ESCONDIDO, CAPosted 22 days ago

Job summary

• Job post source

  This job is directly from THE ESCONDIDO CREEK CONSERVANCY

• Job overview

  The Conservation Director role at THE ESCONDIDO CREEK CONSERVANCY is a full-time leadership position responsible for overseeing the management and restoration of the Conservancy's protected lands, ensuring high standards of conservation and contributing to outdoor education programs.

• Responsibilities and impact

  The Conservation Director will provide strategic planning, management, and technical compliance for conservation lands, supervise preserve managers, coordinate land stewardship activities, manage budgets and permits, write grants, and foster partnerships with conservation entities and the community.

• Compensation and benefits

  The position offers a salary range of $59,000 to $85,000 annually depending on experience, competitive benefits including 401k matching at 4%, generous vacation, 14 holidays plus the week between Christmas and New Year's Day off with pay.

• Experience and skills

  Candidates must have at least 5 years of relevant experience in conservation biology or related fields, a bachelor's degree (Master's preferred), strong management and technical writing skills, GIS proficiency, knowledge of Southern California conservation planning, and physical ability for fieldwork; Spanish skills are a plus.

• Career development

  The role offers opportunities to lead a conservation team, engage in complex project management, and participate in regional conservation initiatives, supporting professional growth in conservation leadership and technical expertise.

• Work environment and culture

  The Conservancy values inclusion and equity, actively works to connect with diverse communities, promotes volunteer involvement, and fosters an environment of continuous learning and community engagement in conservation efforts.

• Company information

  THE ESCONDIDO CREEK CONSERVANCY manages over 3,100 acres of protected land with plans to expand, focusing on land conservation and outdoor education in North County, San Diego.

• Team overview

  The Conservation Director leads a team including two full-time Preserve Managers and one part-time assistant, working closely with the Executive Director and volunteer board members.

• Job location and travel

  The position is hybrid, based in Escondido, California, with a balance of remote and in-person work at the Conservancy's office located at 27317 Mountain Meadow Rd.

• Application process

  Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, writing samples, and references via email to information@escondidocreek.org; the position is open until filled and does not accept phone calls.

• Unique job features

  This role uniquely combines hands-on land management with strategic leadership, grant writing, and community engagement in a conservation-focused nonprofit setting, offering a blend of fieldwork and administrative responsibilities.

Company overview

The Escondido Creek Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and protection of the Escondido Creek watershed in San Diego County, California. It focuses on land conservation, habitat restoration, and environmental education, aiming to safeguard natural ecosystems and promote sustainable practices. The organization generates funding through grants, donations, and partnerships with government agencies and private entities. Established in 1991, it has played a pivotal role in acquiring and managing thousands of acres of open space to protect biodiversity and water quality in the region.

How to land this job

• Position your resume to highlight leadership and management experience in conservation biology, emphasizing your ability to oversee land management and restoration projects in line with Land Trust Alliance standards and Habitat Management Plans.

• Emphasize skills in strategic planning, grant writing, GIS mapping, and technical compliance with state and federal conservation laws, as these are crucial for the Conservation Director role.

• Apply through multiple platforms including THE ESCONDIDO CREEK CONSERVANCY's official website, LinkedIn, and environmental job boards to maximize your application visibility.

• Connect with current employees or conservation team members at THE ESCONDIDO CREEK CONSERVANCY on LinkedIn; use ice breakers such as asking about recent conservation projects, inquiring about the team culture, or expressing enthusiasm for the Conservancy’s regional conservation efforts.

• Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description like 'land management,' 'Habitat Management Plans,' 'GIS,' 'grant writing,' 'conservation biology,' and 'strategic planning' to ensure your resume passes automated screenings.

• Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailoring your resume, find the best application channels, and identify LinkedIn connections, allowing you to focus more on preparing for interviews and networking.