Infrastructure Manager, Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve

Santa Barbara County, California, USA

Within commuting distance to the Jack & Laura Dangermond Preserve in Santa Barbara County, California, United States.

#LI-AM1

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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there are lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube on Glassdoor.

Our 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. We’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

The Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve is a 24,364-acre property that sits at Point Conception—the point that generally marks the transition between the cold waters of Central and Northern California and the warmer regions of Southern California. The land has remained free from significant development for nearly 100 years. Under the management of TNC since 2017, this exceptional landscape serves as a living laboratory for the conservation science needed to inform management and restoration of this remarkable landscape and similar landscapes and seascapes around the world.

The Infrastructure Manager of the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve reports to the Preserve Director and provides leadership and oversight of the Preserve’s built environment, including management of all construction and rehabilitation of buildings and other structures and the daily operations of and maintenance on infrastructure. The Infrastructure Manager will be required to work both independently and in collaboration with a team of staff, contractors and partners.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Infrastructure Manager is a key member of the Preserve’s management team and will oversee and maintain the Preserve's physical resources, including facilities, grounds, utilities, equipment, and roads. They will have the experience and skills needed to build, improve and maintain all aspects of Preserve infrastructure, including experience managing the bidding, contracting and construction work for seven-figure infrastructure projects. The Infrastructure Manager is responsible for ensuring that the Preserve’s vehicle fleet is sufficient to meet the overall Preserve team’s goals and that vehicles are maintained in a proactive, safe and economical manner. And they will also oversee the supply, inventory, transportation, and use of fuels, equipment, tools, and supplies.

The Infrastructure Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all infrastructure work at the Preserve is conducted in accordance with all local, county, state and federal permitting guidelines, including compliance with all relevant building codes, land use ordinances, coastal zone restrictions, and state and federal environmental quality standards.

In collaboration with the Preserve team, the Manager educates staff and Preserve users on the proper use and care of facilities, vehicles, and equipment, implementing and documenting processes to ensure their appropriate, safe use. The Manager will be responsible for advising on visitors' use of resources and activities, exercising discretion, judgment, and tact. Where needed, they may guide TNC's guests on technically challenging terrain in vehicles or on foot. And the Manager is responsible for maintaining the overall integrity of the Preserve’s security infrastructure including monitoring, maintenance and repair of all access points and fencing.

Due to the remote location, rugged geography, and communication technology challenges, they must exercise careful judgment, communicate proactively and operate with flexibility and responsiveness. The Manager makes safety decisions in the absence of supervision, applying established policies and protocols in response to emergencies on a 24-hour basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Oversees and maintains Preserve's physical infrastructure, including technology.
• Under the direction of the Preserve Director and with input from other team members, develops and implements multi-year plans to improve and upgrade the Preserve's infrastructure to meet programmatic needs and sustainability.
• Under the direction of the Preserve Director and with input from other team members, develops policies to ensure the proper and safe functioning and use of Preserve facilities, equipment, and resources, maximizing sustainability and minimizing negative environmental impact.
• Oversees all custodial maintenance and construction so that it is exercised in accordance with TNC Standard Operating Procedures and Values & Principles; ensures utmost care in design and execution of projects to support Preserve conservation and stewardship goals.
• Manages an array of construction and major maintenance and repair contracts, bids, and approvals.
• Leads and oversees efforts related to the permitting (local, county, state and federal) and planning of facilities improvement and construction projects, and works with the Preserve Director to ensure compliance with regional land use and zoning ordinances and requirements.
• Supervises contractors and volunteers working on infrastructure-related projects. Supervises facilities operations staff, with responsibility for performance management, training, and career development.
• Directs staff and/or professional contractors to address, troubleshoot or coordinate new construction, permitting, physical resource maintenance, and repairs.
• Collaborates with leaders of other related workstreams, stewardship, visitation, environmental education, restoration, and development, and develops and implements project plans while managing budgets and timelines.
• Financial management responsibilities may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
• Makes decisions based on analysis, experience, and context; is able to synthesize information and adjust accordingly.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on rugged and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions will involve considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain, possibility of injury, long hours in isolated settings, as well as exposure to petroleum products, paint, and fuels.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree and 5 years' experience in facilities, land and/or crew management, for instance in the research, resource management, agricultural, outdoor education, or adventure hospitality industries.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of construction permitting processes and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of residential or business construction projects.
• Experience leading, supporting, and motivating staff, volunteers, or other groups.
• Experience managing budgets.
• Proven ability to complete tasks independently and work to timeline(s).
• Proven ability to work collegially with a diverse team, and appreciation for maintaining diverse teams to achieve better solutions.
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
• Ability to perform physical work, often under adverse conditions or in inclement weather, including lifting 45lbs, bending, kneeling and walking up to 5 miles on moderately steep terrain.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Willingness to obtain related licenses or certifications such as CPR, First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, ATV operation, herbicide application, for example.
• Commitment to applying the principles of conservation and ecology in day-to-day decision-making.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience with coast zone permitting in California.
• Current or previous building license.
• Current CPR, First Add, or other safety certificates or trainings.
• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan to include 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 in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work environment that is supportive of the health, well-being, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

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.

To apply for job ID 51933, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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.

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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

Where legally permissible, TNC requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated and willing to keep up to date with vaccines that protect against COVID-19. By accepting an offer of employment, you agree to comply with this requirement, unless you are entitled to a legally mandated exemption.