Preserve Manager 

~ Since 1992, Katy Prairie Conservancy (KPC) has been working to protect the prairie for people and wildlife while there is still time. We are a nationally accredited 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Houston, Texas, and a trusted leader in local land conservation. ~

We are also the largest local land conservation organization, by acreage, in southeast Texas. Over 20,000 acres of the Katy Prairie are now protected. On the Katy Prairie in Harris, Waller and Fort Bend Counties, KPC owns nearly 13,500 acres and protects over 4,200 acres through conservation agreements with private landowners.

In addition, KPC is now working to protect coastal prairie in other Texas counties and recently placed a conservation agreement on a 5,332-acre ranch in Matagorda County. Position Description The Katy Prairie Conservancy’s preserves in Harris, Waller and Fort Bend Counties support a large population of migratory birds and other wildlife. The protected lands include its majority ownership interest in the Warren Ranch, a 6,004-acre working cattle ranch that is owned jointly with two other coowners who are members of the original family who founded the ranch.

Position Overview

The Preserve Manager will have responsibility of the day-to-day management of the preserves and the ranch; the Preserve Manager is expected to work as part of a team to achieve the goals established for the preserve and ranch and will keep all owners informed of progress.

Location: Warren Ranch, Hockley, Texas and Indiangrass Preserve, Waller, Texas

Responsibilities

KPC Owned Property Management and Maintenance:

• Develop and update short- and long-term property management plans and identify implementation strategies
• Define needs and budgets for property management and maintenance
• Coordinate contractors, suppliers, and all aspects of construction or improvement projects
• Control access to properties; monitor fences, trespass
• Maintain structures, tools, and equipment
• Remove exotic species, including the application of herbicides for invasive species control
• Conduct prescribed burns for natural resource management
• Guide conservation crews, corporate workdays, volunteer groups for regular, on-going preserve maintenance activities
• Serve as subject matter expert on local flora and fauna, ecology, wildlife biology, etc.
• Provide direct supervision to biology interns, and other seasonal or temporary volunteers as assigned

Prairie and Wetland Restoration:

• Learn and implement practices for restoration of native tallgrass prairie and wetlands
• Identify and oversee restoration projects, including design, construction, volunteer/contract management, and maintenance and enhancement of projects
• Complete applications and manage C-Grip, EQIP and other programs for funding
• Ensure accurate execution of restoration plans

KPC Owned Property Monitoring:

• Complete species monitoring
• Oversee stewardship volunteers
• Document property conditions and recommendations

Warren Ranch Operations and Pasture Health:

• Define and implement sustainable grazing plan on Warren Ranch
• Improve and maintain pasture health
• Review the current ranch practices and manage a healthy and profitable cattle operation
• Work with Cattle Manager to buy and sell cattle within budgets to optimize herd size and composition
• Work with Cattle Manager to manage haying and feed needs
• Work with Cattle Manager to manage veterinary care and other cattle needs as necessary for the successful operation of the ranch
• Supervise and train contractors or ranch hands to assist with ranch operations
• Work with Warren Ranch accountant to ensure proper budgeting, recordkeeping, and reporting

Other:

• Work with Advancement Director to identify grant opportunities for Warren Ranch and the KPC preserve properties, particularly helping with program development and cost projections
• Assist in developing grant proposals and reports; other administrative duties
• Manage water well usage and relationship with Harris County Subsidence District
•  Assist with research groups and others requiring access, under the supervision of the Conservation Director
• Participation in Federal Farm Programs
• Support hunting program on KPC lands and Warren Ranch under the supervision of the Conservation Director; define practices such as disking and plowing to improve habitat
• Assist Conservation Director regarding oil and gas and other mineral activities
• Maintain Warren Lake Viewing Platform
• Perform other duties as assigned, including assistance with fundraising, events, and conservation activities

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Master’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, or related field of study required.
• Familiarity with working cattle operations and management.
• The ideal candidate will understand the balance between having a profitable preserve and ranch operation and ensuring the health of the natural resources found on the preserve.
• The ideal candidate will be willing to attend classes and workshops to learn new practices, work with others in the agricultural, conservation and ranching community, and explore new ideas and programs that will make the preserves and ranch model enterprises.
• Applicant must be willing to work in physically demanding conditions, after hours and weekends, as necessary, in all weather conditions to perform essential job duties.
• These include preserve operation and maintenance issues, restoration projects, the health and welfare of the livestock along, and other production and management activities such as hay production and wildlife management activities.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to physically lift, carry, and handle equipment, supplies, and other materials
• Requires sitting, standing, climbing stairs, and walking for moderate periods of time
• Good hearing is necessary to receive detailed information through oral communication
• Visual acuity is needed for field work and to verify accuracy of written materials
• Must have ability to work successfully under stressful conditions, and adapting to varying workloads and work assignments

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the person in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this person and position.

Compensation

• Salary Commensurate with experience.
• Other benefits include Health Insurance for Employee and participation in the institutional retirement plan.
• A truck will be provided.
• Applicant must have a current driver’s license and excellent driving history.
• As an exempt, salaried employee, the Preserve Manager is not eligible for overtime. 

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter and resume or statement of qualifications to Elisa Donovan.
• Candidate will be required to pass background check and provide references upon request.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, KPC is committed to maintaining a nondiscriminatory work environment, and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. KPC is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, and innovation.