Managing Director

The managing director’s primary day-to-day responsibility is land management and conservation research operations at the Calvin Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens (CEPNG) and the Flat Iron Lake Preserve (FIL). With the preserve director, the managing director will supervise and coordinate the work of other permanent staff members. Duties include, but are not limited to, developing, updating, and implementing land management plans; directing and coordinating ecological research and monitoring; developing and implementing extension outreach programs; supervising regular staff and some student staff; and additional duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Balance is at least 80% land management and related activities and approximately 20% broader staff supervision and administration.

• Collaborate with the director in updating/implementing the Preserve’s strategic vision and principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Provide leadership, direction, and evaluation of permanent staff as well as stewardship student staff.
• Develop, revise, and execute land management programs for the Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens for the Flat Iron Lake Nature Preserve.
• Hold primary responsibility for existing research activities (tree census, small mammal survey, etc.), and develop or support appropriate new research projects.
• Train all employees and volunteers in safe practices and in procedures for emergencies. Maintain secure and safe cabinetry for chemicals (e.g. herbicides and flammable materials), maintain current MSDS’s in accordance with federal regulations and insure safe disposal of unused or outdated chemicals. Serve as the Preserve’s safety liaison.
• Collaborate with the program coordinator in providing public outreach and educational opportunities that advance the Preserve’s mission.
• Assist the director in preparing project plans, budget plans, cost estimates, fundraising, and other work as required.
• Exercise independent judgment in setting priorities and organizing work to accomplish results within established guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

Annual salary for this position is $60,000-$70,000, commensurate with experience.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Directly supervise the greenhouse manager, campus sustainability program coordinator, department coordinator, land manager, and select student staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a relevant conservation field
• Minimum ten years of professional experience, with at least five in a supervisory role
• Demonstrated skill in leadership, communication (written, verbal, and graphical), networking, budgeting, and public relations
• Demonstrated success in partnership development with non-profit organizations, community groups, academic institutions, and/or government agencies
• Knowledge of best practices in ecological land management (e.g., fire management, invasive species control, water quality protection, forest management for biodiversity, etc.)
• If not already certified, the ability to obtain and maintain a Pesticide Applicator Certificate from the State of Michigan within 3-6 months of date of employment, and experience providing safety training for chemicals and equipment.
• Competence in GPS, GIS, and spatial analysis

Preferred QualificationsDetailed knowledge of floral and fauna native to Michigan Educational or professional experience in cooperative extension. Experience applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.PHYSICAL DEMANDS/QUALIFICATIONS
The work in this position requires exposure to potentially hazardous or unpleasant conditions and/or physical effort of some duration. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT

1. Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.

2. A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.