Director of Conservation Science

The Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) is a non-profit, 501(c)3, organization created in 1990 with the mission of the perpetual management and conservation of native species and their habitats. To accomplish our mission, we utilize the best available science. We implement strategic, science-based stewardship on our preserves to ensure the long term protection of biodiversity on a landscape level. Over fifty preserves are currently under management encompassing approximately 50,000 acres throughout California. These range in size from 3 acres to 20,000 acres. They are managed under conservation easements, fee title or management contracts and new preserves are added regularly.

Position Description:

The CNLM seeks an exceptional and highly motivated individual to lead its conservation science program. This person will play a vital role in defining the quality of science that is applied to lands under the management responsibility of CNLM. The Director of Conservation Science (DCS) will ensure that CNLM's conservation programs advance based on the best available science. The DCS will be responsible for increasing the CNLM's effectiveness and efficiency in conserving species, habitats, and ecosystems, and resolving other critical science issues including how to measure the effectiveness of our conservation stewardship strategies.

This position will be responsible for the development, dissemination and promotion of sound natural resources land management practices and their application applied to CNLM's preserves.

The DCS supports the Preserve Managers in all field activities including site- and ecoregional- based planning, preserve development and monitoring, measures of success implementation, monitoring-protocol development and implementation, coordination of fieldwork for ecological research and general science guidance, and methods and technical support needed to complete and implement preserve management plans and annual work plans. The DCS helps to identify priority conservation targets, threats to those targets, strategies to abate those threats, and indicators to monitor and measure the impact of those strategies.

A strong team ethic is required to effectively collaborate with colleagues and external partners in order to develop innovative, adaptable, and scientifically credible methods, analyses, and decision-making tools. The DCS also is responsible for engaging external conservation scientists and research institutions as partners in the work of the Center, and serves as a liaison with state and federal resource agencies.

The DCS will:

• Conduct site visits with Preserve Managers to ensure coordination and compliance with management plans and preserve goals. Provide measurable results and audits of our stewardship and conservation programs. Ensure consistency and thoroughness among reports submitted by Preserve Managers.
  
• Work with CNLM Preserve Managers (eleven at present) to determine the appropriate management and monitoring framework, sampling design, analytical tools, and statistical analyses for their respective preserves, and in the publication of research carried out on CNLM lands. Provide for the synthesis and integration of various monitoring and research projects being carried out by our Preserve Managers into regional summaries that promote CNLM's efforts to the scientific and resource management communities.
  
• Ensuring that the Preserve Managers are kept current regarding recent scientific developments, trends and theories in conservation biology, natural resources management and related fields.Use the CNLM's PAR (Property Analysis Record) program to determine the long-term tasks and costs for the review of new properties considered for management.
  
• Advise and support the Executive Director in the development and communication of CNLM s science program within the organization, to our partners and clients, to the natural resource management community, and to the resource agencies.
  
• Represent the CNLM at scientific meetings and symposia. Assisting in the facilitation of top-notch candidates to fill preserve manager positions. Preparing grant applications and soliciting additional funding for science program development.

Job Qualifications:

Applicants should demonstrate a high level of competency and experience in ecological monitoring within the framework of adaptive management of natural communities and sensitive species habitats. We are seeking a practitioner, not an academic. The applicants should have a successful track record in writing grants, managing research programs and supervising staff. Specific qualifications include:

Education/Skills:

A Ph.D., or M.S. and the equivalent in experience, in conservation biology, natural resources management or environmental science and a minimum of five (5) years of related practical experience in natural areas planning or management. Expert knowledge of ecosystem dynamics and landscape ecology. Familiarity with or demonstrated ability to quickly learn about the state's flora, fauna, ecosystems, geography, culture, academic communities, government institutions and regulations.

Job Experience:

Knowledge of current trends in conservation land management and natural resource protection, and experience in applying this knowledge to set and achieve conservation priorities. Familiarity with environmental legislation and programs such as the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act (Sec. 404), National Environmental Policy Act, California Environmental Quality Act, Habitat Conservation Planning Programs, mitigation banking programs, and other state and federal environmental programs.

Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals. Management experience, including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance of a multi-disciplinary team. Conflict resolution skills. Ability to foster an environment of creativity and professional growth. Demonstrated experience in Microsoft Office, WordPerfect, Word, Access, and Excel and in GIS technologies and applications. A publication history in applied ecology, natural resources management and/or conservation biology. Proficiency in sampling design, analytic tools, and statistical applications. Excellent communications skills, both written and oral.

Job Duties:

Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance of preserve managers for preserve management while controlling costs and administering budgets. Ensures that program complies with CNLM policies and procedures and external (donor/legal) requirements. Ensures reporting to resource agencies.

Advanced communication and presentation skills are critical. These include the ability to persuasively convey the mission of CNLM and solicit program support from diverse groups including CNLM staff, landowners, conservation partners, academic leaders, government officials, donors, board members and the general public. Work in a collaborative and/or advisory role with staff throughout the CNLM and as well as with other organizations. Present project proposals and negotiates with federal and state agencies to achieve program goals. Effectively direct and participate in complex negotiations. Communicate strategic project goals and objectives.

Working Conditions:

Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines. Ability to work an irregular schedule including weekends, travel extensively (generally within California) and sometimes on short notice.

Compensation:

Salary/Benefits: Dependent on experience; includes medical and dental benefits and 401(k). The position is full-time (40 hours per week).

Closing Date:   The position is open until filled.

To Apply:

Qualified applicants must provide a detailed letter of interest, current resume, three (3) examples of professional writing, salary requirements, and three (3) professional references.

Please mail or e-mail these materials to:

Sherry Teresa, Executive Director
Center for Natural Lands Management
425 E Alvarado St  Ste H
Fallbrook CA  92028-2960

We invite you to visit our website.

The Center is an equal opportunity employer.