Land Conservation Director

~ The Walker Basin Conservancy (WBC) was established in 2014 and became operational in 2015. A growing 501(c)(3) non-profit, WBC serves to implement and manage long-term land stewardship activities and other actions associated with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's (NFWF) Walker Basin Restoration Program (Program). ~

The Program was established by Congress in October 2009 for the purpose of restoring and maintaining Walker Lake, a natural desert lake located at the eastern terminus of the Walker River in Nevada, with this system's headwaters located in California's Sierra Nevada.

Ongoing loss of fresh water flows to Walker Lake has caused its elevation to drop nearly 150 feet and lose roughly 80% of its volume during the past century. As a result of declining water levels, salinity in the lake has increased dramatically to the point that the lake can no longer support its native fish and wildlife populations.

Through an agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, NFWF has been managing the Program since January 2010 prior to the establishment of WBC. As currently arranged, NFWF continues to remain involved with the Program, responsible for water acquisitions and change approvals, while WBC is responsible for the on-the-ground operations associated with the Program including: land management, overseeing re-vegetation activities, farm leases, and daily operations and oversight of physical assets located in the Walker Basin. WBC is funded by a grant from NFWF. 

Position Overview

The Walker Basin Conservancy is seeking a Land Conservation Director. 

Responsibilities

• Development and implementation of a program specific strategic plan.
• Work closely with staff, Board and associated committees to ensure information is being shared and effectively communicated.
• Directly supervise Land Manager and Field Manager for successful implementation of stewardship plans and field activities.
• Provide support to Managers to ensure “Best practices” are being identified and implemented.
• Ensure water use and land activities are implemented in the most effective and efficient manner.
• Work closely with land owners, lessees, Federal and State Agencies to effectively implement stewardship plans.
• Develop and maintain an annual budget for all field activities.
• Oversight of all field tools and equipment including fleet and tractors.
• Ensure Managers are following procurement and expense protocols.  
• Ensure Managers work closely with various staff and contractors for successful implementation of plans and project development.
• Coordinate regularly with other Directors and staff to ensure open lines of communication are being promoted.
• Ensure metrics established in WBCs strategic plan are being met, adapt as necessary.

Qualifications

• M.S. degree in natural resources, land management, land planning or similar field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in natural resource planning and policy development.
• Min. 7 years in a conservation management position with progressively increasing responsibility.
• Min. 7 years of experience in employee management.
• Highly independent, proactive and entrepreneurial with experience developing and implementing large conservation projects.
• Experience with agriculture (farming/ ranching operations) and irrigation water conveyance systems: drip, sprinkler, flood, pumps (small and large irrigation).
• Experience working with conservation/environmental land management organizations and agencies at a management level.
• Previous experience in conservation, agriculture knowledge.
• Demonstrated organization, tracking and management experience required.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to clearly and concisely give direction.
• Excellent computer skills and proficient in Excel, Word, Outlook, and Access. 
• Ability to successfully coordinate and direct large field program and identify priorities.
• Ability to direct and support long-term stewardship planning on a large scale (10,000+ acres).
• Ability to develop and manage staff effectively and efficiently, laying out schedules well in advance and adapting as necessary.
• Ability to identify shortfalls, anticipate potential problems and improve operations and efficiencies.
• Ability to help grow existing staff into increasing responsibilities.

Compensation: Entry-level salary begins at $68k, final compensation weighed heavily by experience and qualifications. Excellent employee benefits package.