Preserve Manager-Riverside and Orange Counties, California

The Preserve Manager – Riverside/Orange Counties will be responsible for several CNLM Preserves in Riverside and Orange Counties. The Preserves represent a variety of habitats including grasslands, vernal pools, riparian wetlands, and coastal sage scrub. All CNLM preserves have sensitive or federally or State-listed species. Within this portfolio, those species include California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica), Stephen’s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi), and vernal pool species. Three ‘anchor’ preserves for which this position is initially responsible are the March Stephen’s Kangaroo Rat, East Coyote Hills, and Mockingbird Canyon Preserves. See the CNLM website for preserve descriptions. Preserves may be added or removed from the position’s portfolio over time and responsibilities may change or be shared with other Preserve Managers.

The Preserve Manager – Riverside/Orange Counties will provide resource management in accordance with the conservation values and regulatory requirements of each Preserve. Preserves are managed as individual entities with site-specific plans, reports, and budgets. The Preserve Manager – Riverside/Orange Counties oversees and directly implements or facilitates all management activities on the Preserves within the position’s portfolio from budgeting through planning to implementation. This position requires maintenance of a home office. There is a considerable degree of autonomy and responsibility associated with this position because of the organizational structure of the Center which focuses on preserve management rather than high levels of administration and supervision. Supervision and guidance are provided by the Director of Conservation Science. The Preserve Manager – Riverside/Orange Counties will contribute to CNLM’s expertise and documentation of ‘best management practices’ for managing vernal pool, grassland, riparian, and coastal sage scrub habitats, in particular.

• Develop and implement stewardship, habitat enhancement, or restoration activities for the portfolio Preserves.
• Supervise an Assistant Preserve Manager and required contracted assistance, as portfolio budgets allow.
• Monitor occurrences and populations of native and exotic species of plants and animals and conduct inspections of Preserves for compliance with conservation easements and other management obligations.
• Monitor occurrences and populations of native and exotic species of plants and animals and conduct inspections of Preserves for compliance with conservation easements and other management obligations.
• Carry out Preserve management activities such as vegetation management, repairing fences and posting signs, and preparing scopes of work and contracts for specific services.
• As appropriate, analyze and interpret the results of monitoring activities and incorporate this information into management plans.
• Develop and maintain a permanent record of preserve activities, decisions taken, and preserve conditions.
• Participate in planning and community meetings as a representative of CNLM and lead public outreach and education efforts regarding the portfolio Preserves.
• Prepare and implement annual work plans, budgets, and reports including funding proposals for onsite restoration, research, or public education projects.
• Conduct PAR© (Property Analysis Record) analyses on new preserves working collaboratively with CNLM project proponents, resource agencies, consultants, and other conservation organizations.
• Work collaboratively with CNLM project proponents, resource agencies, consultants, and other conservation organizations.
• Other duties as assigned

• Master of Science degree in Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Ecology, Botany, or related field, or compelling evidence of equivalent experience and self education.
• At least three years of experience in land stewardship, including application of best management practices, restoration, and management of rare or fragile species.
• Excellent social and supervisory skills with demonstrated effectiveness in working collaboratively, leading volunteer and public education efforts, and professionally representing CNLM at public and client meetings.
• Proven self-starter, able to work efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision and able to appropriately use initiative to meet habitat management goals; having the maturity and discretion to seek advice and policy guidance when needed and appropriate.
• Able to quickly learn and effectively use the PAR© (Property Analysis Record) software, including the due diligence required for proper application of this financial tool.
• Able to prepare annual budgets and manage Preserve activities within them.
• Able to structure time effectively and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication skills—both written and oral; able to prepare succinct and cogent reports and plans.
• Working knowledge of GIS and GPS technologies and associated software and a working knowledge of PC applications such as Windows 2000, Excel, and Adobe Illustrator. Familiarity with statistical analyses and associated software is desirable.
• Must have and maintain a valid California driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Familiarity with native California species, through research or management is desirable, as is:
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local environmental legislation and codes such as the California Environmental Quality Act, the California and Federal Endangered Species Acts, the National Environmental Policy Act, as well as the Habitat Conservation Plan process.
• Possession of US Fish and Wildlife Service permit to monitor vernal pool species or California gnatcatcher or ability to quickly acquire the skills and experience that would lead to acquiring such permit is desirable.

• Regularly required to hike through a variety of habitat types and terrain, walking over uneven ground, climbing over obstacles, bending, lifting, and accessing remote locations in order to conduct management activities
• Regularly sits at a desk or computer workstation
• Regularly required to operate a CNLM vehicle (4WD)
• Frequently works alone
• Some evening and weekend responsibilities including travel
• Occasionally required to use or supervise the use of pesticides and or other chemical substances
• Occasionally required to use or supervise the use of powered equipment such as weed trimmers, chain saws, and the like
• Occasionally lifts, positions, or otherwise moves objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
The working conditions described here are representative in part of those that will be encountered by an employee in this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to successfully function in these working conditions.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. CNLM management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.
CNLM is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.
This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the CNLM and the employee and is subject to change by CNLM as the needs of the CNLM and requirements of the job change.
Position open until filled
TO APPLY: Qualified applicants must provide a letter of interest and resumé.

Electronic submissions preferred.

Email or mail these materials to: careers-pm@cnlm.org
Attn: HR Department
Center for Natural Lands Management
215 West Ash Street
Fallbrook, CA 92028


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