Conservation Director

SUMMARY
Sunnyside Farm & Conservancy seeks a highly qualified individual to lead in designing and implementing an integrated conservation program on nearly 1,400 acres in Rappahannock County, Virginia. The position’s primary objective is to increase native biodiversity across a landscape that includes regenerating forests, grasslands, rivers
and riparian corridors, ponds, pastures, orchards and production fields.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Land management. Design and implementation of an adaptive, scientifically driven land management strategy aimed at maximizing species diversity and richness and ecological resilience across the full range of ecosystem features found on property, including those also dedicated to the production of food, forage and recreation.

• Implement tailored management practices – e.g. prescribed burning, timed mowing, thinning, exclusion fencing, habitat amendments (vernal pools, basking logs, raptor snags, etc.) – to restore historic ecological conditions; maintain and improve habitat heterogeneity and quality; and benefit species of special concern;
• Target especially problematic invasive plant, insect and animal species for strategic, cost-effective control, including through oversight of contracted labor;
• Strategically supplement current flora with native species determined to bring the greatest ecological benefit, including advancing in-house propagation capacity;
• Manage wildlife (e.g., in relation to carrying capacity and conflict with agriculture);
• Provide, manage and maintain artificial nesting habitat for targeted species (barn owls, American kestrels, wood ducks, eastern bluebirds, orchard mason bees, etc.).

Communications. Develop content for Sunnyside’s soon-to-be launched community supported conservation program, a subscription model built around a dynamic, high quality, informative and entertaining pay-for-access web platform. 

• Expand and curate a photographic and video database of fauna and flora, animal behavior, natural phenomena, etc. for use on the Sunnyside web platform;
• Manage a comprehensive camera-trapping initiative, including placement, monitoring, maintenance and equipment upgrades;
• Assist in the production of media content (i.e., blog, newsletter, social media posts);
• Collaborate with owner and digital media manager to brainstorm compelling and innovative opportunities for sharing Sunnyside’s conservation messages and work.

Partnerships. Identify, seek out and manage strategic collaborations essential to achieving Sunnyside’s conservation objectives.

• Manage ongoing research partnerships with the Smithsonian Conservation  Biology Institute, Clifton Institute and Old Rag Master Naturalists;
• Cultivate relationships with relevant state, federal and other private entities;
• Work with lessees (hay and cattle) to ensure practices meet biodiversity objectives;
• Conduct outreach to, and serve as lead point of contact with, other key parties (neighbors and other nearby landowners, local non-profits, county officials, etc.).

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-5 years minimum land management experience (pesticide applicator license, prescribed fire certification and other relevant training highly desirable);
• Degree in conservation/wildlife biology, ecological restoration or related discipline;
• Deep passion for and curiosity about the natural world;
• Ability to safely operate heavy and light equipment (tractor, skid steer, chainsaw, etc.);
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Proven track record of collaborating well with others;
• Willingness to work long days outside, in all seasons and conditions.

COMPENSATION

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience;
• Excellent on-property housing;
• Annual bonus tied to agreed performance indicators;
• Flexibility in setting work schedule;
• Generous annual leave;
• Professional development opportunities;
• Seasonal access to organically grown farm produce.