Matador Ranch Assistant Manager

OFFICE LOCATION

Dodson, Montana, USA

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Matador Ranch Assistant Manager supports annual stewardship projects at the Matador Ranch & Grassbank Preserve (Ranch) and occasionally supports stewardship projects elsewhere within the Montana’s Business Unit (BU) and Northern Great Plains (NGP) team. The Assistant Manager will support and at times implement the operations of the Ranch and other TNC preserves as needed, including expansion of additional grassbanks. The Assistant Manager will work closely with the Matador Ranch Manager to coordinate, prioritize and execute Ranch operational needs including grazing management, hunting access program, facility and infrastructure maintenance, equipment repair and maintenance and mechanical repair, and noxious weed control and treatment program. This position works as part of a team repairing fences, maintaining grounds, tools, and equipment, and interacting with visitors and donors. They will assess and document conditions of grazing associated infrastructure (fences, pastures and water systems). They will assist ecological monitoring and other stewardship projects, including mesic area and grassland restoration and prescribed fire, conducted on preserves. The position requires safe operation of a variety of equipment (trucks, ATVs, tractor, skid-steer, and trailers). This position requires frequent interaction with landowners, partners, and staff, and the Assistant Manager must be able to maintain positive and professional relationships in a rural setting.

This position is based out of Matador Ranch Preserve, located 35 miles south of Malta, Montana.  This is an exempt, full-time permanent position supervised by the Matador Ranch Manager. This position requires that you live on the Conservancy property known as the Matador Ranch, in the house the Conservancy owns on this property.  Because your presence on the property is a condition of your employment, the Conservancy will provide the housing rent free and the value of the housing is not taxable to you.

Responsibilities & Scope

• Implement Ranch and grazing operational projects.
• Work independently and make decisions based on analysis, experience, and context concerning timeline(s).
• Use of GIS and or other mapping tools to document the location and condition of ranch features, noxious weeds, and ecological data.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, under physically demanding circumstances, requiring long hours.

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.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists. 
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience supporting land management and natural systems projects. 
• Experience working with ranching operations: fencing, water systems, livestock management. 
• Skilled operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, trailers, two-way radio, or similar equipment).                                       

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species.
• Experience working with community-based or collaborative settings to create shared outcomes for diverse groups of people.
• Ability to negotiate and or manage agreements, contracts, or budgets.
• Familiarity with GIS highly preferred.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $51,000 – $55,000 for an annual base salary plus housing and paid utilities. 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.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.