Natural Resource Manager, Kaua'i
The Nature Conservancy
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Kauaʻi Natural Resource Manager (NRM) provides technical leadership and managerial support to the Kauaʻi Terrestrial Program by planning, directing and implementing conservation management programs and preserve stewardship. They address critical threats to natural systems and individual species, foster cross-team learning among the Hawaiʻi conservation community, and supply the Program Director with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning process. They develop and implement conservation strategies and help to secure public, private, and community support for TNC conservation priorities.
We’re Looking for You:
The Kauaʻi NRM provides technical and scientific guidance for conservation priorities including field operations, data collection and analysis, and reporting. Activities include alien animal and plant control, resource monitoring, evaluation of project sites, partner coordination, and research. The NRM assists, leads or guides the development of long-range, annual, and specific management and conservation plans and budgets, and manages contracts to accomplish conservation objectives. The NRM oversees safety protocols and training for field staff and volunteers. The NRM is responsible for maintaining records of management activities and scientific information, including resource and threat monitoring and research conducted by other partners. The NRM assists with fundraising and community outreach. The NRM supervises Field and GIS Coordinators, Field Technicians, volunteers, and interns. They report to the Program Director. The NRM also works with other resource managers, partners, and landowners to build and sustain a collaborative approach toward management activities across the island and the state. Some overnight camping field work and weekend work are required.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
Manage multi-disciplinary professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.
Supervises and trains field staff in planning and executing fieldwork and other essential tasks.
Develops and implements large-scale watershed protection projects aimed at controlling invasive plants and animals.
Designs and conducts field, helicopter and drone surveys to monitor forest health and assess the efficacy of management actions.
Manage weed and feral animal control operations in remote, rugged areas.
Perform fieldwork including ecosystem assessment and field monitoring. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances involving camping and helicopter transport.
Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements
Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
Responsible for tracking and ensuring compliance with TNC field safety protocols and organizational training requirements.
Develop deliverables for watershed protection grants and contracts.
Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects and assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
Under minimal supervision, acts independently on assigned tasks and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgement.
Interprets guidelines, evaluates information and modifies processes to adapt to changing circumstances.
Collects and manages GPS and GIS data related to conservation goals, objectives, and activities.
Conducts research on current science, provides spatial data analysis, and reports on program actions.
Will obtain relevant licenses or certification such as Wilderness First Aid/CPR, helicopter safety and sling load training, Hawaiʻi State hunting license, and commercial drone pilot license to be able to perform the functions of the Field Team members.
What You’ll Bring:
Master's degree in science related field and 1 year of work experience (or equivalent experience of BA/BS and 3 years work experience).
Supervisory experience including motivating, leading, training others, setting objectives, managing performance, and communicating goals.
Experience in conducting and leading alien species control or other natural resource management operations in remote and rugged terrain using hazardous materials and equipment.
Experience collecting, manipulating, analyzing and interpreting scientific data and preparing reports/publication of findings.
Experience collecting and managing GPS and GIS data related to conservation goals, objectives and activities.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience working with Hawai'i’s natural systems and cultural resources and management practices including experience with various communities and partners in Hawai'i and knowledge of how to navigate and work with sensitivity to cultural norms for successful results.
Experience coordinating multiple field projects in remote, rugged conditions involving invasive plant & animal control, fence construction, and helicopter operation, including experience with herbicidal weed control techniques and regulations.
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Strong knowledge of information technology, remote imagery analysis and programming applications including R, and Python languages.
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Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online applications.
5 or more years professional experience working in collaborative partnerships preferably with private landowners to successful completion of shared outcomes, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
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Ability to explain forest management and conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and climate change adaptation.
Experience with map reading and orienteering. Able to navigate extremely rugged terrain using maps, compass, and GPS.
Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $99,300 – $102,750. 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. 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.
Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.
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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

