Western Maryland Land Manager

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Western Maryland Land Manager (WMLM) provides support to the Maryland/DC chapter by helping to plan and execute land management activities on TNC preserves and on partner lands, primarily in western Maryland, to advance TNC’s 2030 conservation goals. This will be a 2-year term limited position.  

This is a hybrid position with an expectation of multiple in-person days per week across Western Maryland. Frequent travel in the region is expected.

Reporting to the Forest Restoration Scientist, the main responsibilities of the WMLM are supporting ecological management on and off TNC preserves and leading preserve custodial management for 14 preserves in western Maryland. They support land management activities including preparing fire lines, prescribed fire operations, mop-up, pre- and post-burn monitoring, and other tasks as assigned. The WMLM collaborates with the Land Management and Stewardship Team to ensure the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, including trail maintenance, mowing, tree removal, invasive species control (including pesticide application), maintain equipment, posting boundary signs, and maintaining neighbor relationships. They shall work to build and maintain positive relationships with partners, local communities where the Conservancy works, and monitor preserves and conservation easements. This role also supports the advancement of TNC's Northeast Division Conservation Portfolio.  

Responsibilities & Scope

• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context. 

• May supervise contractors, seasonal crews, volunteers, or students doing burn unit preparation including fire lines, invasives control, and road/trail work to enable maintenance.  

• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements. 

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

We’re Looking for You:

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Western Maryland Land Manager! Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Maryland, but you’ll also contribute to conservation goals through many networks!

We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to work within our Division. Systems Leadership, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.
• Relationship-building experience in working closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, and internal scientists.
• Experience completing tasks independently concerning timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience in training.

Desired Qualifications

• Be able to pass wildland firefighter Pack Test (arduous level) 

• Experience operating equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, two-way radio)         

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. 

• 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.   

• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities. 

• Qualification as a FFT 2 (Firefighter Type 2), and experience participating in prescribed fires or wildfires. 

• Ability to identify eastern US native and invasive plants. 

• Knowledge of ecological land management principles. 

• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation. 

• Experience or training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with the ability to design and produce field maps supporting land management operations and monitoring. 

• Ability and willingness to obtain Remote Pilot Certification under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 rules. 

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 range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $57,035 - $63,410 annually. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. 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.