Point Reyes Program Associate

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Point Reyes Program Associate for the TNC California Land Program plays a critical role in advancing all aspects of land stewardship, restoration, collaboration and community relations for TNC’s partnership with the National Park Service to cooperatively manage and restore over 16,000 acres on the Point Reyes National Seashore. This position serves as the on-the-ground stewardship lead for implementing a targeting grazing and land restoration program in coordination with NPS and partners. They are a key representative for TNC’s work with a wide range of stakeholders, like local organizations and community members, the visiting public, researchers, and tribal representatives. Occasional domestic travel, evening and weekend work will be required.

The Program Associate must be based out of either a home office in the SF Bay Area or the San Francisco office, and be able to be on-site at Point Reyes regularly. This position is currently a three year term, with possibility of extension based on funding and performance.

Essential Functions 

The Point Reyes Program Associate advances the Conservancy’s conservation priorities by supporting field operations, providing technical expertise, and coordinating best practices. This role applies science-based approaches to address ecosystem needs, builds community support, and collaborates with government partners to protect natural habitats, wildlife, and cultural resources.

At Point Reyes National Seashore, the Program Associate contributes to TNC’s partnership with the National Park Service by supporting targeted grazing and habitat restoration projects. These efforts enhance landscape connectivity, increase biodiversity, and protect endangered species.

This role is key to implementing on-the-ground stewardship within a highly collaborative initiative to improve ecological integrity, visitor experience, and landscape resilience. Lessons from this work will inform broader coastal ecosystem management efforts.

Responsibilities and Scope

• Manages and maintains relationships and TNC-oversight of targeted grazing contractor(s). 

• Coordinates the planning and permitting of projects 

• Develops requests for proposals (RFPs) and manages the design and implementation of a wildlife-friendly targeted grazing program, along with installation and management of associated fencing and water system improvements, as well as planned restoration projects. 

• Facilitates or manages (on a case-by-case basis) the implementation of research and monitoring projects. 

• As needed, implements stewardship activities individually, with contractors, or with partners (e.g. managing virtual fencing systems, repairing fences and water systems, mowing, etc.). 

• Leads or supports volunteer and/or citizen science stewardship activities.

• Contributes to TNC culture and helps advance its mission across the chapter and organization, through participation in and cultivation of trainings, sharing of ideas and expertise, relationship-building, etc. 

• Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for the department or program while controlling costs and administering budgets. 

• Builds collaborations with outside parties to accomplish program goals.

• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

• Frequently makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.

What You’ll Bring:

• 5 years of experience in land management, stewardship, conservation practices with a BA/BS degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Cross-cultural experience. 
• Technical understanding of rangeland management and grazing planning principles and application, with direct experience working with farmers or ranchers.  

• Experience managing complex or multiple projects 

• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies

Desired Qualifications

• Familiar with the demographics and culture of West Marin County.

• Multi-lingual. 

• Experience with restoration project management, including oversight of contractors, permitting, and meeting grant deliverables, timelines, reporting, etc.

• Experience working on projects with significant regulatory oversight such as coastal zone, regional water quality control board, etc.

• Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant science, conservation and/or grazing discipline(s) and experience with environmental monitoring projects.

• Experience managing small teams and/or volunteer groups.

• Public speaking experience and/or comfort communicating across a wide range of audiences via written, spoken, and/or graphical means in English and other relevant languages. 

• Proficiency with geographic information systems (GIS) software and mapping tools

• Creative problem solver who is flexible and adaptive to changing conditions.

• Positive attitude. 

• Strong organizational skills.

• Politically savvy.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay for this position is within the range of $79,100 – $92,925. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and whose region of employment is the California San Francisco Bay Area. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.