Director of Science-Based Stewardship at Center for Natural Lands Management

POSITION OVERVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Science-Based Stewardship provides senior leadership for CNLM’s science-based stewardship program, which forms the core of the organization’s mission. This is a new title reflecting CNLM’s organizational growth and commitment to further integrating science and scientific approaches to the stewardship of its expanding portfolio of preserves. CNLM’s conservation staff of more than 30 stewardship professionals manages preserves, conducts applied research, develops protocols, monitors species, and writes management plans, complemented by the Conservation Program staff and a three-person Species Research and Recovery Program.

This dedicated team of stewardship professionals now seeks its next leader and supporter. The Director’s charge is to set strategy, provide organizational leadership for a complex system, and determine how science-based stewardship is best integrated and implemented across the organization. This leader ensures that scientific principles are rigorously integrated into stewardship plans and practices, that monitoring programs are conducted within an experimental framework, and that CNLM maintains and advances its reputation as a leader in conservation. The Director will oversee and support conservation operations by providing decision support for resolving issues arising at the wildlands–urban interface, such as encroachments and fuel management. Included in this Director’s purview are stewardship operations in California and the Pacific Northwest and supportive program areas, including the conservation program, Species Research and Recovery Program, and the (Washington-based) native plant nursery.

The Director of Science-Based Stewardship also plays a pivotal internal role: helping to shape and build CNLM’s organizational culture, supporting greater visibility for science within the organization, and contributing to a culture of professional growth, team excellence, and conservation impact. The Director reports to the Executive Director and oversees the structure, staffing, training, and performance of a skilled team conducting front- line conservation management and restoration activities. The Director will champion their work, fill capacity gaps, and strengthen the systems that enable them to succeed.

Responsibilities

Conservation Science and Stewardship Leadership

• Provide leadership for CNLM’s stewardship and conservation science program areas.

• Ensure the integration of scientific principles and paradigms into stewardship plans, management practices, and adaptive management frameworks.

• Develop, maintain, and ensure compliance with stewardship protocols across CNLM’s preserve portfolio in California, Washington, and Oregon.

• Oversee and provide quality assurance and quality control for stewardship documents, including management plans, annual work plans, annual reports, grant proposals, and scientific manuscripts.

• Initiate or oversee applied research on CNLM preserves, whether conducted by staff or external entities, ensuring scientific integrity, alignment with CNLM’s mission, and protection of conservation values. Provide quality assurance and control for preserve monitoring programs and the data they produce.

• Conduct due diligence on emerging technologies and support their appropriate incorporation into CNLM stewardship practices.

• Ensure that CNLM’s portfolio of preserves continues to serve its intended purpose through legal, financial, and science-based methods.

Staff and Program Management

• Hire, supervise, and support staff within CNLM’s conservation science and stewardship program areas.

• Manage and grow the team to ensure staff capacity aligns with CNLM’s preserve portfolio and organizational goals.

• Ensure the acquisition and maintenance of all permits or licenses required to conduct activities within the conservation science and stewardship programs.

• Provide guidance on addressing issues or threats across CNLM’s portfolio of preserves.

• Provide day-to-day management support to preserve managers, filling gaps in capacity and pitching in where needed.

• Integrate the Species Research and Recovery Program with preserve management and monitoring so the full stewardship team operates collaboratively.

• Support preserve managers on issues of public interface—including working with fire chiefs and fire departments— providing talking points and capacity to ensure a consistent, professional, and appropriate organizational voice.

Organizational and Strategic Contribution

• Oversee and guide the implementation of CNLM’s science- based stewardship strategy, budget, and operations.

• Engage the Executive Director in strategic discussions and decisions regarding preserve standards, practices, and conditions, as well as any conservation issues requiring attention.

• Provide input on the conservation value of potential acquisitions and new projects.

• Work with the Executive Director (initially) to maintain standards for cost calculation for perpetual stewardship, including oversight of the Property Analysis Record app and process.

• Together with other senior staff, evaluate new preserves and project commitments to ensure they reflect appropriate conservation value and scientific foundation.

• Develop initiatives and funding sources supporting applied research key to CNLM’s mission and preserve stewardship.

• Identify and develop relationships with governmental and other entities that would enhance CNLM’s conservation mission.

• Participate in scientific and stewardship forums through committee and editorial board service, conference participation, and authorship of publications.

• Protect and enhance CNLM’s reputation as a leader in science-based stewardship.

• Contribute to a visible, robust culture of science within CNLM and help build the relationship between scientific practice and conservation on the ground.

• Perform other duties as required.

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Expirationdate

2026-10-13 00:00:00

Url

https://impactopportunity.org/job/9073/director-of-science-based-stewardship-at-center-for-natural-lands-management/

Remote

hybrid

Salaryfrom

125000

Salaryto

135000

Companydescription

Potrero Group supports innovative leaders and organizations making a difference in the world with strategic planning, facilitation, organizational development, and board and executive search services. We are committed to equitable and inclusive practices in all of our work.

Companywebsite

https://potrerogroup.com

Companylocation

Santa Rosa, CA, USA