Santa Cruz Island Preserve Manager

OFFICE LOCATION
Ventura, California, USA.

The Preserve Manager is expected to be located on-island for at least half time per month, with tours of 7-14 days followed by off-island work time and time off.

WHO WE ARE
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative 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; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, nonpartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world. 

The California Chapter is TNC’s largest state program and one of the largest, most dynamic conservation organizations in the country. With approximately 275 employees, from financial analysts and fundraisers to ecologists and economists, we are currently invested in 14 strategies to address the biggest challenges facing California and the world, including numerous community-based projects designed to increase the pace, scale, and effectiveness of conservation. Over the past six decades, we have protected 1.4 million acres, 5,000 miles of streams, and 3.8 million acres of ocean habitat in California and off the coast. 

The California Chapter believes that we are most effective when we are embedded in our state’s communities, politics, media, and environmental issues. For this reason, and to reduce our carbon footprint when meeting in person, all staff live in California, including those in a home office.

Finally, we are passionate about holding the middle ground in American politics and civic life and doing our part to make conservation a shared national value. The hallmark of The Nature Conservancy is its “big tent” approach, engaging people across the political and ideological spectrum to find solutions that last. We welcome everyone. Everyone in our organization should be adept at working with people who may not share their personal values or opinions. We ask all employees to embrace the critical strategic position of our brand and organization as non-partisan. It is the foundation of our success.

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
The Nature Conservancy has owned and operated the 46,000-acre Santa Cruz Island (SCI) Preserve, located 25 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara, since 1978 as a center for large-scale ecological research and restoration and a site to cultivate support for TNC’s mission. The Santa Cruz Island Preserve Manager is at the center of day-to-day Preserve operations, providing oversight of the team that maintains the Preserve’s natural and built environments. This includes supporting visitation and hospitality for island visitors, with direct management of the Island Coordinator team. When on-island, the Preserve Manager is the senior decision-maker for Island activities.

The Preserve Manager is primarily responsible for managing the resources, technology, people and partnerships that enable SCI’s conservation and visitation programs. They are the Preserve’s lead for safety, fire management and response and emergency preparation, including management of fire fuels reduction projects. They are responsible for implementing the Island’s biosecurity practices to maintain the health of the island’s ecosystems, including detection and response to introductions of invasive species and roadside weed treatment programs. In collaboration with the team, they manage TNC’s SCI-related contracts and contractors, ensuring that TNC staff and contractors maintain compliance with all regulatory and TNC standards and standard operating procedures. They lead the team in maintaining the Preserve’s historic ranch compounds. And they collaborate to develop and manage relationships with key partners and volunteers who provide critical support for achieving TNC’s mission on Santa Cruz Island. 

This is a salaried, exempt position and accommodations on-Preserve are provided. The Preserve Manager is expected to be located on-island for at least half time per month, with tours of 7-14 days followed by off-island work time and time off.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU
Have you ever asked yourself, “How can I make a difference?”, but you don’t know where to go?  Welcome to The Nature Conservancy.  With us you can make a difference every day!

By joining our team, you will become part of a group that is a force to be reckoned with – a force for nature, a force for people, and a force for our planet. Our team consists of a dedicated group who are leading the conservation effort on multiple fronts and who expertly bring strategy and action together.

Self-sufficiency, proactive communication, and teamwork are essential to this position. If you’re a problem-solver who loves to learn and is excited by the idea of supporting a gorgeous island preserve, we welcome you to apply.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• BA/BS and 5 years’ experience in facilities, land and/or crew management, for instance in the research, resource management, agricultural, outdoor education, or adventure hospitality industries (or equivalent combination, such as 9 years of work experience and a GED/high school diploma, etc.) 
• Experience leading and motivating staff, volunteers or other groups working in the outdoors. 
• Experience with group facilitation and people management.   
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
• Ability to perform physical work, often under adverse conditions or in inclement weather, including lifting 45lbs, bending, kneeling and walking up to 5 miles on moderately steep terrain. 
• Must have prior CPR and First Aid training. 
• Willingness to obtain related licenses or certifications such as Wilderness First
• Responder, ATV operation, herbicide application, for example. 

Desired Qualifications

• Proven ability to complete tasks independently and work to timeline(s).
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English.
• Commitment to applying the principles of conservation and ecology in day-to-day decision-making

WHAT WE BRING
Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “You’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.” To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.  

We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance. 

If you’re interested in working with us, please apply—we’d love to hear from you.

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 this position is within the range of $78,000 – $91,725 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and state of employment is California. Where a successful candidate’s pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law. 

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.