What We Can Achieve Together:

The Upper-Coastal Grassland Preserves Manager will assist with implementation of conservation programs, ecological restoration, and preserve management plans in the Texas Chapter’s Grasslands program. The Grasslands program includes the following preserves: Texas City Prairie Preserve, preserves in the Columbia Bottomlands region, Clive Runnells Mad Island Marsh Preserve, the North Texas complex of preserves that include Clymer Meadow and Smiley Preserves, and any other preserves that might be acquired within a grassland system. The Upper-Coastal Grassland Preserves Manager plans and directs preserve management programs and stewardship under the direction of the Grasslands Project Director. They address critical threats to natural systems and individual species, foster cross-site learning among conservation community, and supply conservation planning teams with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning process. The Upper-Coastal Grassland Preserves Manager develops and implements conservation strategies and employs a full range of protection tools to acquire varying degrees of legal interest in land and implements a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities. The Upper-Coastal Grassland Preserves Manager coordinates community support, ensures the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and coordinates multiple projects, sets deadlines and manages completion.

May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. The Nature Conservancy has adopted the Work Capacity Test (WCT) as the method for assessing fitness for fire qualification. The WCT for an arduous fitness level consists of completing a three-mile hike within 45 minutes while carrying a forty-five-pound pack. The person selected for this position is required to pass the arduous WCT and will be expected to assist on Rx burning throughout the state. Travels approximately 25% of the time, with periodic overnight and multiple night trips, and work flexible hours that may include weekends.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Responsible for land management activities that enhance the conservation value and ecological restoration of preserves in the Grassland program, including but not limited to:

• Herbicide application, mowing/weed-eating, brush control, etc.

• Seed harvest, processing, storage, and planting.​

• Oversee stewardship activities across multiple preserves, including:

• Inspect, maintain, and repair buildings, fences, gates, water systems, and other infrastructure.

• Service and maintain vehicles, UTVs/ATVs, and heavy equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.

• Operate heavy machinery for land management activities, including road maintenance and habitat restoration.

• Ensure proper maintenance of areas accessible to the public.

• Secure public and private support for conservation priorities.

• Foster cross-site learning among conservation partners.

• Coordinate community support and outreach for conservation initiatives.

We’re Looking for You:

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Upper-Coastal Grasslands Preserves Manager! Not only will you fulfil conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Texas, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks. Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.

• Experience managing staff or volunteers.

• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.

• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.

• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. NWCG FFT2 or higher, First Aid, CPR, herbicide application, ATV safety, and driver’s license).

Desired Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.

• Familiarity with principles of land acquisition.

• Knowledge of ecological land management principles.

Who We Are:

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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s 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 valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll 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.

We’re 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 Conservancy's 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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.