Smith Valley Area Manager

POSITION TITLE: Smith Valley Area Manager

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt  

POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: Native Seed Manager, Farm Foreman, Fleet and Equipment Technician, and Irrigation Systems Program Coordinator

LOCATION: 170 Smith Gage Rd, Smith, NV

Description: The Smith Valley Area Manager is responsible for the management of multiple properties owned by the Conservancy in Smith Valley, NV. The focal property is an 850-acre working ranch that is managed for native plant and seed production, public access, and wildlife habitat. The ranch has a native plant nursery that produces hundreds of thousands of seedlings annually and several production fields growing native grasses, shrubs, and forbs. Two miles of the West Walker River meanders through the property, and the Conservancy’s Stewardship Program is working on improving habitat throughout the riparian corridor. This beautiful property supports diverse wildlife, and the Conservancy has plans to open public river access for the enjoyment of the community. At a second property just downstream, the Conservancy has similar goals for improving wildlife habitat and supporting public access in the future. The Smith Valley Area Manager is responsible for managing operations at both Conservancy owned properties. This includes supervising Nursery and Farm program staff and coordinating with multiple Conservancy programs and external contractors and technical experts to achieve goals and objectives for each property. This position requires strong leadership, administration, and management skills. 

The ideal candidate will

• Someone will thrive in this role who enjoys administrative responsibility and hands on outdoor work.
• Lead high-performing, dynamic teams working in a nursery and farm setting. Be able to lead teams for which you might not be a subject matter expert.
• Own advancing place-based goals and objectives of multiple conservancy properties.
• Be organized, efficient, and experienced with managing budgets, supplies, contractors, and personnel across multiple locations.

Expectations and Core Accountabilities

• Coordinate property/facility maintenance and development, working the Operations Manger, contractors, lessees, and other Conservancy staff as needed.
• Lead and supervise Nursery and Farm staff, providing direction, coaching, and development opportunities. Effectively integrate subject matter experts into on-going operations.
• Oversee public access and events coordination at Conservancy properties, ensuring safe and responsible use of trails, facilities, and resources.
• Work with leadership staff to create and manage property budgets.
• Demonstrate Conservancy’s Core Values: Make a Difference, Ensure Excellence, and Own It.

Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience in budget and project management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience coordinating across multiple teams, locations, and systems.
• Actively contribute to an inclusive, collaborative environment and build highly effective teams.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Smith or Mason Valley, NV. Housing is available through the Conservancy.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the Native Seed Manager, Farm Foreman, Fleet and Equipment Technician, and Irrigation Systems Program Coordinator, and serve as a leader for all Nursery and Farm program staff.
• Manage property budgets and allocation of resources to meet organizational and programmatic goals.
• Lead a culture of safety: Ensure the team adheres to safety protocols, licensing and permitting requirements, and ethical standards.
• Work with Operations Manager and other Conservancy staff to ensure that all property facilities (e.g., restrooms, shop, offices) are well-maintained, safe, and accessible.
• Positively represent the Conservancy with project partners and the public.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for issues that arise on Conservancy properties. Coordinating responses and making sure appropriate parties are informed and updated as needed.
• Work with leadership and other Conservancy staff to develop and implement management plans for Conservancy properties.

Benefits

• Employer paid health, dental, and vision plans
• Generous vacation, personal time, and sick leave.
• 403(b) plan with 6% employer contribution after 6 months
• Health and wellness stipend of $300 annually.
• Pro-deals for outdoor industry.
• Employer paid professional development