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Preserve Manager Hot Springs, SD

The Nature Conservancy

Job Location:

Hot Springs, SD - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 54000 - 58000

Posted: 11 July 2026 (30+ days ago)

Application Deadline: 8 October 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

What We Can Achieve Together:

As a Preserve Manager you will provide day-to-day project management leadership and implementation of conservation projects within and around the southern Black Hills conservation area and develop projects in coordination with internal and external partners. You will 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.

Additionally you will be responsible for developing and/or implementing conservation strategies around climate adaptation fuels reduction grazing management and also employ a full range of tools to secure public and private support for TNCs priorities. You will also contribute to building relationships with local Indigenous communities and Tribal Nations and partner together for projects and events.

Additional duties include but may not be limited to:

Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis experience and context.
Supervise interns and contractors and may also supervise technical administrative and professional TNC staff with responsibility for performance management training and development.
Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
Develops implements and delivers local programs/projects that align with TNCs mission and goals.
Negotiates/writes agreements and leases and handles compliance issues in cooperation with other staff.
Develops and manages budget negotiating and contracting with vendors and supporting fundraising and donor stewardship efforts.
Performs ecological management tasks such as biological monitoring invasive species control grazing and fire management.
Travels to other sites to provide stewardship of other properties assist other programs and for trainings or meetings as needed.
May work in variable weather conditions at remote locations on difficult and uneven terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

In order to effectively conduct the essential functions of the position the Preserve Manager is expected to live within a reasonable distance from the Whitney Preserve near Hot Springs SD as agreed upon with the supervisor so that the Preserve Manager is able to respond to urgent and routine issues and events on the preserve including but not limited to security equipment failures and visitors.

Housing for the Manager and immediate family is available for lease on the Whitney Preserve.

This is full-time exempt position with the expectation that you may be required to work more than 40 hours/week to meet the goals of the position. Some evening and weekend hours may be required to work when conditions are conducive for activities.

Were Looking for You:

Want to help save the planet Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy over 188000 acres in South Dakota have been preserved for people and nature. From the grasslands to the wetlands to forests and prairies the MNDK (MN ND SD) Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make our regions unique.

Were looking for a collaborative partner who thrives in environment based on fostering and building relationships within TNC across the MN ND SD Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and external partners. That includes being comfortable networking with varied groups such as: private landowners ranchers conservation partners government officials donors board members and the public to inspire support for the Conservancys priorities.

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

What Youll Bring:

Bachelors degree and 3 years experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience managing or leading staff volunteers interns or other teams.
Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Experience using common software applications such as Word Excel web browsers etc.
Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment and facilities (ie. tractor skid steer chainsaw small engines pumps trucks ATVs lawn mower etc.)
Experience maintaining infrastructure such as corrals fence and buildings.
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 Qualifications:
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.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $54000 - $58000. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. 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.
Who We Are:
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.
What We Bring:

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.

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 with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.