours of annual sick leave * 11 paid holidays * Health and wellness subsidy * Employer paid professional development Position will remain open until filled. Only top candidates will be contacted. Please send cover letter and resume to: Amy Gladding amy.gladd...@walkerbasin.org<mailto:amy.gladd...@walkerbasin.org> Subject Line: Land Conservation Director Please call (775) 463-9887 x116 with questions. Walker Basin Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. Equal Opportunity Statement - Walker Basin Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. WBC does not discriminate against any employee, applicant, director, officer, contractor, or any other person with whom it deals because of race, creed, color, disability, age, sex, veteran status, religion or political affiliation. WBC complies with all federal and local statutes prohibiting discrimination in employment. Disclaimer - The statements contained herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the employees in these positions. The statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in each position. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be assigned and management retains the right to add or change the responsibilities, duties, and skills at any time.
