Lower Pecos and Devils River Program Director

Office Location:

Texas, USA

This is a hybrid remote position with an element of travel across the Lower Pecos and Devil’s River geographies.

Who We Are:

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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Lower Pecos and Devils River Program Director directs aspects of conservation partner, landowner, and community engagement relations for the Lower Pecos and Devils River watersheds. The Program Director serves as the principle contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations, and the academic community.  The Program Director establishes the Conservancy as a major conservation partner within the area of the Lower Pecos and Devils River watersheds, defines conservation priorities and long-term conservation strategies, builds strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field and develops key partnerships with public and private organizations to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices. May travel extensively and work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

This is a Three-year termed position, with the possibility and intent of extension subject to funding.

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 Lower Pecos and Devils River Program Director! Not only will you fulfil conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Texas, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!
We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to lead within the Texas Chapter and our Division. Creativity, the ability to work in a dynamic team, motivation, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

The responsibility and scope of the position are to:

• Serve as the TNC lead with partners and in the community for our work in the Lower Pecos River and Devils River watersheds.
• Serve as the lead for mobilizing partners to implement the Lower Pecos Land and Water Conservation Plan.
• Engage landowners to develop interest in conservation actions such as conservation easements, improved grazing practices, and grassland, riparian, and stream restoration.
• Engage partner agencies, NGOs, landowner groups, and universities in advancing priority research and monitoring.
• Assist TNC Water Program staff in gauging landowner/producer interest in incentive programs for water conservation (i.e., environmental water transactions) and science to inform groundwater management.
• Lead landowner workshops and provide training and training materials related to land and water management, conservation easements, etc.
• Assist with proposals for funding, manage grants or contracts.          
• Work with marketing staff to develop communications materials.
• Coordinate with external affairs staff on policy efforts.

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads, and finances (budgets) under deadlines.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit organizations, community groups, government agencies, and/or other conservation partners.
• Experience with landowner engagement.
• Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with land and/or water management, restoration, policy and conservation processes, agencies, funding programs, and partners
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions, including the Lower Pecos and Devils River watersheds.
• Experience with fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals.          

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

Auto Safety Policy:

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $70,000-80,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific 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. This is a Three-year termed position, with the possibility and intent of extension subject to funding.