Native Prairies Association of Texas seeks NPAT Lands Manager

Classification: Regular, full-time, salaried
Schedule: Weekdays; some weekends required within a flexible work schedule; travel required
within Texas
Location: Primary office in Manchaca, TX
Supervisor: Executive Director
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

The Native Prairies Association of Texas (NPAT) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, membership organization and an accredited land trust. Our mission is dedicated to the conservation, restoration, and appreciation of native prairies, savannas, and other grasslands in Texas.
texasprairie.org

Job Summary:
The focus of this position is the implementation and oversight of conservation programs, ecological restoration, and management of native prairies and grasslands, on NPAT owned lands. The primary project would be the restoration of the Dowell Ranch in Manchaca. Secondary properties would include Elder Ranch near Brenham, Lawther-Deer Park Prairie in the Houston area, Maddin Prairie near Colorado City, and Riesel Prairie near Marlin. It would include staff support to the North Texas Outreach and Stewardship Director on properties in North Texas, which include Paul Mathews Prairie, Talbot Brothers Preserve and Mary Talbot Prairie.

Stewardship duties will include species monitoring, exotic species control, prescribed burn preparation, grazing and/or hunting lease management, planning and leading workdays (contract and volunteer). This position will also maintain preserve boundaries and fences, preserve buildings and infrastructure, tools and equipment, and include operation of heavy machinery. They will also include assisting with annual conservation easement property monitoring, periodic review and revision of property management plans and oversee property maintenance budgets.

May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These may include adverse weather conditions; considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain; long hours in isolated settings; exposure to hazards such as biting/stinging insects, venomous snakes, and other wildlife.

She/he will also assist with community outreach and education, work with partner and private landowners, and other conservation projects as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:
-BA/BS degree in science-related field and 5 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management, grassland restoration or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
-Experience with natural systems and ecological land management principles.
-Experience working with and knowledge of grassland ecology.
-Ability to communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
-Must be self-motivated and able to initiate and and conduct duties with limited direct supervision.
-Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
-Must have or be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. NWCG FFT2 or higher, First Aid, CPR, herbicide application, ATV safety, and driver’s license).
-Experience working with multigenerational audiences and diverse cultural communities.
-Willingness to work during some weekends, evenings, and early mornings as required. Travel within Texas is required.

Desired Qualifications:
-MS degree in range or ecosystem management, ecology, or similar field
-Advanced plant and animal identification skill
-Demonstrated experience overseeing projects through to success, including meeting financial goals and project deadlines, managing third-party contracts, conducting required reporting and tracking, and coordinating the work with staff and partners.
-Experience with grant writing and preparing scopes of work for land and water restoration
-Working knowledge of ArcGIS, GPS and other GIS technologies

Send cover letter and resumes to Kirsti Harms. Position will be open until filled.