Point Reyes Program Associate

The Point Reyes Program Associate for the TNC California Land Program plays a critical role in advancing all aspects of land stewardship restoration collaboration and community relations for TNCs partnership with the National Park Service to cooperatively manage and restore over 16000 acres on the Point Reyes National position serves as the on-the-ground stewardship lead for implementing a targeting grazing and land restoration program in coordination with NPS and partners. They are a key representative for TNCs work with a wide range of stakeholders like local organizations and community members the visiting public researchers and tribal representatives. Occasional domestic travel evening and weekend work will be required.

The Program Associate must be based out of either a home office in the SF Bay Area or the San Francisco office and be able to be on-site at Point Reyes regularly. This position is currently a three year term with possibility of extension based on funding and performance.

Essential Functions

The Point Reyes Program Associate advances the Conservancys conservation priorities by supporting field operations providing technical expertise and coordinating best practices. This role applies science-based approaches to address ecosystem needs builds community support and collaborates with government partners to protect natural habitats wildlife and cultural resources.

At Point Reyes National Seashore the Program Associate contributes to TNCs partnership with the National Park Service by supporting targeted grazing and habitat restoration projects. These efforts enhance landscape connectivity increase biodiversity and protect endangered species.

This role is key to implementing on-the-ground stewardship within a highly collaborative initiative to improve ecological integrity visitor experience and landscape resilience. Lessons from this work will inform broader coastal ecosystem management efforts.

Responsibilities and Scope

• Manages and maintains relationships and TNC-oversight of targeted grazing contractor(s).

• Coordinates the planning and permitting of projects

• Develops requests for proposals (RFPs) and manages the design and implementation of a wildlife-friendly targeted grazing program along with installation and management of associated fencing and water system improvements as well as planned restoration projects.

• Facilitates or manages (on a case-by-case basis) the implementation of research and monitoring projects.

• As needed implements stewardship activities individually with contractors or with partners (e.g. managing virtual fencing systems repairing fences and water systems mowing etc.).

• Leads or supports volunteer and/or citizen science stewardship activities.

• Contributes to TNC culture and helps advance its mission across the chapter and organization through participation in and cultivation of trainings sharing of ideas and expertise relationship-building etc.

• Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for the department or program while controlling costs and administering budgets.

• Builds collaborations with outside parties to accomplish program goals.

• May work in variable weather conditions at remote locations on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

• Frequently makes independent decisions based on analysis experience and context.

• 5 years of experience in land management stewardship conservation practices with a BA/BSdegree (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Cross-cultural experience.
• Technical understanding of rangeland management and grazing planning principles and application with direct experience working with farmers or ranchers.

• Experience managing complex or multiple projects

• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners community groups and/orgovernment agencies

Desired Qualifications

• Familiar with the demographics and culture of West Marin County.

• Multi-lingual.

• Experience with restoration project management including oversight of contractors permitting and meeting grant deliverables timelines reporting etc.

• Experience working on projects with significant regulatory oversight such as coastal zone regional water quality control board etc.

• Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant science conservation and/or grazing discipline(s) and experience with environmental monitoring projects.

• Experience managing small teams and/or volunteer groups.

• Public speaking experience and/or comfort communicating across a wide range of audiences via written spoken and/or graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

• Proficiency with geographic information systems (GIS) software and mapping tools

• Creative problem solver who is flexible and adaptive to changing conditions.

• Positive attitude.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Politically savvy.

This position requires a valid drivers license and compliance with TNCs 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 the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement which may include a review of the prospective employees motor vehicle record.

The starting pay for this position is within the range of $79100 $92925. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and whose region of employment is the California San Francisco Bay Area. Where a successful candidates actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors including for example the candidates 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 Conservancys 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 worlds toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. Were rooted in our mission and guided by our values which include respect for all people communities and cultures. Whether its career development flexible schedules or a rewarding mission theres many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One 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 addition to the requirements in our job postings we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicants unique experience. Please apply wed love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC youll join for the mission and stay for the people.

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!

TNC offers a competitive comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits flexible spending accounts a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match parental leave accrued paid time off life insurance disability coverage employee assistance program other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

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

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures races colors religions sexes national or regional origins ages disability status sexual orientation gender identity military protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancys background screening process.

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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 with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.