Purpose of the Position: A full-time position to oversee the management and restoration of The Escondido Creek Conservancy’s (Conservancy) conservation lands, ensuring that lands are cared for to a high and uniform standard, per Land Trust Alliance and Habitat Management Plan requirements. The Conservancy currently manages 3,100 acres of protected land and has an additional 300+ acres targeted for protection, to close escrow in 2025. The Conservancy also implements outdoor education programs for North County youth.
Job Duties: The Conservation Director (Director) will provide direction, vision, strategic planning, management, technical compliance and leadership to the Conservancy’s conservation land department. The Director also contributes to the hands-on care of lands.
Desired Skills: The Director must be a strong manager and have successfully managed people and teams. The Director must be an excellent writer (including technical writing) and have implemented complex conservation projects such as multi-year grants from state, federal and/or private sources. The Director should have strong executive function and GIS skills and be versed in the principles of southern California conservation planning, including, but not limited to, the County of San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Plan(s), and the regional Management Strategic Plan. The Director should be practiced in creating Habitat Management Plans and PARs for conservation properties and be familiar with preserve level budgeting. Spanish speaking skills are helpful in this position.
Position responsibilities include the following:
Programmatic Planning and Management
- Refine and implement the Conservancy’s land management protocols
- Help the Conservancy define/implement a strategic vision for conservation lands and programs
- Oversee management activities, including annual reporting, of Conservancy-owned/managed properties
- Schedule and supervise necessary contract work; seek out and maintain relationships with contractors
- Develop and refine programs to train, provide and manage volunteer land stewards on Conservancy-owned lands
- Organize and implement regular land stewardship volunteer events on Conservancy-owned/managed lands
- Interpret and apply state and federal laws that govern habitat management in San Diego to activities on Conservancy lands
- Apply for, update, and maintain necessary agency permits
- Oversee activities associated with the initiation of new Conservancy preserves (communication with previous owner and neighbors, estimating costs to manage/PAR, securing entrances, designing and installing signage)