Stewardship Director

~ Established in 1987, the The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) has conserved 2,300 acres of land in the Ojai Valley; 2,000 of which are open daily for public access on 27 miles of managed trails. ~

OVLC is a nonprofit, non-governmental, land protection organization supported by private donations. We work to protect the views, trails, water, and wildlife of the Ojai Valley for current and future generations to enjoy. The OVLC protects Ojai’s open spaces and preserves the valley’s natural beauty.

The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy works to protect open space within the Ojai Valley in perpetuity for the benefit of the community. Working with willing landowners on a voluntary basis, land is either protected by its acquisition or through a land preservation agreement. It is our goal to protect an additional 2,020 acres by 2020.

Position Overview

The Stewardship Director is a permanent full‐time, exempt, position supervised by the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s (OVLC) Executive Director, and based at the OVLC’s Ojai, CA office. The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s Stewardship Director is responsible for the management of OVLC‐owned properties and facilities, and assists in monitoring conservation easements.

Duties include overseeing infrastructure maintenance, planning and coordinating trail building and maintenance, developing work plans and budgets, and representing the OVLC with preserve neighbors, visitors, and public service agencies. The Stewardship Director recruits and supervises contractors, volunteers, interns, and OVLC field staff, and works closely with other OVLC staff.

The successful applicant will live in the Ojai Valley or be willing to relocate, and will demonstrate strong communication and supervisory skills, attention to detail, familiarity with land management and trail construction and maintenance, a passion for connecting people to their open spaces, and a belief that quality outdoor experiences lead people to become conservation advocates.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Development and implementation of preserve management plans, guidelines, and policies.
• Identification and prioritization of land management needs and development of projects to address them.
• Management of a trail system of 27 miles including planning, routing, construction, and maintenance.
• Recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteers and field staff.
• Communication of preserve information, regulations, and other OVLC information in a positive manner with neighbors, preserve visitors, other guests, and local media.
• Planning, installation, and maintenance of preserve infrastructure such as benches, fencing, and signage.
• Development and management of annual work plans and budgets for the land stewardship program.
• Management of permitting for commercial users of OVLC preserves.
• Identification of, and developing solutions to, preserve safety issues; including required fuel management. Management of volunteer projects, and assistance with OVLC events.
• Attends Board meetings and reports stewardship activities to the Board.

Other Functions:

• Works closely with the Conservation Director in the planning and implementation of habitat restoration projects.
• Assessment of potential management issues for new preserves.
• Works with OVLC’s development staff to identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities to support the OVLC’s stewardship and outreach programs.
• Develops and posts social media content to inform the community of stewardship activities and preserve conditions.
• Represents the OVLC in public and develops community partnerships.
• Keeps regular written records of activities.

Qualifications

Ideal Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources or related field preferred, or at least 4 years of land management experience.
• Experience with active land management and trail planning, construction, and maintenance. Strong supervision and personnel management skills.
• Outgoing and confident personality.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, board members, volunteers, and members of the public.
• Excellent organizational and supervisory skills.
• Knowledge of local flora and fauna. Experience with power tools such as chainsaws and weed‐whips, as well as common hand tools.
• Proficiency with computers and common software programs, including familiarity with common social media outlets.
• Resourcefulness, self‐initiative, drive, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Patience and sense of humor.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• The Stewardship Director may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• These conditions may require considerable physical exertion, including the lifting and carrying of items 30‐50 lbs. a minimum of 100 yards.
• The Stewardship Director must have the ability to work a flexible schedule that frequently includes weekends, and must carry a valid CA driver’s license with a good driving record.
• All OVLC employees are ambassadors for the organization and are expected to support and fulfill our mission.
• Each must comply with the OVLC’s employee handbook and conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner.
• We have a busy office that requires collaboration as well as an awareness of, and respect for, other employee’s time constraints.
• Dependability and regular in‐office attendance are mandatory.

Compensation: The OVLC offers a professional salary based on experience, and offers a generous benefits program that includes paid time off, health insurance, and matching simple IRA contributions.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your resume and cover letter to OVLC Executive Director Brian Stark. Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. This position is open until filled. Please, no phone calls.