Southern Black Hills Conservation Manager

Office Location:

Hot Springs, South Dakota, United States 

Join us at Whitney Preserve, a sprawling landscape that is a convergence of sage lands, pine forest and grasslands, which makes this area important for conservation.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy was founded in 1951 and has since 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’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.”

We’re Looking For You:

The Conservation Manager provides day-to-day project management, leadership, and implementation of conservation projects within and around the southern Black Hills conservation area and develops projects in coordination with internal and external partners.

Examples of responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Performs ecological management tasks such as biological monitoring, invasive species control, grazing and fire management.
• Supervises technical, administrative, and professional staff with responsibility for work planning, performance management, training, and development.
• Develops and manages a budget, negotiating, and contracting with vendors, and supporting fundraising and donor stewardship efforts.
• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Develops, implements, and delivers local programs/projects that align with TNC’s mission and goals.
• Negotiates/writes agreements and leases and handles compliance issues in cooperation with other staff.
• Travel to other sites to provide stewardship of other properties, assist other programs, and for trainings or meetings as needed.

The Conservation Manager addresses critical threats to natural systems and individual species, fosters cross-site learning among the conservation community and local landowners, and supplies conservation planning teams with site or landscape-level information relevant to the planning process. 

The Conservation Manager develops and/or implements conservation projects around climate adaptation, Indigenous Right Relations, fuels reduction, grazing management, and other relevant conservation programs while employing a full range of tools and tactics to secure public and private support for TNC’s priorities. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

We’re Looking for You: 

Want to help save the planet? Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy, over 188,000 acres in South Dakota have been preserved for people and nature.  From the grasslands to the wetlands, to forests and prairies, the Tri-State Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make our regions unique. 

As the Southern Black Hills Conservation  Manager, you will ensure support and collaborate closely with colleagues across the MN, ND, SD Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. You will oversee and lead a team of staff dedicated to the management of the Whitney Preserve, near Hot Springs, SD, and other TNC land interests. You thrive in an environment based on fostering and building relationships.

If this sounds like you, this is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!

What You’ll Bring:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• AA/AS, degree and 7 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment and facilities.
• Experience in ecological land management principles.
• Experience leading a team.
• Experience communicating with the public in writing and verbally.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.

In addition, the following DESIRED Qualifications and/or experiences would be an asset for this role but are not required to apply. For applicants without these, please view these as areas or skillsets where you will have opportunities for growth and professional development. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and to guide activities.
• Experience negotiating agreements.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to deadlines.
• Experience with Fire/Fuels Reduction.
• Knowledge of ecological land management/restoration principles, including range management, wildlife management, invasive species ecology, livestock husbandry, and fire management.
• Ability to operate and maintain various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (tractor, skid steer, chainsaw, small engines, pumps, trucks, ATVs, lawn mower, etc.)
• Ability to maintain facilities including, corrals, fence, office, housing, and workshop.
• Ability to pass annual fitness test (carrying a 45-pound pack over 3 miles of level terrain in 45 minutes or less.)
• Knowledge of flora and fauna of the Northern Great Plains and Black Hills.
• Experience with GPS and GIS and data management.
• Ability to obtain required licenses or certifications, such as first aid, CPR, and herbicide application.
• Ability to think creatively about how to leverage resources.
• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Must be qualified as or able to meet qualifications of a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) and work toward qualifications as needed to implement fire strategies as developed. See https://www.tncfiremanual.org/FIrefighter.htm

What We Bring:

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package which includes health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with employer match (up to 8%), parental leave, pet insurance, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, surrogacy, adoption assistance and assisted conception benefits, employee discounts, and many other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

TNC also fosters an environment supportive of empowering our employees, amplifying an equitable workforce, and creating opportunities to participate in our nine Employee Resource Groups. 

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

 Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world! 

Additional Information:

In order to effectively conduct the essential functions of the position, it is strongly suggested the Conservation Manager live within a reasonable distance from the Whitney Preserve, near Hot Springs, SD, as agreed upon with the supervisor so that the Land Steward is able to respond to urgent and routine issues and events on the preserve including but not limited to livestock management, security, equipment failures, and visitors. Housing for the Manager d and immediate family may also be available on the preserve. 

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 $56,000-$64,000 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.