Posted on January 11, 2013

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Stewardship Program Manager

Friends of Black Rock/High Rock, Inc., (FBR) located in Reno and Gerlach, Nevada, is looking for a creative, forward-thinking individual motivated by a vision of protection, restoration and stewardship. This organization assists in managing 1.2 million acres of the Black Rock Desert, High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trail - National Conservation area and surrounding public lands areas in the Great Basin region of Northwestern Nevada.

The Stewardship Project Manager will build and manage program teams to work in priority areas as mandated by the Bureau of Land Management in partnership with FBR. S/he will be an individual with high ethical standards, excellent planning skills, and a track record of engaging diverse groups in delivering on-the-ground conservation results. S/he will need to have successfully negotiated complex conservation transactions, including securing grants, corporate, public and/or private funding.

I. Basic Function and Purpose of this Position:

The Stewardship Project Manager directs all aspects of protection, stewardship, respecting the science, and government relations for the Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails NCA and surrounding public lands, implementing plans and policies approved by the Executive Director. The Manager establishes overall programmatic priorities for conservation programs, develops and implements strategies and plans for successful outcomes.

The Stewardship Project Manager is responsible for the success of individuals, team growth and performance to reach quarterly and annual conservation goals.

The is a full-time seasonal position, is based in Reno and Gerlach, Nevada. This position requires in field work in the Black Rock Desert, High Rock Canyon and surrounding public lands which is 117 miles northeast of Reno. Approximately 15 days per month will be in the field and entails weekend field work. Days off are accrued at certain times of the summer season.

II. Essential Position Functions:

Job tasks and key responsibilities may include oversight and administration of any or all of the following:

• Works with Executive Director to set the strategic direction of conservation priorities that position the organization as a major conservation partner in the Great Basin region.
  
• Works with the Executive Director to develop and implement government relations and funding strategies in support of the FBR conservation programs.
  
• Completes narrative and budget reports to fulfill government agency grants
  
• Oversees the development and implementation of the National Conservation Land Strategy throughout the NCA, which is a BLM State initiative.
  
• Directs conservation activities including: volunteer recruitment and outreach for stewardship projects associated with protection strategies; negotiating with leadership complex conservation solutions with government agencies; boots on the ground at all conservation projects
  
• Recruits, develops trains, coaches and motivates strong conservation programs team(s).
  
• Strategically guides and supports scientific and archeological projects within the NCA and monitors scientific research programs to achieve organizational conservation objectives as needed.
  
• Supports the Development Committee in securing private funding for conservation initiatives; including grant preparation and review, corporate donor cultivation and solicitation.
  
• As a key member of the organizations senior management team will ensure coordination and integration of program plans, activities, budget and resource needs with organization-wide capacity and public functions such as Earth Day, Desert Rendezvous, Fourth of July, Burning Man, National Public Lands Day, National Trail Day, etc.
  
• Assist in increasing membership levels and volunteer outreach
  
• Write articles on upcoming/completed conservation work: 10 e-newsletters per year
  
• Assist Executive Director and Board Members in fundraising and outreach functions
  

III. Qualifications:

• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree.
  
• 2-5 years of project management and conservation project experience desired.
  
• Strong and proven track record of achieving results; well-organized and self-directed, positive team player.
  
• Strong interpersonal and organization skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize
  
• Skilled at building consensus with conservation partners, landowners and other stakeholders.
  
• Excellent writing, public speaking and oral communications skills.
  
• Demonstrates ability to design, implement and direct complex-diverse projects, encompassing multiple programs and coordinating work with other professionals outside the organization.
  
• Understanding of Nevada local, state and federal regulations, policies, and programs that affect the organizations conservation work including, NEPA, NCL and ACE, is desirable or must be a fact-track learner.
  
• Familiarity with or demonstrated ability to quickly learn about the regions landscape, flora, fauna, ecosystems, geography, culture, conservation partners, government institutions.
  
• Business experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and budgets and implementing strategic program goals.
  
• Experience in utilizing monitoring techniques to prioritize and assess the success of landscape-level and site-specific stewardship.
  
• Ability to foster an environment of creativity and professional growth; commitment to working collegially with staff, conservation groups, and governmental organizations in a professional and diplomatic manner.
  
• Flexibility, optimism, good humor and passion for conservation
  
• Demonstrated experience in MS Office, Word, Excel, GPS, essential.
  
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with sensitivity and tact, and be sensitive to dynamics of difference in race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin and other types of cultural difference.
  

V. Working Conditions:

• Extensive seasonal travel predominantly in Northwestern Nevada
  
• Weekend and evening responsibilities seasonally
  
• Outdoor creative cooking for volunteer groups, necessary
  
• Emergency Response Training preferred or will be required within first sixty days of hire
  
• Valid Drivers License and safe driving record
  
• Frequently required to work in inclement conditions, including walking on uneven ground, climbing over obstacles, and accessing remote locations
  
• Physical Ability to lift, carry, or otherwise move and position objects weighing upwards of 50 pounds.
  
• Ham radio license required and may be obtained after hire
  
• Must undergo background check, finger printing, as per Department of Interior, BLM, requires
  

Application Instructions

To Apply: Please email your cover letter, salary requirements and resume to: jobs@blackrockdesert.org or to the Executive Director at: karen@blackrockdesert.org by February 15, 2013. This is a full-time seasonal position with potential of growing to a full-time year round position. Salary is competitive and other benefits may apply. Position to begin Spring 2013.